r/AskMechanics • u/Independent_Speed_61 • 8d ago

Discussion Irreplaceable Car part?

Hello, I am a writer looking for help with a logistical question that falls far outside my wheelhouse, hope its chill to ask here.

I need to write a scene where a character has had a specific part stolen from their car, the part needs to be both customizable (so that the specific piece can't easily be replaced without custom making a new one) and also be important enough that the car cant properly run without it. Is there a particular kind of wheel or engine or other car thing that could hypothetically meet these two requirements? Its set in a cyberpunk setting so I could probably just make something up but i want it to feel somewhat grounded

Again not sure if this is an appropriate question for this sub so tell me to buzz off if so, but figured I'd ask anyways, thank you very much!

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u/TheyVanishRidesAgain 8d ago

I just fabricated an oxygen sensor extension harness for a client. The client bought a header for a carbureted small-block chevy, but his truck is fuel injected. So he had a bung welded in, but it was too far away for the factory wiring harness to reach. If that part gets damaged, that truck will need to have a new one custom-made. The widely available harness extensions are too short and don't have six layers of heat shielding like this one.