Steering Lock: cut one wire. /switch optional

bdl99

Before doing that or drawing any conclusions it would be better to get a bigger sample size if you can, you currently have an n=1 based on what you said. The beauty of the plug and play harness is it can easy be restored to factory state either by re-connecting the brown wire (as you did) or completely remove the harness. There are so many other variables here that could be in play (fuel, temp, driving conditions, the throttle pedal is close to where you are installing etc) and when measuring something subjective this is also even harder. Temporarily installing a switch would allow you to compare with and without brown wire connected much more easily and also remove some of those other variables. It will still be a subjective measurement but at least the n will be higher. With a switch you could even do a blind trial with a passenger controlling the state of the switch and scientifically put any psychosomatic theories to bed

Ubetit

This would be very easy to do and i'd be interested in the results.

bdl99

That was really said in jest but would be interesting. I've had my fair share of these experiences. When I was working on a front camera kit for the GT-R I was convinced there was something different after installing in my car. Either the throttle or the bite on the clutch appeared different. I was sure that I must have done something or disturbed something. Even though logic told me there was no logical connection I was all ready to rip everything out and go to the dealer. It was the wife that said "why don't you leave it and come and have a cup of tea" (very English). So I did and then went for a drive and when I got back everything was fine and nothing since. Still to this day I don't know if I imagined it or if it was just one of those DCT glitches but I automatically associated it with the the last thing that I had done.

ChrisSlicks

Yep, double-blind is the only way to scientifically test if you want to take the human factor out of the equation. More than likely it was just the heat of the day robbing the car of power, it happens pretty often in high compression engines (engine pulls timing to prevent problems). It would be quick and easy to wire up a temporary switch with long leads to the passenger seat if you really want to test it.

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KaienZ34

I think that guy should give this a try and see.

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kgb

How would wiring a switch in make any difference, I am not following? It's convenient but connecting and disconnecting the brown wires achieves the same end.

ChrisSlicks

Simply for the purpose of a scientific test should you want to carry one out. The switch can just be wired as a temporary setup and held by the passenger. That way the switch state can be changed under various conditions without the knowledge of the driver to rule out any perceived effect.

__________________
Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms

kgb

I see your point. However, from my point of view a scientific test is that it can be subjective as well as objective. My method just happened to be subjective in this case.
I don't tend to dismiss a "perceived effect" if it makes a continued impression. I very often notice things that other people just don't perceive. For example, the satellite radio reduces the throttle response when it's on; when FM or AM or CD is on, I notice no appreciable difference.

KaienZ34

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kgb

To those who responded, thanks. I'll comment at a later time if/when I get this issue cleared up.


KaienZ34,

Ubetit

Some guys swear by power increases with an oil change.

Some guys swear Seafoam works.

At least with a switch it would either put his mind to ease or identify a real problem if he completely nails the outcome.

kgb

Thanks for the suggestion, bdl99. However, the thought that my unconscious projections were coloring my experience was put to rest shortly after I reconnected the brown wires and drove off. The perceived loss of throttle response was gone and so was the more pronounced lazy shifting that had developed--I have an automatic. I know what I've described sounds weird, but it is my confirmed experience. But I do intend to try some things before abandoning this steering lock solution.

bdl99

Thanks, that is why I suggested a few more tests. I wasn't saying it didn't happen but rather something else may have been in play.