Reasons for Steering Wheel Preference?

[djmcmath]

In doing a search for steering wheel preferences, it seemed that the biggest part of the decision was the appearance. Some people mentioned diameter, but nobody gave a decisive answer about why a particular size is advantageous.

So the question: which steering wheels are the "fastest?" What attributes of a steering wheel (aside from the color of the stitching or the way that it fits neatly against the backdrop of the gauges) make it better for driving with?


TIA,

Dan

[tobluforu]

I picked the wheel that I have because I'm tall and needed a wheel that was flat of the bottom. Next I went for style.

[IanW505]

I picked mine because 1) it's small diameter and great leather grips 2) the stainless accents go with the rest of the silver on black trim of the car 3) overall, i just love the look



-Ian

[RickM]

I went with the 930S wheel because I wanted to complete the flatnose conversion with a touch of authenticity. That said, the feel of the wheel has transformed the car for me, literally. It is of smaller diameter so there is a quicker reaction when turning....kind of go-kartish feel. It also feels very ergonimically superior to the stock unit.

All in all it's one of the best upgrades I've done on my car.

[Jeff Higgins]

My legs would not fit under the stock steering wheel. A lot of us taller folks (6' and up) have this problem. I thinks that might be why you see so many wheels of a smaller diameter than stock.

[JRISER]

I prefer to keep mine stock.

[thrown_hammer]

I have a deep dished OMP prototipo copy. I dont know if it's faster but the deep dish keeps me from using my turn signals and wipers during auto-X's.

[zotman72]

Well the stock wheel on my '72T was as big as a VW bus wheel. Ok not that bad but huge. So I went with a Momo Monte Carlo. Transformed the feel of the car, the smaller diameter made a world of difference on handling during track time. Two thumbs up.

On my SC, my recent addition of 930 wheel was a dramatic change from the OEM wheel. The 930 wheel just feels fantastic in my hands, it is a great upgrade. No regrets on either wheels. HTH

[anthony]

I got the 930S wheel (the real one). The biggest reason was probably because I fell in love with that wheel when I first saw the reproduction Pelican was selling. I really wanted one on my 914 but nobody made a hub though I'm sure I could graft it on to a Momo hub (I may do that some day). The reason I wanted it on my 914 is because the 15" wheel hits the tops of my legs. And I had the same problem with the 911.

Then I saw the real deal embossed crest 930S wheel and fell doubly in love and bought it for my SC. Like RickM said, it just feels so much better in your hands and the fact that it's 1 inch smaller in diameter is nice. It's also offset which brings the wheel up and allows you to see all the gauges like the stock wheel.

[Dantilla]

Both my 911 and 944 race car have a Momo Course. The smaller diameter is much easier on the autocross course, or the race track. I do some instructing, and whenever I get into a car with a stock wheel, I wonder how someone can drive like that.

The 912 my wife drives has a Dino wheel. I do not like it because the thumbs get uncomfortably squeezed between the rim and spokes. The Momo has proper thumb cut-outs which are far more functional. The Dino is better than stock (by far), but it's no Momo.

[djmcmath]

So the 320mm wheels really make a huge difference, then -- I wouldn't have thought it would be that big of a deal.

Does leather make much of an advantage over rubber or plastic? Are most of the Momo spoke patterns about equally good, as far as visibility? Seems like that'd be about the only other noticeable difference (aside from looks, obviously).

Thanks for the input, all!

Dan

[islandflyer]

I went with the 930 (Original), I think it makes the car look more modern. At the same time it still looks factory.........my 2 cents..

[ted]

Originally posted by Jeff Higgins
My legs would not fit under the stock steering wheel. A lot of us taller folks (6' and up) have this problem. I thinks that might be why you see so many wheels of a smaller diameter than stock.

For the same reason I choose a near normal diameter but with a D shape, the bottom is flat, easy access.
A suede wheel with gloves can give superior grip.

[randywebb]

Yes, leather just feels right. Plastic is way too slick. Wood splinters and will really mess you up in an accident (tho nothing looks that good). Rubber is cheap and sticky - probably too sticky. Your hide deserves another hide.

[wilke3169]

The comments about the factory wheel rubbing ones legs fits me too. Those that went smaller for this reason, did you get the 13.8 and was that enough difference to make a difference? Thanks

[NY65912]

I had a Momo Corse, small diameter, PO installed, hated it. I went with stock, I like the look of the stock, although I must say if I ever do change.... it will be to a 930S wheel. The grip of stock is a little small but I can live with it, for now.

my .02˘

[funy1guy]

Porsche...Porsche
I'll own one soon
Just an ol' cheap one
I 've got Porsche on my mind

I said, Porsche!! ...Porsche!!
Not one brand new
Gimme stripped out gears
No headlights would be fine

Other cars don't work for me
Other cars seem slovenly
In my restless dreams I see
The road.. from that cars view

Porsche...oh, Porsche
One day I'll find
Just an ol' cheap one
A Porsche's on my mind

Other cars don't interest me
Other cars drive sloppily
There's an auto meant for me
I'll have one "fore I'm through

I said, Porsche..oh, Porsche
No lease..no lease on mine
Just an ol' cheap one
A Porshe's on my mind

sorry...couldn't resist...murf

[Eric Coffey]

1. Thicker rim diameter.
2. Smaller overall diameter.
3. Closer wheel-to-driver distance (with required after-market hub).
4. Better looks/personalization.

[Quicksilver]

As you can see everyone is all over the map. There is no "right" or "best" answer. You will need to think about it, try some different wheels, and decide what is best for you.

I like a thicker grip then most people because I have really large hands. I used to like a smaller wheel because I have quick strong arms and it gave me a quicker steering response. After a number of years of practice I discovered that I had progressed so I didn't need anywhere near as much wheel movement and I now prefer a larger wheel. These are all reasons that relate to me.

I have a Momo in the car that has been in my previous 2 cars. I think the quality of the leather on the Momo stinks (it bleached to blond in less then 2 years!) but it fits my hands and my style.

My advice is don't listen to people's solutions. Listen to the reasons that they like their solutions and then pick from the solutions that are for reasons similar to yours.

Wayne

[djmcmath]

Originally posted by Quicksilver

My advice is don't listen to people's solutions. Listen to the reasons that they like their solutions and then pick from the solutions that are for reasons similar to yours.

That may be the most profound thing I've heard all week. Actually, that's kind of what I was hoping for with this one -- what wheel, and why? The responses have been very educational, too. The only downer is that I'll probably end up sticking with my stock wheel for a while longer, simply because I lack the skill to really make any difference with a nicer wheel.

Thanks again, all.

Dan