818 differences?

[Rscocca]

contemplating ordering a 818 kit.
What are the differences between the standard one and the R version.
Can you put a street legal version of the R variant?

Any input greatly appreciated.

[Xusia]

Major differences are:
1. Additional chassis/frame structure for additional crash protection; means only door skins can be used, and they cannot be made to open.
2. Kit comes with "shorty" windscreen. I believe the taller windscreen can be fitted.
3. Kit comes with different shocks; I forget the specifics, but the bottom line is that they would probably be very harsh on the street.

Here's my personal opinion: If you plan to make it street legal, build an "S" and build accordingly. If it will be track only, but not used for competition, you could use either. If it will be for competition/racing, you should definitely build an "R."

[ruckus racing]

Could you build an S, with spoiler, race splitter, and R shocks?

[FFRSpec72]

I have a challenge car that is street legal, I will also make my R version street legal, both cars do/will compete in wheel-to-wheel racing. I personally feel much safer in a challenge car on the street and track than a street roadster, I feel the same for the 818.

[Xusia]

Could you build an S, with spoiler, race splitter, and R shocks?

Absolutely.

I have a challenge car that is street legal, I will also make my R version street legal, both cars do/will compete in wheel-to-wheel racing. I personally feel much safer in a challenge car on the street and track than a street roadster, I feel the same for the 818.

If you are doing wheel-to-wheel with it, I think that's the best choice. The lack of functional doors (on the 818), however, would render it a fair weather car only. Depending on the intended street use (I'm assuming no one would want to do a track day in the rain), this could pose an issue.

[Santiago]

(I'm assuming no one would want to do a track day in the rain)

What? They don't race in the rain where you come from? =)

Track days run rain or shine. The only time we'll close a track due to inclement weather is if there is lightning in the area and it is deemed unsafe (for the corner workers) or if there's snow on the track - and some northern states will still run it...on purpose (as a planned snow-event).

Once, I was at Road America and they black flagged the field due to a deluge, but that was an insane amount of rain that just dropped down on us - it was like driving through a flood. Otherwise, driving in the rain requires you to build on and refine your smoothness.

Best,
-j

[Wayne Presley]

Rain, Who races in the rain?

[68GT500MAN]

Several years ago the 25 hour was halted for fog (so thick you could not see across the track) but never for rain.
Doug

[ruckus racing]

Nurburgring touristfahrt (public driving) doesnt close for rain

[Xusia]

What? They don't race in the rain where you come from? =)

Track days run rain or shine...

I'm sure THEY do! I certainly would not if I didn't have a top...

[wleehendrick]

Not much rain at SoCal tracks, since for the most part, they're in the desert!

track.jpg

600px-Willow_Springs_Raceway_from_the_Air.JPG

[Xusia]

I live in a rain forest. To me, ALL of CA is a desert! LOL

[SixStar]

It rained at the NASA event this past weekend and it was drilled into our heads, "We do not RACE in the rain. We DRIVE in the rain."

Everything that has been said is true. The front firewall portion (foot well) of the R is very different than the S. No functional doors. You will need to wear a helmet to drive it on the street. In race height it will be a chore on public roads, especially if you bolt a grand of fiber/carbon to the bottom of the car.

Our 818R #85 will be street legal in Colorado, check your local laws though. Specifically on windscreens and wipers.