Lawson's 818C Build
This website is the build documentation for my Factory Five Racing 818 Coupe. Hoping this site can help some new builders, people interested in the car, or just some car folks looking for something to read.
My Background
I'm a Georgia Tech Mechanical Engineering Student
I'm a member of the Georgia Tech Wreck Racing team. We build cars to compete in the Grassroots Motorsports Magazine $2000 Challenge.
One being a Subaru powered mid-engine Honda Insight that won the challenge. It actually had a very similar drivetrain layout to an 818.
Co-oping with General Motors
Bought the Subaru and did the donor teardown in Michigan but the build is happening in Georgia
The kit was picked up May 14th, 2018 . Became street legal July 2020.
The donor was a 2004 Subaru WRX with an STI shortblock I picked up for $2300 (It looks better in the pictures than it really was)
Goals
Comparable Production Car: Lotus Exige S
This is a similar performance and comfort benchmark for my build if you're looking for an idea of what an 818 is like. It's a very fast car, but nothing insane and its comfort levels/features are on the high side of what's achievable with a kit like the 818C. Plus, then I only have to live up to British reliability standards...
Creature comforts (AC, power windows, stereo)
Livable weekend car with occasional autox/track days
~ 280HP at the wheels
Fully finished exterior and interior
Painted or well-vinyled bodywork
Upholstered interior
Road Legal