Installed an NRG hub a couple of days ago to replace my Momo hub. If you look at the pic, there's a big reason why NRG hubs are more secure. The momo hub has a huge space (if you tear off that rubber ribbed cover), which has 4 spines which run up from the steering shaft to the hub attachment to connect a steering wheel. These spines have gaps large enough to fit a metal rod, which someone can use to turn the vehicle with ease. The Momo hub basically negated the need for a steering wheel and also in-turn negated my NRG hub lock. Now, with the NRG hub and hub lock, the only way to steer the car is by hand or possibly vice grips, further up on the shaft (I'm not even sure if that is possible).
The downsides are those who may like the steering position of the Momo hub. I've noticed that the NRG hub is 1/2 as small as the Momo hub. This creates a different dynamic of seating position, with my arms being extended further, but my seating position having no change, since my legs haven't grown any shorter (hopefully). I had to mess with my seat for a bit to find a better position, but overall, I feel like the smaller hub is nicer and extends my reach, which also extends my rotation of the wheel, since my arms are less cocked and confined. This is all personal preference and honestly should be considered if you're reading this thread and trying to decide on which one to get, especially the security aspect of it (which is the reason why most people get a hub and quick release).
As for the alarm, I've decided on taking it to a small business around the Seattle neighborhood instead of Car Toys. This business solders connections and would also do the install differently than the typical Car Toys install. The alarm I'm getting is decent, not Viper price , but good enough for just being an alarm, without power locks or remote start, but it comes with a backup battery. I've also heard mixed reviews of Viper, but mostly good things about the alarm I'm getting, Code Alarm.
I've also decided to install my own gps tracking system (with backup battery), so if anyone ever decides to tow it, they got about 24 hours to chop it up before they get arrested for a very long time. This will cost far less than LoJack ($700 one time cost), if I don't own the car for more than 20 years, haha.
I'm going a little overboard with the gps tracking, since my car would be a b**** to tow from where it rests, but for $36 a month, I figure why not? If the same thieves come back, they should know that they can't move the car under it's own power, so the only choice is to tow it, even though it would be difficult and honestly, my car is not that badass to warrant a risky tow job and anyone selling CA18 parts would be immediately found, because no one owns them here and no one wants them except you guys, so my bases are pretty much covered, lol. Thinking about it, we kind of have it good when it comes to this misfortune, don't we? Anyways, more updates after the installs.
This has also put back my install of tie rods, angle kit and catch cans, so be on the lookout for those posts soon.
As a side note, I got a new boss, and he's a car guy! He owns this!
Well, that's not the exact picture, but same car/colors. Anyways, I'm stoked because he said we're getting a new company car to chauffeur people around and I know it's not going to be a piece of s*** Cadillac CTS. More on that when it comes in.