Photography Credit: David S. Wallens
What’s your take on those drilled, bolt-on pedal covers: a great way to interface with the car or just some extra stuff to get in the way?
We originally ran this set on a Sentra SE-R that we had from 1992 through 1995. We can’t remember the brand, the source or even the situation.
Since then, these covers have sat in a plastic bag, periodically getting in the way.
They recently got in the way again. But this time, we thought, what if we installed them? That would remove them from being in the way, right? But would we still like them?
So we put them on the Miata. The pedals feature spring-loaded mounts and just clamp into place. The entire job took just a few minutes.
And, yeah, we’re digging them: more grip, more foot area and just a more “alive” interface with the car. Wish we could tell you more about them, but nice to put some parts back into service after 25-plus years in stasis.
Don't care one way or the other. What is much more important is grip between your shoe and the peddle. I really like these. They have hard rubber nubs that grip to just about any shoe superbly.
This car of mine is paddle shifters so no third peddle.
Oh we did use peddle plates in some of the race cars to make heal and toe better but in racing conditions we found you need positive attachment like bolts through the peddle or welding things in place. Ones from the speed isle in the auto parts store that clipped in place or were a friction fit or even used bolts to clamp them in place always come loose or came off and that can get exciting for a driver diving in to a corner.
Dean Moon knew the truth.
PEDAL
/endrant
I'm going with shoes being as much or more important than pedals. I don't ever recall having problems with slick pedals.
I'm not a fan of the drilled ones. That's a form over function purchase with money that could be better spent on something that actually makes the car better.
Disclaimer: This is my opinion. Don't take it personally. If you like the drilled ones, by all means, use them. I don't hate you for it or think you are stupid.
Edit: Are those held on with zip screws? Having sharp pointy things down there with your feet in a race car falls under inadvisable and generally a bad idea.
It's gonna be a "no" from me dawg...
I got a set along with some other parts and put them on my NB miata. I kinda like them, but I wouldn't really go spending much money on them either.
We actually did some testing on ours, and they have more grip than rubber or smooth metal pedal when you have wet shoes. 50% more grip when dry and 30% more grip when wet. The important thing is that they're not just drilled, they have ridges.
Another important consideration is you can use them to make some pedals closer together by shifting the cover over a bit. I wouldn't suggest this for brake or clutch, but you CAN get the gas pedal closer for heel toe action with the correctly placed gas pedal cover.
And that can be a real performance improver too.
Finally, wasn't there a bit about the McLaren F1 having the pedals drilled out to the absolute possible minumum weight while still meeting the force requirements? That's cool too.
Which gives me an idea - assuming the factory pedal is flat steel (after removing the rubber cover), what about drilling it and using something to curl the lip of the holes up? Increase traction and reduce weight.
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