sparco 368 wheel?

[redstack]

Like so many, my leather stock three spoke wheel has deteriorated at the top. Looking into replacements, I found this old thread.

Steering Wheel Diameter Size

Looking at the prototipo style wheels I noted that they were all only 350mm, smaller than the stock 380mm wheels.

I already have enough trouble horsing the 205/17 tires in and out of a Chicago box at the autox and so didn't want to go down any in size. Also at 6'3" I find the wheel just a bit too far away to reach comfortably when the seat is far enough back for my legs. I do crank the seat back upright more, but then I run out of headroom quickly.

But then I stumbled upon this wheel

SPARCO 368 COMPETITION STEERING WHEEL

Seems like a great possibility. Same dia, lots of dish to move the wheel closer. With the dia and dish I think that the visibility would be the same or better than the stock wheel, and there might be a bit more leg room under the wheel as well.

So what do you think, has anyone tried this wheel?

[JAR0023]

It was at the top of my list until I found the Abarth wheel. The Abarth is 370mm with a little dish, but has a more period look. I know Arne here has one as well. We've both posted pics if you search. Can't say much about the Sparco other than like you I thought it's size and dish filled a gap most steering wheel makers skip over. -J

ETA: I'm using the Zuffenhaus hub and JWest eccentric to get the wheel up and closer to me.

[Elombard]

I have the exact same wheel in one of the smaller diameters ( I bought it used). I am 6'4". I have racing seats and custom welded mounts to lower the seats. I even added a 1/2" spacer that offsets the wheel up a little, it gets the wheel closer, up off my legs and vastly improves gauge visibility. Hopefully some of my rambling helps. If I was buying new I would try the 380mm wheel, seems like a great option.

The only negative about the wheel for me is aesthetics, it does not fit the look of our 911s interiors as well as the Prototipo. I think Sparco makes a wheel with holes in the spokes similar to the Prototipo? do they offer it in 380mm?

One other note - I have had 2 suede wheels now and the suede does not look nice for long. If I was buying new I might go with the plain leather. I think it might hold up better.

[redstack]

Thanks for the input guys. I do like the look of the Abarth wheel. Can't find a new one in a quick search but the Momo Retro is the look without the dish though. Good point about the suede going bad quickly. Did you see that Sparco sells a suede brush? Brass on one side and rubber on the other.

So with the sparco do you think I would need the JW eccentric adapter? Does that have a function other than making the gauges a little more visible?

I have time to look for just the right one, it's not top priority just yet.

[Elombard]

I dont think you need the adapter with the larger wheel - I think you will be able to see the gauges. it also brings it back a 1/2" but I think you can get a non eccentric for that.

Have to look into one of the suede brushes.

[JAR0023]

I bought my Abarth via Ebay from Mr. Fiat. ETA: I just read the description and it's now listed as a 350mm wheel. They are in Atlanta so easy enough to call and find out. -J

http://mrfiat.com/index.php/fiat-500-600-abarth-steering-wheel-3-spoke-new.html

[gtc]

I have the Sparco 345, which is what it sounds like Erik has also.
I'll +1 him on pretty much everything.
Skip the suede, add a spacer or two.
As long as you're not a purist who scoffs at the thought of having the Sparco name in your car, go for it.