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Smaller is better. Day one of test driving C5's I thought the steering wheel was a bit large. Never really thought about what would be an ideal size, but I know my wife's Rogue wheel feels great. What surprised me, was how little difference between the three vehicles in my possession are.
'14 Rogue; feels great in general and right for the vehicle:
'10 Grand Caravan; feels large, but again, right for the vehicle:
'04Z; right in between but definitely feels large for the car:
I was surprised to see the almost exactly 1/2" increments. No rush, but one day I'll look into getting (or modding my) a steering wheel. Thought others might want to see how 1/2" can change the feeling of a car.
I have heard that changing to a smaller wheel, such as a Momo, makes a big difference in steering feel. You will obviously loose the airbag though, if that is something you are concerned with.
There is a way to convert to a C6 steering wheel, and even have the radio and phone buttons work. I have been working on this off and on for a long time when I get around to it. Maybe this winter I will finish this project. Then I'll publish all the parts you need.
Try driving with a large skinny factory teak wooden wheel in a mid year. I like it.
I like the c5 wheel too.
Haven’t driven a minivan ever in my life so no comment on that.
I'm on my third! They're crazy handy. I can haul 7 people, a bigger load to the dump than a pickup (4' wide, 4' high, 8' long and covered) and do both frequently.
Yep, it drives like a minivan, looks like a minivan, but it fills a purpose. To me it's the same as a pickup; if you have a use buy one, otherwise no. 3 minivans, 0 pickups shows what's more handy for me.
Now, back to our regular program.
Depends on a couple of things in terms of steering wheel size.
Rack Ratio
Suspension
vehicle size
interior space
I like to autocross and a stock size wheel is huge. I bet my 03 Silverado 2500 HD has the same size steering wheel but I would never think to put a smaller wheel in a vehicle like that. The steering response is slow, suspension is plush, not built to be nimble and interior space is plenty so a large wheel is not an issue.
Steering effort is slightly increased, but you have power steering so it's not an issue. Losing the air bag is more of a personal thing if you are willing to do it or not. For years cars did not come with them...then again airbags are quite handy in a crash...weigh your DD percentage vs benefits of a smaller wheel.
I didn't want to lose the airbag so I had the wheel thickness increased with extra padding and then reskinned with better leather. I like it much better this way. I'm having my C7 wheel redone with CF and leather with a flat bottom - I wanted to retain the airbag in that one as well as it's my dd.
^ but the overall diameter is still the same correct? They look the same.
It would be nice to have an exact replica of a OEM wheel, just 1" smaller diameter that still retains the factory airbag. Wheel hoop is smaller diameter and shorten the spokes to the center section.
I'm on my third! They're crazy handy. I can haul 7 people, a bigger load to the dump than a pickup (4' wide, 4' high, 8' long and covered) and do both frequently.
Yep, it drives like a minivan, looks like a minivan, but it fills a purpose. To me it's the same as a pickup; if you have a use buy one, otherwise no. 3 minivans, 0 pickups shows what's more handy for me.
Now, back to our regular program.
I went the pick up route - 4WD, and a good amount of grand clearance. Good for winter as the 4WD is locked and it will plow through a foot or so of snow without issue. In fact I originally bought mine as my "guaranteed to get me to work in winter" vehicle; Vettes being useless in snow.....
A smaller steering wheel would be nice, but I am not giving up on an airbag. Removing them from vehicles so equipped seems to be illegal, and would certainly void any insurance claim you might make in the event of an accident.
I went the pick up route - 4WD, and a good amount of grand clearance. Good for winter as the 4WD is locked and it will plow through a foot or so of snow without issue. In fact I originally bought mine as my "guaranteed to get me to work in winter" vehicle; Vettes being useless in snow.....
A smaller steering wheel would be nice, but I am not giving up on an airbag. Removing them from vehicles so equipped seems to be illegal, and would certainly void any insurance claim you might make in the event of an accident.
I get buying a pickup if you like/need one. I don't need ground clearance, and have never been stuck in the snow in our minivans. We need a people hauler more than a dirt hauler or off road vehicle...
I'm 100% with you on the airbag. If I did make a change I'd likely buy a used wheel and remake the ring.
09-03-2018, 11:07 PM
Size matters.
