16 replies to this topic

[mightyquin]

Hey guys, just got myself a 91 OPM  Spec Miata.  I'm wanting to replace the key ignition with a starter panel from Quick Car as well as remove all the other junk from the steering column.  Has anyone ventured down this path and how much of a wiring nightmare am I in for?

[Bench Racer]

Question only, which rule allows this change?

[mightyquin]

I'm converting it to NASA PTE.

[Bench Racer]

Understand

[davew]

Other than it looks cool like a real race car, WHY. The oem key works just fine.

 

dave

[Tom Sager]

Other than it looks cool like a real race car, WHY. The oem key works just fine.

 

dave

Dummies like me lose keys constantly, even the spares.  

[Steve Scheifler]

Best Answer

Are you running a different ECU, or one with the security defeated? If not then you need to keep the key, sensor ring and immobilizer tucked up in there somewhere.

[Bench Racer]

"Dummies like me lose keys constantly, even the spares." Hmmm, would this be called handicapped?

[Bench Racer]

"Dummies like me lose keys constantly, even the spares." Hmmm, would this be called handicapped?

[Bench Racer]

Opp's,

[38bfast]

Tape the spare key on the inside of the trunk

[Todd Green]

Other than it looks cool like a real race car, WHY. The oem key works just fine.

Well my car only came with one key and it got stuck in the ignition.  Could start/stop the motor, but the key wouldn't come out.  After 6 years of racing it, I must have hit the rumble strips just right at our last event, and I was able to take it out.  Didn't risk it and pushed my car from the paddock to the garage and made two copies.   The key was starting to crack so I was pretty fortunate.  If you google, "miata key stuck in ignition", seems like I'm not the only one.

 

So that would be another reason someone might opt to go down that route.

[Tom Sager]

"Dummies like me lose keys constantly, even the spares." Hmmm, would this be called handicapped?

Absolutely and yes I have a double secret spare in a special place.

[steveracer]

I keep a spare in my gear bag, and another in the trailer.

 

But, since changing the trunk release to a cable pull in the rear valance, I can't recall the last time I took the key out of the ignition.

[ner88]

Why are you removing the key??? Security??

If you install a toggle you will not have any security.

[mightyquin]

I've opted to follow the rule, "if it's not broken, don't fix it."  So this mod isn't going to happen, at least not yet.  To satisfy all the curious questions regarding the history of why, here it is.  Has nothing to do with loosing the one and only key.  The wiring under the dash is just a plain mess.  I think a spaghetti is better organized.  Also, the radiator fans are wire to two house light switches and it looks really ghetto (no offense to those who live in the ghettos).  I also needed to install a new battery cut off switch.  So having the dash all tore apart I thought I would.  The comment about what rule allowed this modification made me think about going to PTE with this car.  So, just encase I decide to run SM I'm leaving the dash the way it is.

[Jamz14]

I've opted to follow the rule, "if it's not broken, don't fix it."  So this mod isn't going to happen, at least not yet.  To satisfy all the curious questions regarding the history of why, here it is.  Has nothing to do with loosing the one and only kthe dash is just a plain mess.  I think a spaghetti is better organized.  Also, the radiator fa. ns are wire to two house light switches and it looks really ghetto (no offense to those who live in the ghettos).  I also needed to install a new battery cut off switch.  So having the dash all tore apart I thought I would.  The comment about what rule allowed this modification made me think about going to PTE with this car.  So, just encase I decide to run SM I'm leaving the dash the way it is.

I am completely with you on this. I wish I could do much more with the wiring. Simplicity in wiring is much more than making it look like a real race car and there are reasons real race cars look the way they do. IMO one of the best things we could do for our class is to put in the effort to address changes to the wiring rules to take advantage of the benefits it would bring to all competitors.