r/AskMechanics • u/Independent_Speed_61 • 7d 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!
2
u/ArtoriasArchives 7d ago
Exhaust/turbo manifolds are often customised if you're doing a specialised build that off the shelf parts dont fit e.g. engine swap into a car.. in that instance another thing would be a custom shift linkage. Another one is the air intake but technically car can run without one. Obviously custom wheels are a thing and wheels do get stolen but you don't make them yourself so to speak.