Ep 8. Mid-Engine Madness: Building a Factory Five 818C

In this episode of PowerNation: Engine Power, the hosts Mike and Pat take on a unique challenge: building a mid-engine sports car. To tackle this project, they turn to Factory Five Racing, a company that specializes in DIY car kits. Specifically, they are building the Factory Five 818C, which combines a lightweight chassis with a powerful Subaru engine.

The first step in the build process is to assemble the chassis. This involves welding together a tubular steel frame and attaching various suspension components. The goal is to create a strong, lightweight structure that can handle the power and handling demands of a sports car. Mike and Pat take their time to ensure everything is aligned and welded correctly, as any mistakes at this stage could cause major issues down the road.

Next up is the drivetrain. The 818C is designed to use a Subaru WRX engine, which is a compact, high-revving powerplant. Mike and Pat remove the engine from a donor car and strip it down to its bare components. They then install performance parts like a turbocharger, intercooler, and upgraded fuel system to boost power output beyond the factory specs. The end result is an engine that can produce over 400 horsepower, which is plenty to propel the lightweight 818C.

Once the engine is ready, it's time to mate it to the chassis. This involves fabricating custom brackets and mounts to properly position the engine in the mid-rear position. Mike and Pat take great care to ensure everything is secure and properly aligned, as even a small misalignment could cause major handling issues on the road.

Now that the engine is in place, it's time to focus on the body and interior. The Factory Five 818C comes with a fiberglass body shell that needs to be prepped and painted. Mike and Pat choose a vibrant blue color that will really make the car stand out. They also install various interior components like seats, pedals, and a steering wheel to make it a functional vehicle.

Towards the end of the episode, Mike and Pat take the 818C out for a test drive. They are impressed with the performance and handling, noting how responsive the steering is and how quickly the car accelerates. They also point out some areas where they can further improve the car, such as upgrading the brakes and shocks.

Overall, this episode of PowerNation: Engine Power is a great showcase of what can be accomplished with a DIY car kit and some skilled builders. It's impressive to see how much work goes into building a mid-engine sports car, but the end result is a truly unique and exciting vehicle.