Steering wheels does size matter?

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91 Malibu
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Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby 91 Malibu » Sun Jul 08, 2012 11:47 am

As the title suggests I am looking at changing my steering wheel (Na non p/steering) & I have my eye on a couple of types 1 is 330mm & the other is 360mm. The standard wheel is 350mm wanting to know what differences it will make going either smaller or larger. Will either of them make it better for cornering, make it quicker to flick through corners.Would be interested in hearing from the track people, have you changed the size of your wheel & noticed faster or slower lap times as a result of changing the size.
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Re: Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby and1 » Sun Jul 08, 2012 12:06 pm

I went from the standard NB SE wheel to a 330mm dished.
I can say that your view of the dash will be slightly obstructed.

Effort will be increased for turning the wheel but you will need less input for the same angle.
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Re: Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby Jace » Sun Jul 08, 2012 1:12 pm

standard momo is 365mm

some small wheels feel okay but i like stock size ones

they're a bit rare but you can get Nardi's somewhere in between, 345mm iirc.

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Re: Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby 91 Malibu » Sun Jul 08, 2012 2:11 pm

Thanks for that jace, I always thought the std size was 350mm I should have measured it 1st.
Thanks and1 didn't think about a smaller size effecting the view of the dash.
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Re: Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby jorgan92 » Sun Jul 08, 2012 2:29 pm

I have a 330mm its a tiny bit harder to steer as less leverage, but I have power steering so, eh.

I cant see anything above 70 KMPH on the speedo, nor can I see my indicators.

But I like the size. it feels nice, and gives you a little extra leg room.

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Re: Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby JRBasia » Sun Jul 08, 2012 4:04 pm

Size does matter ;)

When I bought my non-ps roadster, it came with the original 365mm wheel and also a 320mm momo Monte carlo. While I loved the momo, it was too small to daily. So instead I bought the 350mm version and it's the best compromise in my opinion.

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Re: Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby 93_Clubman » Sun Jul 08, 2012 6:10 pm

345 mm Momo Corse in my NA8 (no PS) - top of speedo is obscured if seated really upright, but if settled down into the standard seat can just see the speedo ok. For me it's a really good size wheel.

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Re: Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby stb » Mon Jul 09, 2012 1:54 pm

320/330mm without p/s is not fun in car parks etc, but is fine on road IMHO. A bit more kick-back from bumps etc though, and the car feels more darty. I'm pretty tall and the smaller wheel is great for knee room, and while gauges are obscured with standard seat, with Sparco sprint seat the gauges come back into view perfectly.

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Re: Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby emexv » Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:36 pm

I wouldn't go under 350mm without power steering Chris
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Re: Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby Carbon Demon » Wed Sep 12, 2012 11:39 pm

I had a 330mm in a Nissan S15 (removed airbag and all). It was small...so small that I couldn't read the gauges properly.

At Wakefield Park, I didn't notice any change in lap time.

It was so small that it became annoying. Initially the size was "refreshing" but the novelty soon wore off.

I replaced it with a Momo 350mm with a removable hub that extended the wheel towards the driver by about 2.5". I could sit further back and imitate driving a roadster.

Felt great! No improvement in lap time though.

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Re: Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby Uncle Arthur » Thu Sep 13, 2012 12:52 pm

Check your insurance requirements and with your local DOT - I have heard that too small is essentially against ADRs for road cars, and can void your insurance on the basis of changing the car's driveability.....
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Re: Steering wheels does size matter?

Postby Earlybird » Thu Sep 13, 2012 9:15 pm

I just got myself a Momo Retro from here http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MOMO-RETRO-Steering-Wheel-Leather-360mm-Free-MOMO-Tshirt-/230720888913?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35b8096051#ht_1357wt_1071 and very happy with it.

This style really suits the NA and being 360mm you have no obstruction of dash gauges.


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