Vyndictive

iTrader: (28)

Have anyone installed a "hidden" kill switch in their 8? I just got the 8 because my old car was stolen... I am determined to make sure that this happens again.

The club is easily defeated, people ignore car alarms, locks can get picked pretty easy. I know if someone is going to steal your car, they're going to find a way to do. It sucks, but I have to leave my car out in some not so friendly places.

What I'd like to do is install a dual stage kill switch in different locations. A ignition system kill switch somewhere under the dash or maybe on the top of the glove box.

Then have the fuel pump kill switch in the back seat area somewhere. Accessible from the drivers seat, but hidden in a non typical place.

Also, do 8s get stolen very much? How effective is the transponder key system? What do you all do for car security, other than baby the hell out of the car and not take it anywhere and leave it where it could be stolen? My 8 is my daily driver, so I don't have this option.

Besides; I'm not going to let the lowest levels of American Society determine what I am going to drive or not drive!

Thanks!

elysium19

iTrader: (1)

Hey- this is a sweet idea, I particularly like the fuel kill switch idea. The easiest way (although it wouldn't be particularly easy) would probably be to install a secondary relay through the fuel pump fuse in the engine compartment. Let us know if you make any progress with that.

Also, I have no hard numbers here, but my understanding is that the most commonly stolen cars are the most common cars, honda civics and so forth. This is because it's really very hard to sell or otherwise profit from a car these days. with modern VIN-tracking and other crime-fighting technology, it's relatively easy to track a stolen car if someone tried to sell it. Cars that are stolen are typically stripped down and sold for parts, and this is easiest for thieves to do with very common cars. I know it sounds a little backwards, but because the rx-8 is a fairly uncommon car, I don't think it's a *prime* target for theft. God knows that I would steal the 8 over the civic, though!

I'm not saying your car won't get stolen, that'd be stupid, I'm just saying there's reason to believe it is less of a target than other models, so take strong precautions but don't let it stress you out too much.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

i was under the impression that the built in immobilizer system works very well.

and what you say is true elysium, except people also steal cars for joy rides.

Vyndictive

iTrader: (28)

Yeah, its funny how you instantly thought of "Honda Civic." Thats the car that was stolen and striped out (Exactly like you said!) I had a 99 Si and sure enough they disabled all of the common security features. (Locks, The Club, and then hot wired it)

I know I've moved up in the world with an 8 now though! I will miss the trunk space of the civic... and the gas mileage... but not the way ever hatchback or neon on the road wanted to race me.... at every light...

A friend of mine is pretty good with the electronics side of cars, so I am trying to talk him into doing this with/for me. If I am able to come up with something, I'll post photos and do my best to do have a good write up for a DIY.

But it SUCKS getting your car stolen - honda civic or otherwise!

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

http://www.statefarm.com/learning/be..._cartheft1.asp

you really dont have to worry about it with the rx8. the built in alarm is quite sufficient. it does the same thing you are talking about, it will cut ignition to the engine if something happens to it. you are just talking about a switch, and if you can reach the switch, so can they.

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

The fuel pump switch would also be useful to prevent floods. Just stop the engine by shutting down the fuel pump, instead of using the key.
The easiest solution to do that would be to install a switch that interrupts the power right at the fuel pump. The wires could be lead all the way to the front the same way as the cables under the door sill go. Then add a switch somewhere hidden under the dash if you want to use it as a theft prevention feature, or just next to the DSC switch if you don't care about theft. Should be simple... once I find some time, I'll probably do it.

Danc

iTrader: (1)

Wow, another 8 owner in Canton. I suddenly feel less lonely.

The best advice I have is go through your standard safety measures.
Don't leave items in the open (especially expensive ones!)
And don't be like me and leave a key in your car assuming of course that you have the advanced key.
Park in well lit areas
And above all else, avoid the SW and S sides of Canton.

- Danc

Rote8

For anti-theft I use a trunk Monkey

Texak

I gotta get me one of those... then leave my doors wide open with the key in the ignition.
Texak