Over the course of the next few weeks I will be documenting the details of the swap. But just for those who are wondering, the RX-8 steering wheel fits quite well into the FD.

Here are the details: Using a 2004 RX-8 steering wheel. I will be installing a PAC-SWI-PS to control the Pioneer Radio's audio, therefore making use of the Rx8's steering wheel controls (pretty straight forward). I will also try to make use of the RX-8's cruise buttons to adapt to the FD's system (not so straight forward). Mounting the Rx-8 wheel is the same as the Nardi/Protege/Miata, you just have to drill notches for the clock spring. Don't know how the airbag will wire in, as I haven't yet received it.

More to come stay tuned...

 

pretty cool, good to know!

 

So how will you test if the airbag works or not, once you have it wired up...? What happens if you get in an accident and the airbag wasn't wired up correctly?

 

Is the steering wheel smaller in diameter than the stocker?

 

It should be similar to size to the miata and newer spec nardi ones everyone uses.

 

I haven't measured it yet, but visually it appears to be only slightly smaller in overall diameter than stock, I will post a side by side pic, and take some measurements to clarify this.

 

Hey B found a way for you to test it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXtza...ature=youtu.be

 

I'm pretty sure its the same as the newer spec wheels. I remember reading about some others that did the same thing.

 

that is F-ing hillarious!!!! Testing will commence immediately!!!

 

just bought an rx8 wheel for my fd. will be following your build thread.

 

Here is a side by side pic (FD on the left), as you can see the Rx-8 is maybe an inch smaller in overall diameter:

 

^ thanks for the picture. Awaiting finished product pics

 

Do want

 

Nice!

 

more pics

 

Hmm Rx8 wheel is smaller diameter. So it will restict some the gauge pod view a little. When I was a Mazda parts manager a few years ago, I had access to one of these as a warranty return. Mazda never asked for it back so I was gonna keep it. Then my Fixed OPS manager decided to just through it away. I was pissed! The only thing I really wanted it for was to try and wire in the steering wheel radio controls.

 

After looking over the RX-8 wiring diagram, I discovered that the easiest way to make the steering wheel radio controls work is through the use of a PAC-SWI-PS Pioneer (I think it works with Sony, and Jensen stereos too) steering wheel interface wired directly to the wheel and an aftermarket radio. I will find out if this works in about a week or so, as I wont have time the rest of this week to work on it.

 

subscribing. great updated look.

 

Great keep us posted. My Bimmer has me spoiled with the steering wheel radio controls. It's fare less distracting. LOL!

 

I know what you mean, my daily beater is a 98 e38, and my goal is to incorporate some of the same comfort and convenience of my bimmer into the FD, without compromising too much of its soul.

 

The Metra AXXESS ASWC would work too. They vitually program themselves and wiring is simple and straightforward. Either way, I'll be watching.

 

Oh, I'll be following this. What pioneer unit do you have?

 

avic-f90bt

 

Quick update:

Finally got an Rx8 airbag. Bad news, the airbag connectors are completely different (4 wires vs. three). At this point, I am content with just having it for aesthetic purposes until I can figure it out, meanwhile I will just bypass the airbag light and buzzer. More updates to come.

 

did you figure out the cruise and radio controls?