Testarossa steering wheel size.... | FerrariChat
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Testarossa steering wheel size....

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by patpong, Aug 21, 2005.

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  1. patpong

    patpong Formula 3

    Jul 6, 2004
    2,274
    Bangkok, Thailand
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    Patpong Thanavisuth
    #1 patpong, Aug 21, 2005
    Need help... I am about to buy a steering wheel for my Testarossa. I want to have the original one but none available. So, I am getting one close to it which is the one on the 400i. However, I have no idea the diameter size of the original Testarossa steering. If anyone could tell me it would be great... thank you.
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,632
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
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    Steve Magnusson
    #2 Steve Magnusson, Aug 21, 2005
    My original TR steering wheel has an outer diameter of 365mm, but I'd say a 350mm Momo with a thicker rim would be a much better choice (the thin rim of the stock TR wheel is horrible IMO).
     
  3. patpong

    patpong Formula 3

    Jul 6, 2004
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    Patpong Thanavisuth
    #3 patpong, Aug 21, 2005
    Thank you Steve,
    The one I have is a thicker rim. Nice for controlling but since it's much smaller parking is just too heavy. And mine look a bid too modern, IMO

    http://www.xok.com/sundaymorningdrive/displayimage.php?album=29&pos=33
     
  4. mgtr1990

    mgtr1990 Formula 3

    Mar 30, 2005
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    Naples Florida
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    Martin Graham
    #4 mgtr1990, Aug 22, 2005
    I am with Steve its 365mm and I put the 350mm MOMO Corse on with a 25mm adapter big difference.
     
  5. Tifosi66

    Tifosi66 Formula 3

    Nov 30, 2004
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    Li-Ge
    #5 Tifosi66, Aug 22, 2005
    Pat,

    That's a MOMO Race/ Champion if I'm not mistaken and the diameter is 350mm. It looks good IMO, matching your Aluminium bits and your interior looks every bit as new anyways...

    I think building extra biceps is better than going the original route !
     
  6. Ferrari Mackintosh

    Ferrari Mackintosh Formula Junior

    Sep 21, 2004
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    #6 Ferrari Mackintosh, Aug 22, 2005
    I would go in the other direction as I use a 330MM diameter wheel on my 512TR. I'll explain. The best handling most responsive Ferrari to date is an F40, and that uses a 330MM steering wheel as standard, so I thought I'd try a similar size wheel and believe me when I tell you it makes one hell of a difference to the handling. Before I made the change I found it a bit tricky and heavy to steer the 512TR. After installing the new wheel the car just feels a more responsive, nippier and considerably easier to manouver around corners, requiring less work than before. The original wheel made the 512 feel like I was steering a lorry because of it's sheer bulk.
     
  7. Tifosi66

    Tifosi66 Formula 3

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    #7 Tifosi66, Aug 22, 2005
    Dan,
    Not sure about geometric differences between a TR and a TR512 ( Caster/toe etc..) but your 512 runs on 18" wheels and the minimal sidewall height of a 40 section front actually makes the car steer easier, even if you have a smaller dia. steering wheel. ( Less sidewall height, stiffer and hence faster response, i.e less squirm effect..)

    Now Patpong's car came with 16" standard and I think it's now on 17" splitties. That would be on a 235/45 front most probably. He's complaining of heavy steering on the 350mm dia. MOMO and a 330mm dia. would exarcebate it further.

    Just my $0.02
     
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  8. Ferrari Mackintosh

    Ferrari Mackintosh Formula Junior

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    #8 Ferrari Mackintosh, Aug 23, 2005
    TIFOSI66,

    From the looks of it a 330MM steering wheel is a problem on a TR. However I'm living proof that it is an improvement on a 512TR. If you think it's just in my head, my dad notices the improvement also.
     
  9. Tifosi66

    Tifosi66 Formula 3

    Nov 30, 2004
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    #9 Tifosi66, Aug 23, 2005
    Dan,

    I'm not saying it's not workable and since you're the one with the TR512, I trust you and your dad's experience. My point was the fact your 512 runs on 18" wheels. The size, if I'm not mistaken should be 235/40 for the fronts. Sidewall height is lower than a 225/50 on a 16" or 235/45 on a 17".

    Now, presuming the tyres are new for all sizes, the 18" would definitely turn in faster due to the less sidewall height and consequently stiffer sidewalls. There will be less flex and squirm in the walls and that's where you can feel the difference in handling terms. The ride would be slightly harsh though...

    A 330mm Dia wheel with the 18" setup should be okay as you said and makes the car handles better and I'm not saying it ain't so. What I'm saying is it might not work on a TR with 16" or 17" rims as the sidewall height of the tyres are not the same as yours.

    FYI I once had an '83 GTV6 in Blighty and changed the ' wood ' wheel to a MOMO MonteCarlo 350mm. Heavier to turn...but when I changed my stock rims (15" 195/60 tyres ) to Compomotive's 16" with 205/50 tyres, the steering lightened a tad and handling improved.

    Or the mostly overlooked cure....Pat must get new tyres ! New tyres have deeper tread and consequently lightens the steering since there's actually less rubber on the road !
     

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