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Changing the steering wheel makes a big difference in the feel of driving. A lot of great looking options, but be aware that some wheels are better fits than others. Personally, the RS wheel fit me better than the other MOMO options. It can be trial and error to figure what works best for you.
Momo for the win! You can store the precious 4 spoke steering wheel for posterity.
Running without airbags is a legitimate concern. So go a out and get racing seats and six point harnesses. You will be far safer, and can preserve the stock seats and the the three point belts as well. Ha! It's a slippery slope.
While i personally dont care about the airbag. If youre suggesting 6 points for street use, not only is it not legal, its also dangerous without a hans.
I could care less about the airbags. The airbags in our cars serve one purpose: prevent the front passengers from smashing their brains on the steering wheel, glass or dashboard. They were an answer to a problem when people largely did not use seat belts. I've religiously used my seat belt since 2000 or so after it became mandatory in my "nanny state" (for good reason) and also given I moved beyond the juvenile stigma of it being "uncool" to use one when I started driving in '95.
If you wear your seatbelt, you're good. Every other "classic" car I've owned has not had one.
Aesthetics, Clearly the non air bag wheel wins in this department hands down.
Feel, Again the non airbag wheel just feels better. I feel like the frame is stiffer and adds to the connection the driver has to what the wheels are doing.
Street Safety, I believe ours are what they call first generation airbags, The there have been multiple improvements in the way they deploy over the years. Early versions like ours have an acceleration rate that was deemed less than desirable and addressed in later revisions. Then there's the problem of having your arm(s) crossed across the airbag at impact. I personally know of a women who's arm was shattered by a first gen airbag. She's got a lovely scar and metal plate as a reminder. May not be an issue for us drivers that keep our hands at 10+2 but those with happy hands are at greater risk.
Track Safety, Using a full face helmet with an airbag (especially first gen) is a big no no. They've been known to deploy under the hard chin area and effect the natural arc of the head during impact causing neck injuries. Opting for an open face helmet is best in this application.
Bottom line, the non airbag wheel is not as risky as it would initially appear. Each collision is different so you'll only be able to assess the merits/liability after the fact. Porsche decided to run without one on their Rennsport version of the 993. I am sure track safety was a factor in that decision not aesthetics.
Aesthetics, Clearly the non air bag wheel wins in this department hands down.
Feel, Again the non airbag wheel just feels better. I feel like the frame is stiffer and adds to the connection the driver has to what the wheels are doing.
Street Safety, I believe ours are what they call first generation airbags, The there have been multiple improvements in the way they deploy over the years. Early versions like ours have an acceleration rate that was deemed less than desirable and addressed in later revisions. Then there's the problem of having your arm(s) crossed across the airbag at impact. I personally know of a women who's arm was shattered by a first gen airbag. She's got a lovely scar and metal plate as a reminder. May not be an issue for us drivers that keep our hands at 10+2 but those with happy hands are at greater risk.
Track Safety, Using a full face helmet with an airbag (especially first gen) is a big no no. They've been known to deploy under the hard chin area and effect the natural arc of the head during impact causing neck injuries. Opting for an open face helmet is best in this application.
Bottom line, the non airbag wheel is not as risky as it would initially appear. Each collision is different so you'll only be able to assess the merits/liability after the fact. Porsche decided to run without one on their Rennsport version of the 993. I am sure track safety was a factor in that decision not aesthetics.
Aesthetics, Clearly the non air bag wheel wins in this department hands down.
Feel, Again the non airbag wheel just feels better. I feel like the frame is stiffer and adds to the connection the driver has to what the wheels are doing.
Street Safety, I believe ours are what they call first generation airbags, The there have been multiple improvements in the way they deploy over the years. Early versions like ours have an acceleration rate that was deemed less than desirable and addressed in later revisions. Then there's the problem of having your arm(s) crossed across the airbag at impact. I personally know of a women who's arm was shattered by a first gen airbag. She's got a lovely scar and metal plate as a reminder. May not be an issue for us drivers that keep our hands at 10+2 but those with happy hands are at greater risk.
Track Safety, Using a full face helmet with an airbag (especially first gen) is a big no no. They've been known to deploy under the hard chin area and effect the natural arc of the head during impact causing neck injuries. Opting for an open face helmet is best in this application.
Bottom line, the non airbag wheel is not as risky as it would initially appear. Each collision is different so you'll only be able to assess the merits/liability after the fact. Porsche decided to run without one on their Rennsport version of the 993. I am sure track safety was a factor in that decision not aesthetics.
Do you notify your insurer that you have a steering wheel without an airbag? Would they be okay with this? I’d imagine it could have an effect on any claim if that were discovered after the fact.
Do you notify your insurance company too when you lower your vehicle ride height and your car no longer meets the federal safety regulations regarding bumper heights?
Do you notify your insurer that you have a steering wheel without an airbag? Would they be okay with this? I’d imagine it could have an effect on any claim if that were discovered after the fact.
I always inform them of performance up grades on all my cars. I give them all my track dates too. I tried emailing a video of my latest top speed run but the file was too large. It's too bad they would have been proud.
sliding back to the question of Momo...how much "dish" does everyone like? Flat or 70mm (I don't think the Prototipo has a 30mm dish)? I'm agnostic regarding the airbags, and want to change to a different wheel. I like the Momo Competition but not quite sure of the perforated leather. And then there's the model 80 with the horn buttons on the spokes. Anyone have experience with that wheel? So many questions I think I prefer the alcantara over smooth. Thoughts?
I love the dish of the Momo Mod .07/993 cup wheel and think it's perfect. However, it really depends on your driving style and anatomy. I like to sit close to the wheel and prefer having my arms slightly bent, whereas others might like a straight-armed approach. Seems like a better, "plugged-in" mechanical connection for me.
The thin rim of the Mod .07 also makes the steering feel more precise than a thicker-rimmed wheel, IMO. It's really a sublime wheel.
it is a conundrum...I have a more straight-iah driving style (old time Fangio :-)) I wish there was a retailer close by to try before you buy (hate restocking and shipping hassles).
05-12-2021, 12:16 AM
I think I prefer the alcantara over smooth. Thoughts?