Club Cobra - Change to 13 inch steering wheel?

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Change to 13 inch steering wheel?

Hi all. I am thinking of changing my 15 inch steering wheel for a 13 inch steering wheel. With my new seats (thicker seat bottom padding), I would like a little more room between the bottom of my steering wheel and my thighs.

My steering is a Mustang II rack, 3 1/8 turns lock to lock. Never found the steering too heavy with the 15 inch wheel.

BGF TA's 215/70 x15 front tires, pretty standard alignment (1/8" toe-in, 1.5 deg camber, 10 deg castor).

Will a 13 inch wheel make that much of a difference in steering effort?

Cheers
Greg

I have a 13 multi diameter momo....its 13 at the
Top and 10 inches at the knee it works great

I have a Mustang II manual rack as well and just changed to a 14" wheel from a 15" for the very same reason. I really haven't noticed the steering being any heavier but, it does seem to be a bit quicker.

I ran a 13" for about 2 years. You will notice very heavy effort at low speeds. You have tiny and crappy BFG's so it might not be so bad. Forget that with 245 BB's. Radials would be better.
Your alignment is not 'close to standard' and not helping turn-in effort. Caster should be 4 1/2 - 5 degrees and camber around - 3/4 degree. Toe should be closer to zero for better turn-in too. Your fronts must get shredded pretty quick with those specs.

It will be 13% harder. 13" is 13% less lever than 15".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul F (Post 1252759)

It will be 13% harder. 13" is 13% less lever than 15".

A little more with bigger, stickier tires.

The car won't look right in my opinion, kind of like a go-kart steering wheel. Once again, Mickey Mousing up the classic look.

CSX3183 put the dagger into my heart. Originality is want I want too. I think I've figured out a way to give myself a lttle extra clearance by modifying the length of the steering boss/hub.

Cheers
Greg

Make the car drivable.......keep the period correct wheel in the garage.......I have a 15 in h wood wheel in the garage ....it sucks to drive with it.....if I ever have to sell the car and an original wheel is important to the buyer......well I have it.....

So you just ignore the snickering behind your back when you drive it somewhere and park it.

As if anyone that will see the car has any idea what a proper steering wheel looks like.

Enjoy your car the way you want to enjoy your car. Paint it purple and put a Chevy block in it if that makes you happy. If snickering behind your back is what drives your life, well, .... what a life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSX3183 (Post 1252983)

So you just ignore the snickering behind your back when you drive it somewhere and park it.

Easy way to fix that. Don't hang around with petty people. Ta-da!

Make your car as safe and comfortable for you as you can. If it means eschewing the 'original' look, then so be it. I, for one, will not laugh about it.

My assumption is that there are enough replica's out there, and photos over the years of original cars, that just about anyone who is a car nut, that would go to a car show, would know that a skimpy little 13" wheel for one looks to modern, and second too small for the car.

My other assumption, which I'm sure many will deny, is that they bought their replica with one of the reasons being, (way deep inside), that the novice would think they have the real thing, (nothing wrong with that, as we can't all afford a real one).

But to bastard it up, with MICKEY MOUSE creature comforts, small blocks etc., is not only an affront to the car and it's history, but it's a sure way for even the unknowledgeable to pass on by and not even give your car a second look,,,,,,,, I mean, anyone can build a KIT CAR out of a VW, and put a body on it.

As for worrying about snickering, not me, I'm a purest.

I'll use my favorite line again here, that's fine if your a "Girly Man".

To get the full experience, one needs to suffer, to appreciate the soul of a Cobra.

God help the fool who puts a Chevy motor in a Cobra replica, he's certain to spend time in Purgatory.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul F (Post 1253074)

Quote:

Originally Posted by my427cobra (Post 1252725)

I like the smaller wheel for track and autocross use. I'm assuming you are referring to leather wrapped wheel. I can put the larger wheel back on when I want to go slow. ;)