corvettef1x

I would like to see the different steering wheels out there that people have swapped in and out.

What are the pros and cons?

EVIL_C5

started with this one....Vette Essentials, yellow and black with yellow stitching


then went to this one...Vette Essentials black leather with yellow stitching


and finally to this one....a true work of art....APSIS Carbon Fiber D-Type with nappa leather and alcantara with Yellow stitching.

corvettef1x

is it possible to change the wheel completely? as in, put a smaller wheel on there, or a c6 wheel?

EVIL_C5

the APSIS and DSV models have a flattened bottom, but as far as a wheel that allows you to maintain the airbad, those are the only "custom" options that are out there.

the C6 wheel question has been asked and i think the answer was the cost to make the spines work was too high.

I have seen people replace them with racing wheels that do not have a airbag, but I personally wouldnt do it unless it was a full out race car or a no street use show car.

luanne56

Purchased this car with the wheel already installed. I love it but have to be careful of the stitching.

904pizza

What is typical cost??

MSG C5

This is definitely a planned mod for me. I'm leaning towards the DSV version because they have the D-shape with the finger wraps at the bottom vs. the top, which I like.

Depending on how exotic you go with materials, leather, stitching, etc., the costs I've seen range between $400 - $700. There is usually a core charge and the cost for installation at a dealer or other mod shop. Some guys have been able to install on their own, however I for one don't want to mess with the airbag mechanism.

EVIL_C5

probably 400-over a grand depending on how elaborate.....

chris holmes

Swapped mine out for a Sparco 383 last week. Completely love the new wheel. It's a 'lot' smaller and sportier than the stock wheel. The only downside is that I lost the airbag and horn (the horn should be fixed soon though).

MSG C5

I'm curious if eliminating the airbag has any insurance repurcussions. I'm not questioning your decision as it's your car, however the idea raises questions for me.

Suppose I swap my steering wheel and remove the airbag. Suppose a friend or family member drives my car and is involved in an accident that would have engaged the air bag (head on, etc.) and the person suffers injuries that probably would have been prevented by the airbag.

Would my insurance company not pay as a result? Are there laws that carry penalties for removing a factory installed airbag, considering there are laws that require GM and other manufacturers to supply/install them?

Again, not questioning your decision, just asking questions and playing devil's advocate....

chris holmes

To be honest, the car is hardly ever driven, and then only by me. I have like 16k miles on it since 2003. It's not a daily driver.

blacksedan87

I have had a few customers that have gone the aftermarket route as opposed to modifying the stock wheel like the Apsis, DSV and VE. I would question the same thing - worst case scenario, if there were an accident, could or would the insurance company claim that the OEM, federally mandated safety systems have been modified or tampered with? In that vein - I wonder if it is a violation of Federal law.

sbadd99

[QUOTE=chris holmes;1574350925]Swapped mine out for a Sparco 383 last week. Completely love the new wheel. It's a 'lot' smaller and sportier than the stock wheel.

Any pics Chris I would love to change of the wheel its the only ugly part on the C5 little thought went into its design

Choreo

All "ups", no 'downs"...

chris holmes

[QUOTE=sbadd99;1574355597]I totally agree about the stock wheel. Why you would put such a huge steering wheel in a sports car, I have no idea. Very very pleased with the Sparco 383. 330mm is a perfect size for me. Nearly went for a 300mm, but I'm glad I didn't now. Might have been a bit too small. At some point I might swap the Sparco 383 for their carbon fiber model. Looks very cool.

I'll post some pics as soon as I finish watching these world cup matches today.

$$$frumnuttin'

here's mine in torch red....great feel to the impoved leather choice too!

vvf-16

I bought a used stock wheel on E.B. to use as a core, and had it done in Carbon Fiber and Snake Skin leather. The Carbon Fiber wheel is is thicker than stock which fits my hand and nice and cool to the touch. they had the Carbon Fiber work done in Colarado, and leather done in S. Cal. Real happy with the way it came out...

chris holmes

[QUOTE=chris holmes;1574371407]The local Vette shop managed to get the horn working with the Sparco wheel. I'll post some pics after I pick it up

chris holmes

Here is my Sparco 383. The local vette shop also managed to get the horn working with the center button.

Turbopower87

Great set up. What seats are those?