Steering Wheel Size,,,,is smaller better?

Excaliber · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 10:22 AM

It has been suggested that I get a smaller steering wheel for my Cobra to improve my lap times.

This, I was told, is an alternative to going with a quicker steering rack assembly, which would be WAY more money.

Of course steering effort would increase, but would the pay back of quicker steering be worth it?

Ernie

mrmustang · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 10:26 AM

Not really, and your play time on the street would not be as enjoyable either.

Bill S.

auto10x · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 11:50 AM

Stick with what you have. You´ll likely de disappointed if you change.
auto10x
Bill

Dirty Harry · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 11:57 AM

(1) It doesn't cost much to try.
(2) It does quicken the ratio, though at the cost of higher effort.
(3) It can make entry and egress easier.
(4) It can allow you to move around and shift positions more on long drives.
(5) Really strong forearms

I don't see what you have to lose by trying it.

Clois Harlan · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 12:12 PM

Ernie,

I was told the same thing a few weeks ago and I decided to keep what I have. I figured he just wasn't use to driving my car.

Clois

Blake Olson · #6 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 12:54 PM

Bigger is Better

flipper35 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 01:00 PM

I have a smaller Grant and wouldn't give it up for anything. The steering effort isn't much greater and the comfort level and apparent steering response is better. I am running 4* caster for those that think that's what makes it easier. Plus I like the leather instead of wood.

Ron61 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 01:13 PM

Geze Ernie,

We can't even get the Big Block Small block debate over and you have to start a Big Wheel Small Wheel one.

Ron

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 03:50 PM

I almost posted the header in reference to Small Wheel vs Big Wheel, lol. Thought that might be to controversial.

One day in the "hair pin" corner I came in to hot, got a mean four wheel drift going at relatively low speed. I was counter steering and holding it nicley,,,,,and then it was time to turn the wheel the other way. It took ALL my strength to crank the wheel back into position enough to stay on the track and OFF the wall.

Ever since then I've been thinking about power steering, but am worried about any "delay" a PS unit might present. I needed to steer NOW, not .3 seconds from NOW!

Hence my mental quandry over a smaller wheel vs bigger wheel vs power steering vs quicker rack gearing. I am willing to give up some "street" comfort toward better track performance.

Not sure I could crank a small wheel under the "hair pin" conditions without arms like Popeye.

Ernie

Ron61 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 04:17 PM

Ernie,

I have the 15" wheel I think it is but my steering is extremely positive. Just twitch the wheel and the car reacts. I have driven a friends with the small wheel and his steering isn't anything nearly like mine. I had trouble turning his car at anything less than 25 MPH. A lot of that was because I am not used to his though. Also he has a lot more weight up front than I do. I also drove another one with the 351 and power steering and had a devil of a time keeping it lined out. I just seemed to lose all feel of the road. Also a lot because I am used to mine and not to power steering in a lighter car. Anyway you have a great topic started.

Ron

Edley Rondinone · #11 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 04:35 PM

Ernie: I agree with Dirty Harry's responses, but you may have answered your own question with the "hairpin" episode; Try a smaller wheel, but be careful at that same hairpin. Smaller wheel may be different on the track approaching said hairpin!

Excaliber · #12 (**permalink**) 08-13-2003, 09:15 PM

The hair pin solution:

Get OFF the gas and ON the brakes BEFORE the corner! LOL

Ernie

petek · #13 (**permalink**) 08-14-2003, 09:07 AM

"It took ALL my strength to crank the wheel back into position enough to stay on the track and OFF the wall."

A smaller diameter steering wheel will be even more difficult to turn in the same situation!

Maybe stronger arms is the answer. Try 60 oz. curls instead of 8 oz. curls

Alex Donghi · #14 (**permalink**) 08-14-2003, 12:34 PM

"It has been suggested that I get a smaller steering wheel for my Cobra to improve my lap times"

How about a smaller diameter track that could lower lap times

flipper35 · #15 (**permalink**) 08-14-2003, 12:48 PM

Mine is a small block set back a bit. The weight of the wheel at speed is not bad at all. My wife can even steer in a parking lot with it. The only time it's tough is when the car is sitting still. THe steering is really quick, but that come in handy at a track. It will cost you unter $100 to find out. If your turn signal stalk is close to the wheel you may have a problem.

Alignments make a big difference in the feel of the car and the wheel and I don't think there is a set standard for these cars. I have heard the original race cars had about 5* caster. Mine was aligned by a race shop, not some place like Pep Boys.

Carroll DeWeese · #16 (**permalink**) 08-14-2003, 01:26 PM

I agree with Dirty Harry except for the last point:
(1) It doesn't cost much to try.
(2) It does quicken the ratio, though at the cost of higher effort.
(3) It can make entry and egress easier.
(4) It can allow you to move around and shift positions more on long drives.
(5) Really strong forearms (disagree -- my turning effort in not much more than with my previously larger wheel).

A smaller wheel also improves the leg room for heel and toe movement (your knee avoid hiting the steering wheel).

flipper35 · #17 (**permalink**) 08-14-2003, 01:51 PM

Tanks Carroll, I was feeling like a loner here.

Excaliber · #18 (**permalink**) 08-14-2003, 04:04 PM

What about a power steering rack with quicker gearing AND a smaller wheel? Can you get the steering TO quick?

I think I will go with a smaller wheel for now. It will be a bear in the parking lot, as the one I have now is tough enough! Once I'm rollling, it's fine.

Ernie

flipper35 · #19 (**permalink**) 08-14-2003, 06:01 PM

"On the track, quicker is always better." Rod Millen from Car and Driver a couple months ago.

nikbj68 · #20 (**permalink**) 08-15-2003, 06:17 AM

A lot depends on what you mean by 'small'. If you`re going for a 10" shirt button, then expect problems! What do you have now, 16"? try 14". Several cars ago, I dropped from a 16" to a Mountney 14" Extra-thick leather wheel, The gain in precision took some getting used to, but I wouldn`t have changed back for the (slightly) lighter steering.

Incidentally, Nigel Hulme (owner of CS2131 for many years) gave me the original wheel from the Cobra as he had fitted a smaller 'Mota-Lita' to improve leg clearance & comfort. My Father now has it, so I couldn`t tell you the size of original or replacement. I`d try it if I were you.....If you don`t like the feel of it, sell the wheel on Ebay, loadsa Cobra parts fans out there!!!