steering wheel dai?

tuska · #1 (**permalink**) 05-21-2009, 12:38 AM

Hi guys/girls....and others
I'm in guts of cobra build, using torana manual rack, alloy 351 holding down front of car , my question is how small can i go with wheel dai? Anyone have experience of a too small dai wheel and non powersteer rack? by the way 245 17's on front.
cheers glen

Rob. Smith · #2 (**permalink**) 05-21-2009, 02:57 AM

G'Day Tuska, I've got a 351 cleveland without power steering and a 12" steering wheel. The rims are 15" and the rack is a shortened commodore (Holden) I had no problems with heavy steering at all. I am now about to put in an alloy 351 (Dart block) I borrowed some monster scales from work and to my suprise the alloy engine only weighs 100 lb (45kg ) less than the cast iron Cleveland. I doubt ,with the diameter of your rims, that you should have any problems with heavy steering.

tuska · #3 (**permalink**) 05-21-2009, 01:52 PM

Thanks Rob,
i'll not worry about 13"wheels i was looking at being too small.
how much does your car weigh all up?
I would love a original style laminated wheel, i think they were 16"dai. but man they are ridiculusly expensive so it will be a sports style for me.
cheers glen

Rick Parker · #4 (**permalink**) 05-21-2009, 02:30 PM

It will depend on the ratio in the rack, tire width, and of course the front end weight iof the car. Generally the high effort is only noticable at rest, unless you need it for leg or other clearance I would recommend 15" min.

Rob. Smith · #5 (**permalink**) 05-22-2009, 04:00 AM

G'Day Tuska,
The last time it was weighed it was 1200 kg (2645 lb). I'm suprised at the preferred size. I thought 12" was OK. I used this particular wheel because I've had it on every car I owned (except my present daily driver) The wheel is a Moto-Lita so it sort of goes with the Cobra. It looks ok too. I think 16" is a bit like a bus steering wheel !

Clois Harlan · #6 (**permalink**) 05-22-2009, 04:54 AM

Just for the record I have been using a 13" wheel for about 9 years and even the effort a rest is minimal. I run 8.5" rims and either 245-60 15" street tires or 26" x 10" slicks for the track and I like the feel. I am basically running a standard Mustang II rack and pinion.

Clois