Steering wheel change for ford icon

[sid_lath]

guys,
i own a icon flair and was considering if it will be worthwhile to go for the slightly smaller steering wheel that comes with the icon 1.6 SXi(will cost 2.5k). I am pretty happy with the *present steering wheel but was wondering if this would be even better.
Has anybody done this modification? Are there any problems that may crop up after this?

[normally_crazy]

no problems will crop up....change it if u want the steering looking more sportier and u drive like a maniac.!!!!

i have a sxi and the smaller steering .


no complaints!!!!
cheers

[Shan2nu]

As long as the steering diameter is the same you wont even feel the difference. But fitting a smaller steering will take a while getting used to. but it's no big deal really.

Go ahead.........

Regards...
Shan2nu

[vishnugnair]

my friend recently got a sparco stering wheel for his ikon and i think it looks great. hey one hting to note ...see the one u get is u r comfy with it else it may prove a hassle later. also invest in good quality ones!!!

[Rehaan]

Hey Sid,

I have driven the ikon with the "small sporty steering-wheel"(that comes from ford), it is quite comfortable and fun, however the ikon does have a steering wheel that is rather firm to turn in comparison to some cars, and you say that you are happy with your current steering wheel, so i guess it is the question of if you think its really worth 2.5k !!

cya
Rehaan

[Tom]

Guys!

What are the advantages of having a smaller steering wheel?
except the looks part of it....does it make driving easier?

[Rehaan]

Hey Tom,

The smaller the steering wheel is the less you have to move your arms to get the same angle of turn on the steering column. Hence it allows more rapid inputs from the driver. (Also makes turning lock to lock a much faster process, usefull for hillclimbs and winding roads etc)
The disadvantage is that you have less leverage (but in the days of power-steering that is not a huge issue), and slightly less precision controll.
Thats all i can think of at the moment...

cya
R

[GTO]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]

What are the advantages of having a smaller steering wheel?

Yes, an after-market steering wheel definitely looks better. Butttttttttttt its all a matter of personal preference in it making your driving experience better.

A smaller steering wheel will make your steering inputs that much quicker and sharper. I like it this way, and loved the change my Esteems smaller steering brought to the drive.

But beware, the steering also becomes significantly harder especially if you have wider rubber on your wheels. Not an issue with power steering equipped cars though. Another consideration is that, if you car has air-bags its better not to change the steering as you will lose that safety protection.

GTO

[Rtech]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Rehaan @ May 21 2004,11:54)]Hey Tom,

The smaller the steering wheel is the less you have to move your arms to get the same angle of turn on the steering column. Hence it allows more rapid inputs from the driver. (Also makes turning lock to lock a much faster process, usefull for hillclimbs and winding roads etc)

cya
R

Hey rehaan,

I may be wrong, but aren't you mixing up changing the steer wheel diameter with actually changing the ratio itself (i.e. quickening the steering ratio).

Changing the diameter of the wheel alone will not affect the way a car turns in. It will not reduce the amount off turns required lock-to-lock, but will infact increase this.

A smaller wheel does however make it more sporty to drive and just gels a whole lot better when you drive fast!

[Rehaan]

Hey Rtech,

Nope, im not mixing up smaller diameter steering with different ratio.

Look at the cheapass diagram i have made, - where the wheel is rotated by 90degrees the distance you have to push the larger steering is much more than how much u have to move your arms to move the smaller steering, even though the angular distance is the same (90*)
Though it will get a bit harder due to less leverage and the law of moments.

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]It will not reduce the amount off turns required lock-to-lock, but will infact increase this.

Ummm.....actually the amount of turns lock to lock will remain the same, its just that your arms move less! Lock-to-lock only changes if you change the Ratio.

heres the crappy diagram..sorry its 520am and i have clas at 8



cya
R

[ajmat]

Looked at it for the Vtec but not really worth it. I did it on my tata sierra - was well worth it on that.

[Rtech]

do'h! I was just sitting and thinking of this in my head after I posted that reply. You're right, i'm stupid!

[khizkhan]

hi
theres no problem changing to a smaller wheel but u'll feel it a bit more heavier !!!

[bhp]

i drive a ford ikon 1.6zxi . i wanted a hub and a momo steering wheel . the hub is not available with the local dealers in mumbai . i would like to know where can i get them and how much will it cost ??