Aftermarket Steering Wheel

I

imranman

Contributing Member
Joined
30 August 2010
Messages
121
Hi Guys,

I'm looking at purchasing an aftermarket steering wheel and have a few questions (I tried searching already but couldn't get all the answers).

1) Is there a quality difference between Sparco, Momo, OMP, Nardi? Is there one I should go for over another or its all personal preference? I'm looking for a suede one.

2) I'm thinking I'll get a 340 or 350mm. Is 330mm too small, from the forums I get the idea that it will cover the gauges, anybody have this and find it annoying?

3) I really like the OMP VELOCITÀ SUPERLEGGERO (http://www.ompracing.com/detail.html?productcode=OD/2020) but it says it is a FLAT WHEEL and seems to highlight that point on the site; Will that cause issues on the NSX in terms of daily driving? I don't want it to be cumbersome reaching for the turn signal stalk and what not. I wear Medium sized gloves and am the only driver if that helps.

4) This one may already be in the forums but I'll ask it anyway, do I need to do something special to disable the airbag light? (I have a 91)

Thanks in advance.
 
1) Is there a quality difference between Sparco, Momo, OMP, Nardi? Is there one I should go for over another or its all personal preference? I'm looking for a suede one.
Click to expand...

Not really. These are all good companies and you should be fine with any. I would pay more attention to the hub/and/or quick release if you get one. Works Bell is the best IMO and actually test their QR/Hub thoroughly vs some of the knock off brands which simply reverse engineer. See this thread for more info.

2) I'm thinking I'll get a 340 or 350mm. Is 330mm too small, from the forums I get the idea that it will cover the gauges, anybody have this and find it annoying?
Click to expand...
I prefer 330, but it's all personal preference. I suggest you try them all and see what you like. I have 330 and 350. This is my old 350z OEM wheel (about 370mm) vs. a 330 wheel.

1.jpg


You may want to measure the nsx wheel to get an idea. Just for reference:

Stock 350z wheel = 14.6" ~370mm
350mm wheel = 13.8"
330mm wheel = 13"

3) I really like the OMP VELOCITÀ SUPERLEGGERO (http://www.ompracing.com/detail.html...ctcode=OD/2020) but it says it is a FLAT WHEEL and seems to highlight that point on the site; Will that cause issues on the NSX in terms of daily driving? I don't want it to be cumbersome reaching for the turn signal stalk and what not. I wear Medium sized gloves and am the only driver if that helps.
Click to expand...

Suede is nice, but may wear with time. Will last longer if you wear gloves.

4) This one may already be in the forums but I'll ask it anyway, do I need to do something special to disable the airbag light? (I have a 91)
Click to expand...

You'll need the resistors. See my DIY thread here for more info.
 
Thank you for the very thorough answer Synth it's very helpful. Do you know if with the NSX we can go with a 'flat' wheel or should it be concave to better space itself from the control stalks. I'm likely going to get the NRG quick release hub.
 
imranman said:
Thank you for the very thorough answer Synth it's very helpful. Do you know if with the NSX we can go with a 'flat' wheel or should it be concave to better space itself from the control stalks. I'm likely going to get the NRG quick release hub.
Click to expand...

NRG is a cheap alternative and copy of Works Bell. NRG does zero testing on any of their hubs. As an important safety item, I wouldn't feel comfortable with their product. I would be surprised if a flat wheel doesn't work. Post a pic of what you are considering.
 
This is what I am considering. Good to know about NRG I just saw that lots of people use it on this site so figured it was the way to go. Also your's is a legitimate NA2 correct, so I'm assuming you have Power Steering so you had no issues with the 330mm? I don't have power steering so fear 330 might involve too much effort at low speeds.




 
Last edited:
imranman said:
This is what I am considering. Good to know about NRG I just saw that lots of people use it on this site so figured it was the way to go. Also your's is a legitimate NA2 correct, so I'm assuming you have Power Steering so you had no issues with the 330mm? I don't have power steering so fear 330 might involve too much effort at low speeds.




Click to expand...


You should be fine with that wheel. Yes, I have an NA2. 330 vs 350 shouldn't make a huge difference with regards to your ability/strength to turn. :D Go with what feels more comfortable and fits you. I have both 350 and 330. I use my 350 more because it's leather and the 330 less because it's wrapped in swede.
 
synth19 said:
NRG is a cheap alternative and copy of Works Bell. NRG does zero testing on any of their hubs. As an important safety item, I wouldn't feel comfortable with their product. I would be surprised if a flat wheel doesn't work. Post a pic of what you are considering.
Click to expand...

We've been selling the NRG product line for 5 years, thousands of units sold and not 1 single complaint. I can't even think of ever hearing of one of their products breaking. I have the complete NRG setup in my own NSX that we sell in our shop..

If you are looking for the best price on NRG or Sparco products, give me a PM. I'm sure to have most all of their products in stock, ready to ship.
 
NSX1145 said:
We've been selling the NRG product line for 5 years, thousands of units sold and not 1 single complaint. I can't even think of ever hearing of one of their products breaking. I have the complete NRG setup in my own NSX that we sell in our shop..

If you are looking for the best price on NRG or Sparco products, give me a PM. I'm sure to have most all of their products in stock, ready to ship.
Click to expand...

For me, it's mostly the fact that the NRG hub is a knockoff of the Works Bell hub, so it's an issue of a few things: 1, if you like to support the original manufacturer of a design, go Works Bell. 2, you should see the engineering and testing that goes into the Works Bell hubs, vs, I'm sure very little testing goes into the NRG hubs. 3, made in Japan (Works Bell) vs made in China/Taiwan (NRG).

I personally don't trust metal products that are made in China, as their metallurgy is notoriously bad. And on something as crucial as a steering hub, I personally wouldn't trust an NRG hub on my car. A friend of mine has an NRG hub and it has a little bit of play, which would personally annoy me to no end on something like steering.

In these days of rampant knockoff products, I personally will always try to support the original manufacturer of a design. I'm not one to try to get a certain look for the lowest price, so on any of my cars, you will not see a knockoff product. I'd rather take more time and save for the original, than have a cheap alternative right now.
 
This is a good page don't know how I missed it! Does anybody have any straight on pics of a 330mm (from a driver's perspective)?

docjohn said:
have you feasted your eyes on this http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showt...e-thread?highlight=aftermarket+steering+wheel
Click to expand...

As for the NRG hub, it would drive me insane if there was even a small amount of play in it. I will look up the works bell as I totally understand supporting an original designer, but if its considerably more expensive I may have to pass, money does play a factor.
 
phryxis said:
For me, it's mostly the fact that the NRG hub is a knockoff of the Works Bell hub, so it's an issue of a few things: 1, if you like to support the original manufacturer of a design, go Works Bell. 2, you should see the engineering and testing that goes into the Works Bell hubs, vs, I'm sure very little testing goes into the NRG hubs. 3, made in Japan (Works Bell) vs made in China/Taiwan (NRG).

I personally don't trust metal products that are made in China, as their metallurgy is notoriously bad. And on something as crucial as a steering hub, I personally wouldn't trust an NRG hub on my car. A friend of mine has an NRG hub and it has a little bit of play, which would personally annoy me to no end on something like steering.

In these days of rampant knockoff products, I personally will always try to support the original manufacturer of a design. I'm not one to try to get a certain look for the lowest price, so on any of my cars, you will not see a knockoff product. I'd rather take more time and save for the original, than have a cheap alternative right now.
Click to expand...

Couldn't have said it better. I share the same philosophy.
 
I tried to buy the OMP carbon wheel off Umbrella design but after 16 months gave up and got my money back (but that's another story) so I googled around and found these guys who look like they did it for Umbrella the photo both use are more than similar;so has anyone dealt with this company? http://www.craftcustoms.com/images/Make-Model/Real-Carbon-Fiber/OMP-Racing-Carbon-Fiber.jpg
Thanks for your inquiry! Since 1991, we have been the leader inupholstering, customizing, repairing, restoring and decorating steeringwheels, dashes and interior parts for every make and model of car andtruck. <o:p></o>
<o:p></o>
We do ALL custom work at CraftCustoms. Our customers send us their steering wheels and we do the work andsend them back. I don't know what Make & Model you have so I'll give you ageneral quote:

The cost to modify your steering wheel to Synthetic Carbon Fiberand leather specifications is between $499 & $550 plus shipping.Turnaround is about 2 weeks. We can also reupholster your gear shift orebrake handle to match your steering wheel in leather for $100 each or insynthetic Carbon Fiber/leather for $199 each. <o:p></o>
<o:p></o>
The cost to modify yoursteering wheel to Real Carbon Fiber and leather specifications isbetween $699 & $749 plus shipping. Turnaround is about 3 and a halfweeks. We can also reupholster your gear shift or ebrake handle to matchyour steering wheel in leather for $100 each or in synthetic CarbonFiber/leather for $250 each.<o:p></o>
<o:p></o>
All of our work, quality andmaterials are guaranteed, and meet or exceed manufacturer's specifications. Simplysend your wheel in to the address below, along with a copy of this email, youraddress, phone number, and a brief description of what you wantdone. We will call you and can take a credit card over the phone to handlepayment. And, when your job is complete and ready to ship,we will notify you that it is on its way. Please let me know ifyou have any additional questions.

To guarantee the price quoted, please include a copy of this email/quote inyour box when shipping in your order.

Thanks,

Kathy
www.craftcustoms.com
214-564-1170<o:p></o>
888-407-3074
892 Steger Towne Rd., #59
Rockwall, Texas 75032
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]-->
 
How bad will the suede degrade over time? I don't daily drive my nsx anymore so it gets driven maybe once or twice a week (excluding track/auto-x days). I don't mind having an excuse to buy driving gloves lol :P

that OMP superquadro looks nice but I'm not sure if I want to go with a D shaped one, not sure how that would work driving on the streets.
 
imranman said:
How bad will the suede degrade over time? I don't daily drive my nsx anymore so it gets driven maybe once or twice a week (excluding track/auto-x days). I don't mind having an excuse to buy driving gloves lol :P

that OMP superquadro looks nice but I'm not sure if I want to go with a D shaped one, not sure how that would work driving on the streets.
Click to expand...
D-shape works excellent for daily driving. It actually gives you some knee room and good for sliding out of the car. I have zero complaints with this wheel. Suede is still holding up nicely after a year of ownership. Bought mine new from Gil's brother. Gil has one as well.
 
Last edited:
davidf said:
D-shape works excellent for daily driving. It actually gives you some knee room and good for sliding out of the car. I have zero complaints with this wheel. Suede is still holding up nicely after a year of ownership. Bought mine new from Gil's brother. Gil has one as well.
Click to expand...

You have any pics? I like the wheel but think suede and D shaped wheels may look out of place in a stockish interior.
 
+1 on using Works Bell. I have their "Rapfix" hub and it has absolutely zero play, and can be taken off and put back on in under a second.

- - - Updated - - -

+1 on using Works Bell. I have their "Rapfix" hub and it has absolutely zero play, and can be taken off and put back on in under a second.
 
You can clean the synthetic suede with alcohol also. Just make sure it's real Alcantara SPA or UltraSuede FR. They both stand up well.
 
Which steering wheel manufacturers use ultrasuede or alcantara? All the ones I've checked (OMP, Sparco etc) just say suede.
 
phryxis said:
Function over form, Dave!
Click to expand...

You can have both. Like with a Shorai battery mount. Functional weight saver in beautifully extruded aluminum. :D

- - - Updated - - -

imranman said:
Which steering wheel manufacturers use ultrasuede or alcantara? All the ones I've checked (OMP, Sparco etc) just say suede.
Click to expand...

I doubt anything is real suede anymore. I think it's just the name.
 
imranman said:
Which steering wheel manufacturers use ultrasuede or alcantara? All the ones I've checked (OMP, Sparco etc) just say suede.
Click to expand...

A few years ago Toray (the manufacturer of Alcantara) split their brand into a few parts. Oem, aftermarket and fashion. Most of the material we get now is either labeled as Alcantara SPA or Ultrasuede TM FR. Both are are the same U/V and fire retardant. I would say if a manufacturer lists it at Ultrasuede TM, Alcantara SPA or even from Toray, you should be good. There is a lot of knock offs out there. if they just say "suede" then it's not Alcantara. Toray's suede is very dense and heavy duty. Holds up to wear and tear much better. That being said, Alcantara is designed as a high abrasive material (holds you in place). It will wear much faster than leather would.
 
Jeff@Carbon6 said:
A few years ago Toray (the manufacturer of Alcantara) split their brand into a few parts. Oem, aftermarket and fashion. Most of the material we get now is either labeled as Alcantara SPA or Ultrasuede TM FR. Both are are the same U/V and fire retardant. I would say if a manufacturer lists it at Ultrasuede TM, Alcantara SPA or even from Toray, you should be good. There is a lot of knock offs out there. if they just say "suede" then it's not Alcantara. Toray's suede is very dense and heavy duty. Holds up to wear and tear much better. That being said, Alcantara is designed as a high abrasive material (holds you in place). It will wear much faster than leather would.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the informative post.
 

Similar threads

Ron1999
Other Honda / Acura steering wheels that might work on the NSX?
Replies
4
Views
223
MotorMouth93
MotorMouth93
GGawaran
91-94 Steering
Replies
10
Views
253
Old Guy
Old Guy
Hugh
Interior *SOLD* Airbag for '91-'99 Now Including Steering Wheel & Lowered Price
Replies
2
Views
339
Hugh
Hugh
Wild Turkey
  • Locked
***SOLD*** JDM airbag with red "H" for S2000 steering wheel
Replies
5
Views
398
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey
90210nsx
Steering / tire "clunk? "
Replies
12
Views
688
90210nsx
90210nsx
Back
Top