RMRanger

iTrader: (1)

This weekend I picked up my FD and have been driving it back to Denver from North Carolina. The car is amazing and I'm quickly getting more and more attached to it The trip has prompted me to ask a few questions, though.

First up. I've noticed that the tach sometimes jumps around. What I mean by this is that occasionally the tach will randomly read as anywhere from 500 to 1500 RPM higher than what the motor is actually turning. The Power FC reads correctly, but this is still extremely annoying, because I'd much rather look straight ahead at an analog gauge than have to look over at a digital display. What could cause this? Are the gauge clusters on FDs mechanical or electrical?

Second. Something is wrong with the ABS. The light comes on goes off sporadically, and the ABS is overactive. It seems like I can feel the ABS engaging when I brake at low speeds, even if the road is completely dry. It doesn't seem to engage from high speed stops however. Also, the light doesn't come on when the ABS engages. I don't even want ABS; how hard would it be to remove it?

Third. I want to get rid of the frickin bus tiller steering wheel. I've never pulled a steering wheel with an airbag though...what do I need to do to ensure that the airbag won't deploy while I'm removing the steering wheel? Anything else I should take note of?

(And related to number three...who makes a good harness bar? If I remove the airbag, I plan to install a seat and harness.)

Fourth. Much to my dismay, the clutch is slipping under boost. Maybe the previous owner didn't notice this (I don't know how, it was plain as day to me the first time I got on it), but he failed to mention anything about it. What's a good clutch? The car makes around 275WHP. I want something stiffer than stock, but something that won't be too stiff for in town driving. I believe it has an ACT clutch in it right now, but I obviously can't judge if I like it or not since it's old. The car will see mostly street driving, but will also get some road course use from time to time, and I might take it to a drift event or two.

Thanks in advance for the help

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

*IIRC several people have reported tachometer issues related to solder joints failing with time. It's fixable but you have to pull the gauge cluster. Search for more threads
**I've never dealt with the ABS, but I know several people have removed it. IMHO, I'd look into fixing it first but it's your car. Download the Factory Service Manual (FSM) from the stickys at the top of this section and look into it.
***Disconnect the battery before doing anything related to the steering wheel. Even then, when removing the airbag pack, never hold it facing yourself or anyone else in the unlikely event it would deploy. Treat it like a loaded gun.
****There was a group buy a while back for a very nice, but very expensive harness bar. But it's ended. Watch the For Sale section or post a WTB.
*****ACT Street Strip is a very popular package and a quality piece. A bit stiffer pedal than the stock pressure plate but nothing extreme. Of course anything will wear out, especially if abused. Maybe why the previous owner never mentioned it?
Again a search on any of these topics will yield alot of threads with more info. Good luck with the car.