Hey all, I was wondering if anyone had swapped a non tilt steering column for one that does? I'm getting an FD next week and it doesn't have a tilt steering column and it would be nice if I could swap one in. I can drive it without it, but it would make it a bit more comfortable cuz I'm a pretty big guy. Any help would be nice. It's a 93 touring too, and the reason I'm getting it is it's the only local one that the owner is willing to sell.

 

Mmmm... I don't think any of them do. Can't say that I've looked though.

 

I'm also very curious about this as well. I've read some Fc's have it. I wonder if it's possible to do a conversion?

 

No OEM tilt wheel for the FD.

 

Wonder if someone could produce that..

 

my turboII has a tilt steering wheel maybe you can swap them?

 

hmm... i thought some of them had it, guess not, but yeah, maybe I could look into the turboII steering column thing, or maybe a custom fab?
actually the guy I'm buying it from, this is his third FD, and he said his two previous ones had a tilt steering wheel, maybe the 94 or 95 ones did?

 

No FD's ever came with tilt steering. Doesn't sound like it would be easy to do either. Most guys will buy a smaller steering wheel with a flat bottom. Also you could get a detachable hub for the wheel so you can take it off when you get out of the vehicle.

 

Might do that, sounds like a reasonable solution, what diameter would is the stock one? I haven't actually gotten the car yet as the owner is out of town so I can't exactly go measure it.

 

correct me if i'm wrong. but i think the reason it doesnt have tilt steering is because with right hand drive models, the downpipe has to bend around the steering column.

 

Saxyman!

 

I don't think the challenge is finding a column that will tilt and fit in, it's adapting the ignition stuff, airbag wiring, etc. It's a big job.

Most people looking for a better fit do well with a smaller wheel that is spaced closer to the driver. That brings the wheel further away from the knees.

Dave

 

Equally hard to deal with can be the lack of head-room with the sun-roof. Especially with a helmet.

 

Stock steering wheel is 380mm. JDM wheels were 370mm and it definately makes a difference.

As Sgtblue said, the Touring and PEP models are lacking in headroom, you may want to look for a Base or R1/R2 model so that you don't have to deal with the sunroof motor sucking up what little headroom we have to begin with.

 

yeah, i don't care about the head room, i fit fine with that, it's just i keep banging my knees on the steering wheel, but i'll see what I can do about getting a smaller one, my only complaint with that is then I lose the airbag with most aftermarket steering wheels.

 

Unfortunately with this car, you will have to make compromises if it's the car you want. Most of those with long legs (me included) have gone with smaller aftermarket steering wheels or D-shaped ones. Depending on how long your legs are, you may want a spacer as well to bring the wheel closer to your body to allow your legs more room. I accomplished this with a quick release adapter but there are spacers available as well.

 

thanks for the advice guys, I'll totally look into that, any opinions on which company's products are the best quality? as far as spacers/ quick release adapters and steering wheels

 

I don't know what is the "best quality", but here's what I went with:

DAIKEI Boss Hub Adapter for 1990-1997 Miata
NRG Steering Wheel Quick Release Adapter (not the slim adapter)
Momo 320mm Steering Wheel

Now, just FYI, I don't recommend a 320mm or smaller steering wheel unless you are tracking your car.

 

Damn, I didn't realize that no FD ever came with tilt steering... I thought my friend's 94 PEP just didn't have that option or something. It's not like it adds THAT much weight. Every Turbo II I've ever been in had tilt steering, and cruise control too.

 

update: I bought a sparco 320mm steering wheel and got it on today finally, i love it, it's red and black and fits the car perfectly, thanks again for all the advice guys.