Steering wheel options

[a_ahmed]

Well we have a battery thread, a seats thread, a tires thread, plenty damper threads, now I was thinking about a steering wheel thread

What do you run?

I am currently stock.. but back in the day when I was driving it half a year ago... I felt the stock steering wheel to be too large taking me too much rotation... so I was considering something 330mm/320mm... something smaller essentially... however I've never actually tested one out...

The only aftermarket steering wheel I felt was a nardi (the one thats everywhere) it felt like a retro steering wheel thats about it... not bad, but not great imho.

The rest I saw in some chinese malls lol.. was plasticy CRAP with so called brand names... if they were authentic surely they sucked big time... I remember even one guy buying off amazon.com an 'authentic' steering wheel but when I touched it.. it felt like a gran turismo playstation 2 plastic steering wheel in other words garbage.

Soft grippy Leather is what i have in mind...

One thing I noticed while reading one corvette owner's track project was he bought a grant steering wheel (apparently cheap but recommended/good best bang for the buck but not big name).

So discuss... :)

[turtl631]

I've got a 330mm Nardi Deep Corn. It's a simple 3 spoke wheel with a slight dish and nice perforated black leather with red stitching. At first I kinda felt like you about it, "retro, not bad but not great", but now I really like it. 330mm felt small at first but now feels perfect. With 245 MXs, 7.5 caster, this wheel, and power steering, I really like my steering feel. The wheel is definitely high quality, but also pricey.

[veilside180sx]

I personally do not like Grant wheels at all, unless you absolutely broke and can't afford anything else. (not to mention they use different hubs than everything else)

I have owned 2 Momo wheels and a couple of Sparco's as well. My prefernce are the Momo's. They just...feel right in your hand

Currently, I have a 320mm Monte Carlo and a 340mm Sparco Mugello. The Monte Carlo works great to speed up the steering a touch since the B13 has a manual rack, but I haven't tried to put it on the B14 with PS to see how it is. I have take the time to try that, in the oncoming weeks.

This is one of those things, that it broke or came off while driving...you are dead. So it's worth it to pay for a quality one. Momo, Sparco, OMP, Nardi, Personal are all good brands. If you purchase suede, expect to take care of it. The same goes for the hub that you choose to accompany it.

[a_ahmed]

I just googled up the 320mm monte carlo... looks interesting... kind of the thing i would like... i was considering a neo grinta 320mm/330mm... i guess that would do.

What sort of hubs would you recommend also... how much is the monte carlo also

[veilside180sx]

I got my Monte Carlo used for free, with a car I purchased=)

Both the Momo and Sparco hubs are nice and TUV rated. I have one of each to match the wheels currently. FYI the Momo Mod 78 is identical to the Monte Carlo, but is suede. (in case that's what you wanted)

On a 240 I kind of prefer a straight round wheel with out any raised portions and a little dish to it. The Sentra's have more of an upright seating position while the 240 is a little more laid back, so it's nice to have the wheel a little closer to you. The downside is that the dished wheels only come in 350mm, so it's a tough decision.

http://shopmomo.stores.yahoo.net/momosteering.html

[turtl631]

My hub is a Works Bell. It's a high quality Japanese hub with a resistor pack for the airbag system so the passenger airbag still works. Cheap hubs are more work to get functioning properly. I recall that the Momo was reputed to be a pain for the S14, not sure about S13.

[spool_sample]

My hub is a Works Bell. It's a high quality Japanese hub with a resistor pack for the airbag system so the passenger airbag still works. Cheap hubs are more work to get functioning properly. I recall that the Momo was reputed to be a pain for the S14, not sure about S13.

The Works Bell is a good hub, but I'm not entirely sure why they leave such a huge gap between the hub and steering column. :confused:

[McCoy]

I've got a 330mm Sparco Ring and have been happy with it. The size seems right for me, and it feels good in the hands. It also helps that I only paid $40 for it :)

Of course I think I'd be happy with about any steering wheel as long as it sits in the right place. I use a 50mm spacer with a momo hub adapter and it sits just right for me, elbows bent just like I like them :)

http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/959/medium/S13_after_turbo_install_04.jpg

[a_ahmed]

^wow awesome setup :) although i dont like the D shaped wheels... I am kind of tall/big... with an aftermarket seat i guess thats a good idea... i pretty much have the stock wheel adjusted all the way up..and moved the seat inwards so that i can have my elbows bent... it feels so far away though.. yet the knee space is at the very limit with my legs heh...

[turtl631]

That's why I loved having my wheel so much- with the hub, quick release, and the dish of the wheel, it sticks out towards me pretty far. I have tons of leg room and don't feel like I'm reaching far forward for the wheel. I also like the QR for the theft protection aspect. I live in a pretty shady area unfortunately and park on the street. Supposedly the new thing around here is taking a Sawzall to truck/SUV cats to sell them for the platinum. Luckily my car has about 4" of ground clearance so ain't nobody crawling under there.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/turtl631/CIMG1156.jpg

[underdog17]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a160/turtl631/CIMG1156.jpg

how hard was it to install that wheel on your s14? and does your passenger side airbag and horn still work?

also i like that shift knob :cool:

[turtl631]

The wheel was easy to install. The Works Bell hub comes with a resistor that tricks the airbag system into thinking the stock wheel airbag is still there, so the passenger airbag still works. Horn works as well, although the horn button actually shot out and hit me in the face a few weeks ago and I haven't bothered to put it back in yet. The shift knob is a JDM '99 Z32 one; when I swapped chassis the original owner wanted the shift knob back for sentimental reasons so I needed one asap. And I'm a sucker for red stitched black leather :)

[spool_sample]

Since we're sharing setups:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/fullboost14/P8120002.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/fullboost14/P8120001.jpg

Suede is the best **** ever... the wheel never slips out of my hands, gloves or no. :D

Also, by the look of turtl's pics, my wheel sits almost as close as his without the QR, being the 350mm deep corn instead of the 330mm. So if a QR isn't quite in the budget, this is a nice option. I sometimes wish it was a little further back, though, since when I'm driving, I like to stuff myself close to dash.

[e1_griego]

I sit pretty far back, and I have my wheel spaced out pretty far back as well. I have QR and a 40mm spacer haha. I might swap the 40mm out for a 20mm, but I'm not sure. I currently have a 350mm momo competition that's a bit tired, but my new 350mm Momo Monte Carlo should be here in a couple days. Not sure if I should have gone with the 320mm, but oh well.

Alex

[underdog17]

I'm a sucker for red stitched black leather :)

who isn't? i picked up a new shift boot off ebay for ~$35 shipped that is red stitched and black leather and it looks so nice and clean i definitely recommend picking one up if yours is in disrepair. now i just need a nifty shift knob like you've got to match

[turtl631]

Yea, me too. Boot, wheel, and knob are all red/black. I felt lame buying a new knob, but I can sort of justify interior tactical interface things. After all, I notice that stuff EVERY time I drive the car, not just when accelerating, cornering, etc.

[spool_sample]

Yea, me too. Boot, wheel, and knob are all red/black. I felt lame buying a new knob, but I can sort of justify interior tactical interface things. After all, I notice that stuff EVERY time I drive the car, not just when accelerating, cornering, etc.

No shame in adding a bit of style, regardless. :p

[veilside180sx]

I sit pretty far back, and I have my wheel spaced out pretty far back as well. I have QR and a 40mm spacer haha. I might swap the 40mm out for a 20mm, but I'm not sure. I currently have a 350mm momo competition that's a bit tired, but my new 350mm Momo Monte Carlo should be here in a couple days. Not sure if I should have gone with the 320mm, but oh well.

Alex

"I sit pretty far back", that's the understatement of the century!!!!

[e1_griego]

Ha, leave me alone :(

Don't pick on my b/c you're short :P

Alex

[vw_nissan]

I sit pretty far back
Alex

Speaking of that, I have a Personal 330mm steering wheel with a 100mm extension....:o

This gives me a lot of room between the dash and my knees and some more headroom. Will post pic later.

[e1_griego]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/e1griego/DSC00035Medium.jpg

I got my new wheel in this past weekend, and I love it. Great leather, smaller rim so the wheel feels a touch smaller. All in all, very pleased.

Alex

[vw_nissan]

Are you sure that's 40mm extension only? It looks more like 4ft extension;)

[turtl631]

Holy cow. Your seat must be really far back. A few track days ago my instructor was all surprised about how close my wheel was to me with the QR and hub. I don't think its bad, and even if I lean forward as far as I can my head doesn't touch it, so it should be safe. On track I've got harnesses so there's no way I'm ever touching it.

[2Fass240us]

Any opinions on size without PS? I removed the PS equipment from my car. I ask because I'm trying to decide how much smaller than OE to go.

[spool_sample]

Any opinions on size without PS? I removed the PS equipment from my car. I ask because I'm trying to decide how much smaller than OE to go.

People have different opinions, but I say 350mm. Anything smaller feels like a toy, IMO. I don't know how the 330mm guys do it. :p

[vw_nissan]

I don't think 330mm is too bad, but that's definitely as small as I would like on a street/track car.

350mm feels almost like stock, but it's just a tad smaller. If you don't have PS, I would do the 350mm if you have to park your car a lot, otherwise, 330mm is just about right.

[McCoy]

If you have long legs, you'll find that a 330mm wheel is great for giving you that extra room needed to keep your knee's from hitting the wheel :)

[2Fass240us]

I don't think 330mm is too bad, but that's definitely as small as I would like on a street/track car.

350mm feels almost like stock, but it's just a tad smaller. If you don't have PS, I would do the 350mm if you have to park your car a lot, otherwise, 330mm is just about right.
I hard park every once in a while. :cool: J/K...car isn't street-driven, so either should work.

If you have long legs, you'll find that a 330mm wheel is great for giving you that extra room needed to keep your knee's from hitting the wheel :)
I have been czeching out eGay for something used since I just dropped a grip on the seats. I'll let you guys know what I find.

-Andy

[2Fass240us]

Winnar! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fse arch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D 110214193487%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1&item=110214193487)

Details
used Momo MOD 75
Suede, some nap lost
330mm
Now I am going shopping for a hub and a QR. Any suggestions? I'm thinking about the NRG stuff, but know nothing of their quality.

-Andy

[McCoy]

Good find... you wear driving gloves while on the track, correct?

I actually like the momo hub that I have, as for a quick release, I had good luck with the spline one (Nissport), but am also a fan of another one... I need to search for the link, but will look for it tonight, basically the wheel can only go on one direction which is a good thing.

[turtl631]

I have an NRG QR. It's okay, but the pin that retains the sliding sleeve popped out, so there's one less measure in place to keep the wheel from flying off at the track. However, the locking mechanism itself has been perfectly solid since day one, and you really have to pull on the sleeve to unlock the wheel, so I'm sure it'll be fine.

[2Fass240us]

Good find... you wear driving gloves while on the track, correct?
Yes, Simpson Talon Grip. The grip is leather and so is the stock wheel, and things have gotten a little slippery in autocrosses. :eek: The suede, despite being older, will solve this problem.

I actually like the momo hub that I have, as for a quick release, I had good luck with the spline one (Nissport), but am also a fan of another one... I need to search for the link, but will look for it tonight, basically the wheel can only go on one direction which is a good thing.
The Nissport one (http://www.nissport.com/catalog/product.asp?ProductCode=NS-1100&EquipmentType=Products) looks nice, and is fairly-priced considering I'd have to buy both a hub and a QR. Thanks, and I look forward to seeing the other one.

Do you guys know if Nissport has any coupon codes?

I have an NRG QR. It's okay, but the pin that retains the sliding sleeve popped out, so there's one less measure in place to keep the wheel from flying off at the track. However, the locking mechanism itself has been perfectly solid since day one, and you really have to pull on the sleeve to unlock the wheel, so I'm sure it'll be fine.
Which version do you have? I noticed on the site that there are several iterations, the latter of which *hopefully* solved your problem assuming you have one of the former ones.

-Andy

[McCoy]

Andy - Here is the one that our local race team uses and swears by... I've played with it and like it for the fact that the wheel only goes on one way, with the spline type you can put the wheel on most any direction that can be a bothering at times. Also, you have to use both hands to release it, which is a good thing for safety reasons.

I think this one, or one's similiar to it can be found cheaper, this was the first link I found with the picture I was looking for :).
http://www.paragon-products.com/product_p/qrhub_race.htm

As for Nissport, they have not made any of these, despite what their webpage states, in quite sometime. Maybe a call or email might resolve that, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[2Fass240us]

Andy - Here is the one that our local race team uses and swears by... I've played with it and like it for the fact that the wheel only goes on one way, with the spline type you can put the wheel on most any direction that can be a bothering at times. Also, you have to use both hands to release it, which is a good thing for safety reasons.

I think this one, or one's similiar to it can be found cheaper, this was the first link I found with the picture I was looking for :).
http://www.paragon-products.com/product_p/qrhub_race.htm
A little pricier than I'd hoped since you have to buy the hub too. But it's in the running with everything else as of now.

As for Nissport, they have not made any of these, despite what their webpage states, in quite sometime. Maybe a call or email might resolve that, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
That sucks. I'll email them Monday.

-Andy

[2Fass240us]

That sucks. I'll email Nissport Monday.
Still no response. I even PMed "Geo" on SR20Forum, and received no response. No phone number on the website, either. :mad: I guess this means Goerge doesn't want to do bitness w/me. :rolleyes:

[2Fass240us]

Faxed:
"I emailed sales@nissport.com on January 21 to inquire about the NS-1100S, a bolt-on quick release for a Nissan 240SX, and never heard anything. I then PMed George on SR20Forum (Geo) and received no response.
I have cash-in-hand and am ready to purchase this product, but that’s a little hard when no one will take the time to get back in touch with me. Please make an effort to do so by emailing me at acrawford@mysportscar.com. Thank you.

Andy Crawford
Shift_Munky on SR20Forum"

Any other suggestions? This chit is ludicrous.

[veilside180sx]

That sucks man. The only spare quick release I have, is a full on race one that you weld on the shaft side.

I have a NRG on my B14 and it has worked flawlessly as well.

[McCoy]

George only visits the forum once a month if that. I know he has stated that he has busy times of each month (month-end IIRC).

Crawford... my grandparents on my mothers side are Crawfords :).

[2Fass240us]

That sucks man. The only spare quick release I have, is a full on race one that you weld on the shaft side.

I have a NRG on my B14 and it has worked flawlessly as well.
NRG it is then.

George only visits the forum once a month if that. I know he has stated that he has busy times of each month (month-end IIRC).
Meh, I emailed him 10 days ago. It doesn't take 10 frickin days to return an email.

Crawford... my grandparents on my mothers side are Crawfords :).
Are they black?

[McCoy]

Meh, I emailed him 10 days ago. It doesn't take 10 frickin 10 days to return an email.
agreed, I really think they should take down the site if they don't have the time to respond to peoples requests...

[qoute]
Are they black?[/QUOTE]
if they are, there the whitest blacks I've ever seen :)

[2Fass240us]

agreed, I really think they should take down the site if they don't have the time to respond to peoples requests...

Are they black?
if they are, there the whitest blacks I've ever seen :)

Are they black?
if they are, there the whitest blacks I've ever seen :)
I only ask because (outside of my family), there seems to be a fair number of black Crawfords. One in particular was in my high school, Andre, and he got in trouble all the time. My given name is Andrew, so you can imagine all the havoc this caused. On a good note, my mom stopped paying any attention to the "your child was not at skool today" automated messages that kept coming. So in a sense, Andre helped my skipping career.

As an adult, apparently an "Andre Crawford" is on the FAA baddy list. This is an incredible pain in the ass, as I can no longer use the automated check-in.

[spool_sample]

LOL, this thread went way down-hill fast.

To remain on topic, I'm picking up a Sparco 375 over the weekend from a friend. The Nardi deep corn just feels too awkward since I like to sit close to the dash, so I'm going to give a flat wheel a shot.

I'll take pics. This is getting pretty exciting for me: Konis from veilside, new steering wheel, new wheels and tires... yippee. :p

[2Fass240us]

LOL, this thread went way down-hill fast.
So's ur face. :D

To remain on topic, I'm picking up a Sparco 375 over the weekend from a friend. The Nardi deep corn just feels too awkward since I like to sit close to the dash, so I'm going to give a flat wheel a shot.
If the used Momo I bought doesn't work out (too small, not much dish), I might hit you up. How much do you want for the creamed corn?

[2Fass240us]

Found this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Tekniq-Quick-Release-Steering-Wheel-Hub-240SX-MOMO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33704QQihZ004QQite mZ140202393410QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW) today. Ends in 8 hours...any thoughts?

[2Fass240us]

Andy - Here is the one that our local race team uses and swears by... I've played with it and like it for the fact that the wheel only goes on one way, with the spline type you can put the wheel on most any direction that can be a bothering at times. Also, you have to use both hands to release it, which is a good thing for safety reasons.

I think this one, or one's similiar to it can be found cheaper, this was the first link I found with the picture I was looking for :).
http://www.paragon-products.com/product_p/qrhub_race.htm
Found this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Tekniq-Quick-Release-Steering-Wheel-Hub-240SX-MOMO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33704QQihZ004QQite mZ140202393410QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW) today. Ends in 8 hours...any thoughts?
Although the Paragon site doesn't list it, that looks exactly like the Tekniq QR I bid on. CDOC actually carries it for $30 less, but I'd need to check to see if they have the version that fits Spaco/Momo/whatever hubs.

Speaking of hubs, what does the aforementioned local race team use? I was thinking about either the Sparco or Works Bell (normal, not baller-ass low-profile). Also, would I necessarily need to get the HICAS model since I no longer have HICAS?
http://www.mynismo.com/images_products/5459.jpg

My trigger finger is getting itchy... :)

[veilside180sx]

The Techniq looks nice, but i don't know anyone that has used one personally.

I have used both Momo and Sparco on my S13's...and both worked just fine.

[McCoy]

Speaking of hubs, what does the aforementioned local race team use? I was thinking about either the Sparco or Works Bell (normal, not baller-ass low-profile). Also, would I necessarily need to get the HICAS model since I no longer have HICAS?[/IMG]



I dug through my photo's and found an interior shot of their late E36, not sure what there using for a hub adapter. Don't mind my son, I was just getting him use to a real seat :)

http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/500/kai_race_car_02.jpg

[2Fass240us]

That's odd...it looks like the Tekniq QR on top of a weld-on QR.

Cute picture...I have one of my son in my Evo3 on the floor, and plan on taking one of him in the finished cage/seat/harness/wheel combo.

[2Fass240us]

My trigger finger is getting itchy... :)
Proof:
Here is a complete summary of your CDOC order.
...
4015-53200M Snap Off Race Quick Release
$189.00
4005-3508 MOMO Adaptor Hub
$64.95

Sub Total: $253.95
Sales Tax: $0.00
Shipping & Handling: $9.77
Total: $263.72

Thought about getting the Sparco or Works Bell hub elsewhere, but decided they'd all be about the same quality and I could save a few bucks on shipping.

I was going to wait on the order to give it some more consideration, but I've been up and down this thing many times and wanted to get everything in place for a Feb 23 local SCCA Test-n-Tune.

-Andy

[spool_sample]

If the used Momo I bought doesn't work out (too small, not much dish), I might hit you up. How much do you want for the creamed corn?

I'll let you know when I get the Sparco wheel... might be a couple more days.

[WishIHadaSilvia]

I picked up a Nardi competition in Japan. Not as much dish as I'd want, but I still have stock seats, so I am going to wait before I get a spacer or anything like that. I'm using one of the normal Works Bell hubs, very easy to install, but I didn't get the horn to work right away and have been too lazy to mess with it.

This is a bad picture but this is my set up:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c51/95KA-Turbo/shift_knob.jpg

[spool_sample]

New vehicle guidance peripheral. Mind the blue interior and the crappy pic, it's cold outside. :p

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/fullboost14/IMG_0124.jpg

This wheel (Sparco 375) is fantastic. The flat wheel is much more comfortable and natural... since I like to sit kinda close to the dash, the deep corn Nardi was usually choking me and it felt really awkward to use. This seems like it'll be a lot better. The quality, surprisingly, seems better than the Nardi as well... the suede feels more plush. The horn button was pretty cheap and plasticky, though, but since I don't have a horn (stupid clockspring) I didn't bother putting it on.

[veilside180sx]

Can't remember if I posted mine, but this is for the Sentra obviously

http://www.sr20forum.com/gallery/data/500/medium/CIMG1772.JPG

[2Fass240us]

Can't remember if I posted mine, but this is for the Sentra obviously
More like the "Pimptra"...that's toite. :)

[spool_sample]

Can't remember if I posted mine, but this is for the Sentra obviously

I like your NAWZ buttons. :p

[veilside180sx]

Too bad it's all coming out for the cage. I'll post pics of the whole interior in my B14 thread.

[2Fass240us]

Too bad it's all coming out for the cage. I'll post pics of the whole interior in my B14 thread.
DogII clone? :)

[veilside180sx]

DogII clone? :)

More over the top. :twisted:

Custom subframe/LCA/similar panhard bar design to it though. The cage design will be similar as well though.

The other main difference is rather than a VE, mine will have a 350-400 whp DET in it attached to a QR 6 spd. :eek:

Back to your regularly scheduled program.

[a_ahmed]

Back from the dead.

I can't remember if I posted again but, I ended up getting a personal neo grinta 330mm leather wheel, feels nice, I installed it with NRG short hub and NRG 2.0 quick release.

I have yet to really drive it, I only drove it from home to shop, one negative I noticed was the turn signal is hard to switch now lol... I'll have to come up with a solution for that... extending the knob/stick somehow heh. Not an issue on track, but when driving on regular road...

[Longfellow]

330 Personal Grinta leather.

[Longfellow]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k234/initialkoncept/S14/DSCF0111.jpg

[a_ahmed]

yaay just like mine except mine has red stitching and red horn :P Hmm yellow is kinda hot heh