1994 355 nonairbag steering wheel change to smaller diameter wheel | FerrariChat
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1994 355 nonairbag steering wheel change to smaller diameter wheel

Discussion in '348/355' started by path, May 21, 2011.

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  1. path

    path Rookie

    Nov 8, 2008
    36
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    path
    #1 path, May 21, 2011
    i was hoping to change my 1994 355 steering wheel (non-airbagged) for a smaller diameter MOMO wheel to try and get better steering feel

    has anyone done this with a non-airbag 355 wheel?

    the HILL replacement boss apparently only fits the original airbagged steering wheel
     
  2. tcannon

    tcannon Formula 3

    Feb 18, 2009
    1,763
    Norman, OK
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    Todd Cannon
    #2 tcannon, May 21, 2011
    You need to be careful when going with a smaller wheel. Remember that as the wheel diameter gets smaller, so does your leverage on the steering system. Which means that with a small wheel, it will become harder to control the car.
     
  3. F355Bob

    F355Bob Formula 3

    Nov 4, 2003
    2,001
    Madison, Wisconsin
    #3 F355Bob, May 21, 2011
    I went to a smaller Momo wheel. No problem with steering-- it was much better, felt more responsive. It was also easier to get in and out of the car, but the problem is it will block your vision of the instruments. I changed to around a 13' wheel versus the smaller wheel which I think was 12.5
     
  4. tcannon

    tcannon Formula 3

    Feb 18, 2009
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    Todd Cannon
    #4 tcannon, May 21, 2011
    I am sure that a 12 or 13" wheel would be fine but I think it would get a bit dicey if you were to go down to a 10" wheel. I was not sure what size of wheel the OP was looking at. Just trying to let him know that there is a limit to what he may want to try. Glad to know your happy with your new wheel. ;)
     
  5. path

    path Rookie

    Nov 8, 2008
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    path
    #5 path, May 22, 2011
    did you need a replacement steering wheel boss, or did the new smaller diameter steering wheel fit directly onto the original boss?

    also what make and model steering wheel and wheel boss did you use

    PLEASE NOTE THAT MY CAR IS A VERY EARLY (1994) CAR WITH THE NON-AIRBAG STEERING WHEEL

    i look forward to receiving any further info you can give me
     
  6. F355Bob

    F355Bob Formula 3

    Nov 4, 2003
    2,001
    Madison, Wisconsin
    #6 F355Bob, May 22, 2011
    I agree. If you were to go too small, it would be a problem.
     
  7. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Apr 3, 2006
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    #7 355dreamer, May 22, 2011
    Path, I sent you a PM.
     
  8. vvassallo

    vvassallo F1 Veteran

    Aug 4, 2006
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    Vince V
    #8 vvassallo, May 22, 2011
    If you have a 355, you have power steering. What's the noise about a smaller wheel causing steering difficulties?! Use a 12.5" IMO.
     
  9. path

    path Rookie

    Nov 8, 2008
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    #9 path, May 23, 2011
    dear 355 dreamer,

    thank-you for your interest in my question and also for taking the time and effort to send me a PM re this

    i am embarassed to say that i dont actually know what a PM is , or how to access it !! (a bit of a ludddite )

    i look forward to getting your info (somehow )

    best wishes

    path
     
  10. Tgreenshields

    Tgreenshields Karting

    Apr 3, 2010
    79
    Greeley, Colorado
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    Tim Greenshields
    #10 Tgreenshields, May 23, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Attached are two photos. After removing the 355 OEM steering wheel I installed a F-50 unit......it is about 1 inch in diameter smaller than the 355 OEM unit. It is so much better, has a better grip position, thumb locations, superior feel for the track and street, thicker in design..overall a huge improvement.
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  11. tcannon

    tcannon Formula 3

    Feb 18, 2009
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    Todd Cannon
    #11 tcannon, May 23, 2011
    As I stated before, if you were to go to a 10" wheel, it could give you some control issues. I said that a 12" to 13" wheel would be fine. I just didn't want to see someone get themselves into trouble with the wrong wheel size. There is a major different in leverage and control between a 10" and a 12.5" wheel. I have done a lot of testing in this area.
     
  12. tcannon

    tcannon Formula 3

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    Todd Cannon
    #12 tcannon, May 23, 2011
    Nice job! The new wheel looks great! ;)
     
  13. jm3

    jm3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 3, 2002
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    #13 jm3, May 23, 2011
    This would also be a good time to move the steering wheel back 10 or 20mm. Those are off the shelf Momo spacers that make the car more comfortable.

    What no one has mentioned is that a small wheel is less sensitive. I use a 350mm minimum even in race cars. Smaller than that just makes it harder to tell where your hands are.
     

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