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So, as some of you know, the 94’-96’ SRS equipped steering wheels aren’t the best looking (and are rather large). 2 years ago I did a conversion over to an NRG Hub and Sparco 350mm steering wheel. The idea was to get a smaller/sportier feel, allow more leg room, and it looks way better than the big stocker.
However, lately I am contemplating on returning back to the stock wheel. A clean later C4 just looks good with a well-kept stock interior. In some ways, the stock wheel looks more at home in the cabin then the aftermarket wheel (Even though I went after a stock looking aftermarket wheel). And, retaining the air bag is also a nice feature (maybe, could be debatable).
Sparco Pros:
• More aggressive feel
• Looks better
• Can be easily upgraded with quick release, etc…
Sparco Cons:
• No airbag
• Is not original
• May hurt resale, etc…
I am coming to you guys for opinions, because, for the most part we all speak the same language. Would you guys keep the smaller Sparco wheel with thumb grips (350mm) or return to the factory wheel (roughly 380mm) for more originality and safety?
Last edited by TorchTarga94; 08-02-2017 at 02:24 PM.
I understand the appeal of a slightly smaller wheel but I have the same conclusion that I think you have come to, that is the stock wheel actually looks more "correct" in the late model C4.
And while it IS debatable ... that air bag might just save your life.
I'm kind of an OE guy so I prefer the original (even though it's the least attractive wheel offered in C4). How about a conversion to a 92-93 wheel? Has anyone done this? I feel it's not bad looking for an air bag wheel...I always wondered why Chevrolet changed from a more modern/intergrated look to a more dated/boxy/added on looking design.
Oh...and BTW...wouldn't an aftermarket wheel throw an air bag light? I've seen a lot of guys install aftermarket wheels but nobody has ever mentioned the light...
Mr.Peabody, you are absolutely correct. Raises another question, I sure the airbag would deploy, but how efficient/safe are they after 20+ years? Also, if you are a smaller driver (I am 5'8") and like to sit close to the wheel so my knee barely scrubs the hush panel when I depress the clutch (ZF Doc's recommendations) I wonder if that negates any safety the airbag would give you?
Edv92c4- There is talk about defeating the airbag in the aftermarket wheel thread. It is a simple 20ohm/5watt resistor you plug into the original airbag connector under the dash. Keeps the system happy, light off, and still allows the passenger side airbag to deploy in an accident.
Keep em' coming.
Another question, were there differences in the steering column and seat belt mechanism between the non-airbag C4's vs. the airbag C4's? For the non-airbag C4 is there a crush or collapsible system built in? I know they are telescopic but just curious. I wonder if they changed the seat belt mech over the years to allow more give for the airbag equipped cars?
Airbags are a tough one. Most other manufacturers in the 90s said airbags needed to be inspected everybody to 15 years. GM did not, but they're hardly a paragon of reliable designs for safety features. If you(or your car) live or lived in a hot or humid area, the lifespan of an airbag shrinks.
I have an aftermarket wheel as well and couldn't go back to the stock one. It's just too big and ugly. If you gonto sell thebcar, put the factory wheel on then, or just include it with the sale with the option to put it on. Nobody is going to turn down a car with an aftermarket wheel if the original is included. If you get some weirdo, just say you switched it over to preserve to.oem one because "they're getting hard to find nowdays".
Aftermarket wheel looks cool but if your the type that likes to "exercise" your Vette then stick with the air bag. I would use aftermarket in track with 5 pt. safety restraint belts.
If you gonto sell thebcar, put the factory wheel on then, or just include it with the sale with the option to put it on. Nobody is going to turn down a car with an aftermarket wheel if the original is included. If you get some weirdo, just say you switched it over to preserve to.oem one because "they're getting hard to find nowdays".
I would turn down a car with an aftermarket wheel. I have seen threads where the installer decided to cut the wires instead of removing things properly. No way I am digging around a hack job somebody else did.
I would turn down a car with an aftermarket wheel. I have seen threads where the installer decided to cut the wires instead of removing things properly. No way I am digging around a hack job somebody else did.
Nothing was cut on mine. I safely removed everything including the original clock spring. I used a junkyard clock spring for the wiring to make my plug and play resistor setup.
Everything I have done to the car for the most part is documented with pics in a black binder.
Considering how old these Air bag systems are, they may be more dangerous now possibly. Get shot in the face with 20 year old airbag, maybe the parts holding it together come apart like the takata bags.
I would stay with which ever you like best, I know that sounds wack. It's just how I see things in life. With that said, I have been wanting to put a Sparco or Momo in my car, but it's still for sale so no
As far as Columns go Non Airbag vs Airbag. I know for certain the 90-91 column uses the SAME collapsible lower main shaft as an 87. in fact everything is basically the same int he tilt mechanism as well, this is why the 90- up get the steering wheel rock. I have yet to weigh my 90 wheel but it is heavy compared to my Momo.
My OEM 1990 wheel
My Momo
I removed the clock spring (actually the whole 1990 column) and replaced it with a 1987 column with telescopic function. it has the 1990 'plastic' and wiring or all the functions of the stalk.
As far as Columns go Non Airbag vs Airbag. I know for certain the 90-91 column uses the SAME collapsible lower main shaft as an 87. in fact everything is basically the same int he tilt mechanism as well, this is why the 90- up get the steering wheel rock. I have yet to weigh my 90 wheel but it is heavy compared to my Momo.
My OEM 1990 wheel
My Momo
I removed the clock spring (actually the whole 1990 column) and replaced it with a 1987 column with telescopic function. it has the 1990 'plastic' and wiring or all the functions of the stalk.
I am happy with the switch
Very good info! I would have to imagine the column is the same for the 94'-96' as well. Yes my OEM wheel is quite a bit heavier than my Sparco. Is that the Grant-Chevy horn button? It worked on the momo wheel? I've been thinking about getting that for a more OEM look.
Considering how old these Air bag systems are, they may be more dangerous now possibly. Get shot in the face with 20 year old airbag, maybe the parts holding it together come apart like the takata bags.
Just a thought
I responded to an accident scene one night, guy was driving a 93 Camaro with 200k on the clock. Air back worked just like it was supposed to. It was a direct front center hit with a rather large black bear......
08-02-2017, 02:23 PM
94'-96' Steering Wheels
It was a direct front center hit with a rather large black bear......