Spacing out an s5 wheel
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 519
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From: Tustin, CA
Spacing out an s5 wheel
Made a small mod that I'm pretty stoked on.
I'm a bit on the tall side and my knees always seemed to get into the steering wheel when I heel and toe. However, I'm also running a depowered steering rack and it makes it pretty hard to whip the wheel back and forth at low speed (IE autocross). That second part fairly effective rules out my desire to run an aftermarket steering wheel that comes with a little more dish to it (although the Nardi "Deep Corn" is one of the sexiest wheels of all time). I just couldn't bring myself to pay top dollar for a 370+mm aftermarket wheel when I may go back to PS some day. Plus I'd already switched out to a leather s5 wheel that's in near mint condition so it's not like I really needed another upgrade.
Instead I opened up my wheel, took some careful measurements, and then cut the spokes and welded in 1 3/4" spacers (the most that my hands would still allow easy access to my turn signal.)
First attempt was just 3 straight extensions at the spokes but I found the wheel to be a bit more flexible than before so I also boxed in the top area with some lighter sheet metal to act as a shear plane. The whole extension part protrudes through the back of the plastic housing so it's pretty subtle if you're not looking for it.
All the stock turn signal cancellation hardware and horn remains (although I got to extend the wire inside the assembly as well). It'll be cleaner yet if I can find a rubber accordion to hide the extension but for now I just wrapped it in a purple bandana I stole from a friend. (Thanks Jaime!)
Other than a $4 stick of material, the mod was pretty much free. Leverage is much improved and I have plenty of room for knees to work the pedals like I want. No complaints from me.
I'm a bit on the tall side and my knees always seemed to get into the steering wheel when I heel and toe. However, I'm also running a depowered steering rack and it makes it pretty hard to whip the wheel back and forth at low speed (IE autocross). That second part fairly effective rules out my desire to run an aftermarket steering wheel that comes with a little more dish to it (although the Nardi "Deep Corn" is one of the sexiest wheels of all time). I just couldn't bring myself to pay top dollar for a 370+mm aftermarket wheel when I may go back to PS some day. Plus I'd already switched out to a leather s5 wheel that's in near mint condition so it's not like I really needed another upgrade.
Instead I opened up my wheel, took some careful measurements, and then cut the spokes and welded in 1 3/4" spacers (the most that my hands would still allow easy access to my turn signal.)
First attempt was just 3 straight extensions at the spokes but I found the wheel to be a bit more flexible than before so I also boxed in the top area with some lighter sheet metal to act as a shear plane. The whole extension part protrudes through the back of the plastic housing so it's pretty subtle if you're not looking for it.
All the stock turn signal cancellation hardware and horn remains (although I got to extend the wire inside the assembly as well). It'll be cleaner yet if I can find a rubber accordion to hide the extension but for now I just wrapped it in a purple bandana I stole from a friend. (Thanks Jaime!)
Other than a $4 stick of material, the mod was pretty much free. Leverage is much improved and I have plenty of room for knees to work the pedals like I want. No complaints from me.
