clayne

Throw on my Mazdaspeed D-cut, which is definitely smaller than a stock FD wheel, and ironically the steering effort is actually *less* than stock (no power steering BTW).

Yes I know it makes no sense from a mechanics/physics standpoint as the mechanical advantage should absolutely be less - but I can only speculate that the smaller wheel yields better bio-mechanics and *feels* like less effort.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Do you remember what size you got?

Does it block any of the gauges?

alberto_mg

what mahjik said.

also pic please. i'm looking for a better wheel myself. thanks.

clayne

It looks to be around 340 mm, but I'll measure it in a couple hours.

Yes, depending on your seating position, the top 1/8th or so of the tach and speedo will be blocked. It's really not a big deal at all.

clayne

Here you go Mahjik:

Sesshoumaru

iTrader: (1)

nice wheel......kinda looks like my sparco lap 1 (but love the all leather on yours)

350mm isn't that stock? I think that what the FC was.

could be due to the weight difference with air bag and cruise control.

Rhode_Dog

nice and clean looking

adam c

iTrader: (2)

Funny how your mind will play tricks on you. You go out and spend the money to buy a new steering wheel, then your mind tries to justify it by making you think that the car turns easier, even when you know its not possible.

It looks nice. Why did you switch?

clayne

Because the stock wheel is too big. In addition I didn't want the airbag present anymore.

Actually the car does turn easier, but from a bio-mechanics standpoint. The issue with the larger wheel is that while you do have more mechanical advantage, the range at which your arms have the most advantage quickly tapers off when you rotate the wheel. With a smaller wheel you don't leave that optimum range as fast because your bi/tri's/shoulders are actually able to do more effective work over a greater range of rack movement (due to the effectively decreased steering ratio).

Adam, I'm going down to LA sometime in December. Since I'll be taking 101 down I'll let you drive it when I stop by SLO to eat.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Thanks clayne.

And that's a 340mm wheel right?

I'm still trying to decide on the size I want to go with. All the wheels I like are all 350mm but I need something to help not cross up my arms on the track... So, I'll probably have to go with something less "flashy" and more "function" when it's time.

Thanks for the pic.

clayne

I'm fairly sure it's 350 mm. That "cross-up" you are mentioning is what I was referring to with the loss of leverage over the wheel when turning.

I can tell you that just the 10 mm drop from stock is a more significant change than one would expect.

clayne

Scratch that.

I just went and measured it. 340 mm.

adam c

iTrader: (2)

PM me when you find out the date you are coming thru. I would like to see your car/steering wheel.

clayne

Just measured the stock one this morning: 380 mm.

Adam, sure, I'll let you know when - sometime around typical vacation period.

alberto_mg

What you are feeling is the weight difference/decreased mass from loosing the air bag. Felt the same thing on my friend's Miata when we pulled the airbag out of his car. Now if only I could remember why we pulled the air bag out of the stock wheel...

340mm, eh. Can you turn the wheel w/o hitting your thigh? Is there more clearance now for heel-toe?

Its a nice wheel, but I think I like the Momo better. Why did you go Mazdaspeed instead of another brand? Thanks for the info. Trying to decide what wheel to get myself...

clayne

Don't really notice much of a difference with the airbag weight removed - the car is manual steering as well. I never had a problem heel and toeing before, but the wheel has a slight D-cut which can make things easier. I went with MS because it was available. It's pretty much just a Sparco style wheel anyways.

SleepR1

Yeah, I like the Mazdaspeed steering wheel. Where do I get one?

clayne

SR1,

What's your email? I can't PM you.

SleepR1

It's a secret Just post the info here. I'm sure others might be interested in the Mazdaspeed steering wheel...

mark57

What is the size of the steering wheel shaft and is it splined? I'm leaning towards going with a QD release hub and a 330 - 340mm steering wheel.

Thanks