350mm Steering wheel - LotusTalk

Dragon · 04-03-2008, 09:40 AM

Has anyone tried running a 350mm steering wheel in their Lotus? I really like the Momo Trek pictured below. Since it's a D shaped and slightly offset wheel I think it'll be no problem with leg clearance during normal driving, but I'm wondering about clearance when turning from lock to lock etc. Or if there are any other issues etc...

Edit: Also before anyone says anything about the Air bag.. I have a EU version car and there are no airbags from the factory.

Thanks

{Also comes in red, blue and gray Alcantara}

Chili Red · 04-03-2008, 09:48 AM

Personally I went the other way and went with a 300mm steering wheel. The 350mm wheel is a about 1.2"/30mm larger than the stock wheel which is probably going to be more than you expect. Part of what I love about the steering is how small the wheel feels.

Dragon · 04-03-2008, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chili Red

Personally I went the other way and went with a 300mm steering wheel. The 350mm wheel is a about 1.2"/30mm larger than the stock wheel which is probably going to be more than you expect. Part of what I love about the steering is how small the wheel feels.

Yea, my stock wheel is 300-310mm's already since I have a non airbag model. Would actually like a little more leverage for Auto-X as it kills my arms.. (getting older and weaker) Was also looking at the OMP Kubic wheel, It's 310x265mm's.. The Momo is much sexier though, but only comes in the 350mm version. Not sure what the other dimension is...

MikeP · 04-03-2008, 10:03 AM

I think the larger wheel may look a little out of place in the Elise. Going between my Elise with a 320mm wheel and my Noble with a 350mm wheel, I definitely prefer the feel of the smaller wheel. The larger wheel is just a bit unwieldy in comparison.

MikeP · 04-03-2008, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon

I use a Sparco 320mm-sized wheel in my Elise that looks fairly similar to that one (D-shaped and with that upper alcantara section).

Dragon · 04-03-2008, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeP

I use a Sparco 320mm-sized wheel in my Elise that looks fairly similar to that one (D-shaped and with that upper alcantara section).

Do you see it on this page anywhere?
http://www.sparcousa.com/steering_street.asp

MikeP · 04-03-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon

Do you see it on this page anywhere?
http://www.sparcousa.com/steering_street.asp

Yes, it is the "Mugello", although I'm not sure the size is the same.

choi0706 · 04-05-2008, 02:21 PM

i cant stand the flat bottoms..

Chili Red · 04-05-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choi0706

i cant stand the flat bottoms..

Me neither, I like them big and round and juicy..

choi0706 · 04-05-2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chili Red

Me neither, I like them big and round and juicy..

good one..

Dragon · 04-05-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chili Red

Me neither, I like them big and round and juicy..

wazina · 04-05-2008, 09:04 PM

I have had a 350mm momo on for a couple of weeks now and at first I liked it. It was very comfortable. Now after driving for a while - It changes the steering ratio way too much. I drove Mulholland today and my hands and elbows were all over the place. It's hard to get out of the car now, but I do have more leg room. It looks very out of place too. Way too big for the interior of the little car. Ordered a smaller sparco to replace it.
My 2 cents.

Dragon · 04-06-2008, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazina

I have had a 350mm momo on for a couple of weeks now and at first I liked it. It was very comfortable. Now after driving for a while - It changes the steering ratio way too much. I drove Mulholland today and my hands and elbows were all over the place. It's hard to get out of the car now, but I do have more leg room. It looks very out of place too. Way too big for the interior of the little car. Ordered a smaller sparco to replace it.
My 2 cents.

Thanks, I guess I'll look around for something else... Just really liked that design, wish they made a 320mm version...

Dapcius · 04-06-2008, 07:52 AM

I used to race Acura Integra for last few years and I had the same MOMO Trec 35 cm steering wheel with quick release . About 3 monts ago I started building a Elise for racing since I am selling Acura wanted to install same steering wheel in it . With removable wheel it is easier to get in and out car but 35 cm is way too big for elise. It made me feel even more cramed up in there . I end up getting same style 31 cm sparco kart wheel . the only problem cart wheels have diferent bolt patern so custom fabrication was required .......

Dragon · 04-06-2008, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dapcius

I used to race Acura Integra for last few years and I had the same MOMO Trec 35 cm steering wheel with quick release . About 3 monts ago I started building a Elise for racing since I am selling Acura wanted to install same steering wheel in it . With removable wheel it is easier to get in and out car but 35 cm is way too big for elise. It made me feel even more cramed up in there . I end up getting same style 31 cm sparco kart wheel . the only problem cart wheels have diferent bolt patern so custom fabrication was required .......

Thanks...

Just found this OMP SUPERQUADRO steering wheel and it's 320mm's... Now to find a decent price..

beat · 04-06-2008, 01:16 PM

Putting in a 350mm steering wheel will affect the close ratio steering characteristic the car has.

Benjamin · 04-06-2008, 05:49 PM

Dragon - I just picked that OMP up myself - Sube Sports - do a google to find it. Anyway I think everyone prices them the same - the tough part was finding one in stock. I used the Sector 111 quick disconnect - works like a champ and install was painless. Very pleased with the setup - better grip then stock (suede like material) and easier to get in and out. The wheel has a meatier feel to it as well.

OMP does have a limited edition model coming out for that wheel as well - check their website to see a picture. The yellow stripe is red - and "OMP" on the hub is white. I was going to get it - but couldn't wait - should be available now though.

Ben

Dragon · 04-07-2008, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin

Dragon - I just picked that OMP up myself - Sube Sports - do a google to find it. Anyway I think everyone prices them the same - the tough part was finding one in stock. I used the Sector 111 quick disconnect - works like a champ and install was painless. Very pleased with the setup - better grip then stock (suede like material) and easier to get in and out. The wheel has a meatier feel to it as well.

OMP does have a limited edition model coming out for that wheel as well - check their website to see a picture. The yellow stripe is red - and "OMP" on the hub is white. I was going to get it - but couldn't wait - should be available now though.

Ben

I went to there site and added it to my cart and when I went to check out

, unfortunately there site isn't set up for military APO AP addresses and they only ship via UPS. Can only ship via USPS to a military address..

I'll keep looking for someplace to get one... Thanks for the info though as it is confirmation that this is the steering wheel I'm looking for...

Shawn C · 04-07-2008, 05:42 AM

Are there any other quick release options that dont cost as much as a set of tires ?

xtn · 04-07-2008, 05:47 AM

To the people saying it will change the steering ratio:

I know what you mean; you're hands will have to travel a greater distance to achieve the same steering input. But the phrase "steering ratio" isn't normally used to describe the ratio of hand distance traveled per angular degree of tire rotation. Rather, it is used to describe the angular degree of steering input per angular degree of tire rotation. This ratio doesn't change no matter what size the steering wheel is.

Sure, your hand has to travel farther, but the angular degree of input required is still the same.

xtn

04-03-2008, 09:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
Dragon Hydrocarbons Rule Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Okinawa Japan Posts: 626	350mm Steering wheel Has anyone tried running a 350mm steering wheel in their Lotus? I really like the Momo Trek pictured below. Since it's a D shaped and slightly offset wheel I think it'll be no problem with leg clearance during normal driving, but I'm wondering about clearance when turning from lock to lock etc. Or if there are any other issues etc... Edit: Also before anyone says anything about the Air bag.. I have a EU version car and there are no airbags from the factory. Thanks {Also comes in red, blue and gray Alcantara} __________________ 06 Exige; BWR Supercharger, Adj Sway Bar, Ohlins 2-way Suspension, BSK Oil Catch Can, Moroso Oil Pan, ORC Super Single Clutch, Arqray Single Tip, Work Emotion CR-Kai's w/ RT615's, 2 piece rotors, Pagid Blue pads, BSK Wet Carbon (Side Skirts, Front Lip Spoiler, Gas Cap Cover, Center Console, Door Pannels), Dry Carbon rear Diffuser, Harness Bar, HKS Boost and Oil Temp Gauges, BWR Gauge Mount, Sabelt Harness, JVC Head Unit, Alpine Sub Woofer, Polk Audio speakers, OMP Superquadro steering wheel.

04-03-2008, 09:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
Chili Red Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 1,557	Personally I went the other way and went with a 300mm steering wheel. The 350mm wheel is a about 1.2"/30mm larger than the stock wheel which is probably going to be more than you expect. Part of what I love about the steering is how small the wheel feels. __________________ 2007 Exige S - Chili Red 2009 Mini Cooper S - Chili Red Gotham 265, Nitron Sport Pro, Moroso oil pan, RTVBrace, Volk CE28N/R888, Cup Wheels/A048, 2Bular Ultra 4", Rapfix II w/ Sparco P300, S111 CF Splitter, Ultradiscs, Pagid RS42, V-Force Harness Bar, Schroth PROFI II, Fire Extinguisher, Folding Tow Hook, Odyssey PC680, re-ENFORCER, LLumar 30% tint, Traqmate, DashDAQ, Chasecam, Alpine IVA-D100 w/ Backup Camera.

04-03-2008, 10:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
MikeP Turbo Elise Slayer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: San Francisco/Reno Posts: 609	I think the larger wheel may look a little out of place in the Elise. Going between my Elise with a 320mm wheel and my Noble with a 350mm wheel, I definitely prefer the feel of the smaller wheel. The larger wheel is just a bit unwieldy in comparison. __________________ 1981 Ferrari 308GTSi, red. 2005 Hypersport Elise with roll cage, etc., SY. Katana SC, DA Nitrons, Pagid RS-14s, stainless steel brake lines, RTD brace. 2005 Noble M400, 515 bhp.

04-05-2008, 02:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
choi0706 gas, gas, gas, gas Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Houston/Austin Posts: 3,700	i cant stand the flat bottoms.. __________________ Jay-05' ST, HT, Touring Red I have a theory that all.... Katana flags 9 VF flag 1

04-05-2008, 09:04 PM	#12 (permalink)
wazina Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 15	I have had a 350mm momo on for a couple of weeks now and at first I liked it. It was very comfortable. Now after driving for a while - It changes the steering ratio way too much. I drove Mulholland today and my hands and elbows were all over the place. It's hard to get out of the car now, but I do have more leg room. It looks very out of place too. Way too big for the interior of the little car. Ordered a smaller sparco to replace it. My 2 cents. __________________ 2006 Exige, stage 2 exhaust, larini decat, v-force harness bar, schroth harness, camera mount, de-snorkel, re-snorkel, rear panel delete, heat shielding delete, lexan door sill protectors, rear view mirror delete

04-06-2008, 07:52 AM	#14 (permalink)
Dapcius Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 55	I used to race Acura Integra for last few years and I had the same MOMO Trec 35 cm steering wheel with quick release . About 3 monts ago I started building a Elise for racing since I am selling Acura wanted to install same steering wheel in it . With removable wheel it is easier to get in and out car but 35 cm is way too big for elise. It made me feel even more cramed up in there . I end up getting same style 31 cm sparco kart wheel . the only problem cart wheels have diferent bolt patern so custom fabrication was required .......

04-06-2008, 01:16 PM	#16 (permalink)
beat Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 202	Putting in a 350mm steering wheel will affect the close ratio steering characteristic the car has. __________________ Play only when you can afford to lose. The truth aint for the weak.

04-06-2008, 05:49 PM	#17 (permalink)
Benjamin Mischief Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 121 Images: 2	Dragon - I just picked that OMP up myself - Sube Sports - do a google to find it. Anyway I think everyone prices them the same - the tough part was finding one in stock. I used the Sector 111 quick disconnect - works like a champ and install was painless. Very pleased with the setup - better grip then stock (suede like material) and easier to get in and out. The wheel has a meatier feel to it as well. OMP does have a limited edition model coming out for that wheel as well - check their website to see a picture. The yellow stripe is red - and "OMP" on the hub is white. I was going to get it - but couldn't wait - should be available now though. Ben Attached Images __________________ Power doesn't have to show off. Power is confident, self-assuring, self-starting and self-stopping, self-warming, and self-justifying. When you have it, you know it. - Ralph Ellison

04-07-2008, 05:42 AM	#19 (permalink)
Shawn C Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,315	Are there any other quick release options that dont cost as much as a set of tires ? __________________ 06 Exige Ph Black/Black, 2bular 7", Von Hep Rear Panel delete, Green Filter, Snorkel delete, Xenons, Scroth belts, Carbon Rear view mirror, Binnacle, Console, Cup Roof and Rear Diffuser. Sector Extinguisher, Nitron Singles, Sector Rotors, R4's, BWR front Sway Bar, Weapon R Header and De-Cat, BWR Super Charger PCA, PBOC, Chin DE Instructor.

04-07-2008, 05:47 AM	#20 (permalink)
xtn McLareghini Bugatterrari Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,811	To the people saying it will change the steering ratio: I know what you mean; you're hands will have to travel a greater distance to achieve the same steering input. But the phrase "steering ratio" isn't normally used to describe the ratio of hand distance traveled per angular degree of tire rotation. Rather, it is used to describe the angular degree of steering input per angular degree of tire rotation. This ratio doesn't change no matter what size the steering wheel is. Sure, your hand has to travel farther, but the angular degree of input required is still the same. xtn __________________ 2006 McLareghini Bugatterrari, Storm Titanium... <mods> installed: air horn, Scroth 4-point ASM harnesses, Sector111 halon extinguisher and mounting bracket, Von Hep exhaust and rear panel delete, Pagid brake pads, red Volks CE28n wheels, Toyo RA-1 tires, Nitron SA coilovers, Sector111 (WorksBell) quick-disconnect steering wheel kit. awaiting installation: Scroth "pull-up" lap belts, Sector111 RTD Brace, Tony's heater bypass mod, and dropped steering rack mounting plates. </mods> Last edited by xtn : 04-07-2008 at 08:27 AM.

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