My 2 pennies for the group.
The Houston crew has been working on a checklist for new builds and an ongoing checklist for upkeep. I think Russell has the list and we keep adding to it as we find things. Maybe he'll be able to post it soon and get it stickied somewhere.
For the new guys, take this to heart. This car is like nothing you've ever driven. There is nothing like it on the street. Everything you've ever learned about driving is not going to 100% transfer to this car. Go faster, slowly. As you build up the power, with engine and computer upgrades, it gets really crazy. Like ridiculously fast. Each car is different and you really need to slowly test the cars limits, hopefully on a track or autocross.
DF produces an amazing frame, home build guide, forum, build experience, and ultimately a great driving experience. Inherent in taking parts from one car to another car and using them in a different configuration, are some design challenges by using parts that are being pushed in different ways. Suspension geometries going from front to back, throttle maps and computer programs that are made for a 3,000lb FWD car used in a 1,500-1,700lb RWD car, and different build configurations and requirements all add to the challenges each builder faces. Those challenges and decisions make each car different and the driving experience different. What works for one, will not work for another. Learn YOUR car.
My car has got a light front end, relatively heavy weight (~1,700lbs), relatively high (~310-320) hp, and its the short wheelbase. These factors make it push a little at low speeds but go to snap oversteer if I push the rear tires too far. This is even with my sticky 335 width tires. The rear normally comes around faster than I can react if I hit the throttle ramp that's built into the programming and overload the rear tires (working on fixing this). It comes out of nowhere. I'm learning it but it's been over 2k miles and 3 autocrosses.
The limits of the car are WAY over what anyone should be doing on the streets. My max g loads have been 1.8g lateral, 1.6g braking, 1.4g acceleration at an Autocross where the top speed is around 60mph. The car is still capable of more, a lot more. It's sooooo much fun but it's a little crazy.
I feel that this car is very safe, but you need to learn your car before pushing it. And check every nut and bolt multiple times. Especially after finishing your build and driving a little. Always wear your seatbelt and get a 5-point if you can.