944 Spec Prep - Wiring Removal Relay Assemblies

[Das86TurboII]

Hello,

I am in the process of converting my I Class PCA Club racecar to the Spec series. Fun project. I'm running an early 85 car.

As part of the process I am removing all unnecessary wiring. My questions are as follows:
1. At the fuse/relay panel (the assembly mounted under the drivers side with 2 screws), there are several 3/4 to 1” square “blocks” where the relays for the fan, DME, blower, warning time relay, and defog are plugged in. These "blocks" sits in a channel on top of the larger fuse/relay assembly. My question is how to remove the “blocks” from the relay/fuse panel. They do not simply slide out of the channel, as they would appear on first glance. There appear to be some tabs in the channel where the relay block slides into the main panel. I tried using a small flat head screwdriver to release these but no luck. Any ideas?
2. For the multi-pin connectors that go into the back of the relay/fuse panel, how do I remove the pins that are in the connector. This will be much cleaner than simply cutting the wires flush with the back of the connector. Safer too.
3. How do I disable the steering wheel lock? Drill/grindout the locking pin?

Thanks in advance?

Rob

[JivenJim]

Hey Rob,

Be really carefull when you cut wires out. Lots of 2 pins in same plug to chain wire grounds and powers for completly other systems. I know it's really temping to do but you will not save more than a few pounds and you could be chasing down things that now don't work. Like Gas Gage, Pod lights,....

If you cut out major systems like AC, Blower. Then tie the brown ground together and quick tie it up under the dash. Pull the fuses. for sytems you delete and paint/mark them. (I use red dots on contacts)
Watch for the 2 blue/grey wires that are common for
Dash lights and tie them if you trim those wires back.

I think those relay sockets push out not pull out. Relays them self can be pryed out with flat blade (After BATT is disconnected)

I personally Like keeping the blower and wipers, cause I drive the car to events and sometimes the weather can make a mess.

Clarks Garage has a write up for drilling out Steering columb lock Rivets. You can keep the switch. (the shell comes off for steering lock)
http://www.clarks-garage.com/
search ELECT-25, Ignition Switch Replacement

Please cover your eyes if you are faint of heart.




Good luck spec racer.

[bjaspud]

The easy answer is - don't do it.

If you leave the factory wiring alone it will always work. If you rip it all out and replace it with you own homemade harness you are guaranteed to have intermitent electrical connection failures at some point in time.

Why tear it out? To save weight. The day the weight of the wiring harness makes a difference in an amature racers lap times is the day I will eat my hat. If those few pounds are so critical then go on a diet. Don't waste your time and $ making your car less reliable for the sake of few pounds of copper. Spend the $ on track time, not garage time. It will have a greater effect on your speed.


These are street cars not Indy cars. Ounces don't matter.

Signed been there, done that. (raced for 15 years)

Spud

[Das86TurboII]

Thanks guys for the input. All good. I'm not too worried about removing the wiring. Already done it on a few race cars I've built and no problems. I can read the wiring diagrams etc, they're pretty simple. Tracning which wires are needed and not isn't that difficult. Puts my degree in engineering to good use. I'm not replacing any wiring with homemade harnesses either. I've seen a couple well prepared cars that have the uncessary wiring removed. It totaled nearly 20lbs. Hard to believe but true. I've removed ~10 lbs thus far. I won't be removing any hot wiring off the fuse panel. These will remain for future needs. I'm simply removing the unneeded accesories like heater, blower, A/C etc.

I've been club racing 11+ yrs myself.

My original question is one I cannot find an answer to in my facory manuals. And that is removing the relay socket from the main relay/fuse panel. They don't simply push out. At least on my car. I like a clean looking installation. Call me anal.