Snap-off steering wheel group buy.
Discussion
Snap-off homepage
Hi fellow owners!
Not sure how many of you saw the thread about interchangable steering wheels a week or so ago.
I have managed to contact the suppliers and manufacturers in the USofA and have been communicating with them for the last 2 weeks.
The "Snap-off" system they do AFAIK is the best system around. In the US they do a "Street" system (also sold in the UK) and a "Race" version (not sold here).
The Street system is the better of the 2 as it has pull out knobs that release the wheel and is fully road legal. The race system just pushes on and off and is not road legal for obvious reasons.
Problem..........
Every Street system has a different "lock-in" design, so that robbers can't carry round a steering wheel looking for snap-off users' cars to steal. No 2 female ends will fit the same male end. Meaning..........steering wheel interchangeability is not possible on the road legal system.
The race system is more expensive (£170 each) and in order to have the ability to have 2 wheels you would need to buy 2 full kits (£340!)
Answer..............
I have asked the manufacturers to make me a kit that comprises one male end to attach to the car and with it give 2 female ends that are identical.
So............I will have 2 wheels, one OEM which I like on the road and will function as normal (horn buttons too) and a different track wheel of my choice. The hub will accept many wheels including momo, raid, sparco and others. (I am going for the one shown)
I don't like the glossy bits on track as I find it too slippy and also I would prefer a smaller wheel on track (310mm) Also the sneaky stopwatch would be fun to use. (the buttons are again horns)
I am still awaiting a response as to price and indeed if they will even do it for me, but I was asked if I could make the order bigger than 1 unit. They mentioned 10 kits, so I am asking if any of you guys would be interested in it or not.
Please indicate if you would be so I can gague how many I should ask for.
The hubs also will bring the wheel forward about 30mm IIRC and obviously that can be adjusted with the OEM rack adjuster.
Look forward to your responses.
Greg
Hi fellow owners!
Not sure how many of you saw the thread about interchangable steering wheels a week or so ago.
I have managed to contact the suppliers and manufacturers in the USofA and have been communicating with them for the last 2 weeks.
The "Snap-off" system they do AFAIK is the best system around. In the US they do a "Street" system (also sold in the UK) and a "Race" version (not sold here).
The Street system is the better of the 2 as it has pull out knobs that release the wheel and is fully road legal. The race system just pushes on and off and is not road legal for obvious reasons.
Problem..........
Every Street system has a different "lock-in" design, so that robbers can't carry round a steering wheel looking for snap-off users' cars to steal. No 2 female ends will fit the same male end. Meaning..........steering wheel interchangeability is not possible on the road legal system.
The race system is more expensive (£170 each) and in order to have the ability to have 2 wheels you would need to buy 2 full kits (£340!)
Answer..............
I have asked the manufacturers to make me a kit that comprises one male end to attach to the car and with it give 2 female ends that are identical.
So............I will have 2 wheels, one OEM which I like on the road and will function as normal (horn buttons too) and a different track wheel of my choice. The hub will accept many wheels including momo, raid, sparco and others. (I am going for the one shown)
I don't like the glossy bits on track as I find it too slippy and also I would prefer a smaller wheel on track (310mm) Also the sneaky stopwatch would be fun to use.
(the buttons are again horns) I am still awaiting a response as to price and indeed if they will even do it for me, but I was asked if I could make the order bigger than 1 unit. They mentioned 10 kits, so I am asking if any of you guys would be interested in it or not.
Please indicate if you would be so I can gague how many I should ask for.
The hubs also will bring the wheel forward about 30mm IIRC and obviously that can be adjusted with the OEM rack adjuster.
Look forward to your responses.
Greg
Do you think that tday folks could have a problem with it being a timing device? I think it would be ok as its built in and there would not be much they could do about it. If they ever noticed.
The wheel is covered in alcantara not leather btw and is 310mm across. I like it a lot!!
G
The wheel is covered in alcantara not leather btw and is 310mm across. I like it a lot!!
G
Mr Noble said:
Do you think that tday folks could have a problem with it being a timing device? I think it would be ok as its built in and there would not be much they could do about it. If they ever noticed.
The wheel is covered in alcantara not leather btw and is 310mm across. I like it a lot!!
G
it'll be fine Greg, they let the new porsches on and they can have a lap timer in the on board computer
I hope they've upgraded the design on these in recent years.
A while back I had to investigate an issue with a Snap-Off kit and found that the steel pins had elongated the holes that slide into on the aluminium boss. Result = irreversable slack between wheel and boss.
Here is a link to an Esprit owner who had the same problem [url]www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EModifications/Removeable_SteeringWheel.html[/url]
IMO this is the only way to go with these steering wheel quick releases if you are going to do it properly. I get these from a rally prep company near me for around £ 50 each if anyone is interested.
[url]http://rs.rallynuts.com/motorsport/St[/url]
As with a proper competition car the slug has to be welded to the column and connection to any electrical circuits (i.e. horn) would be via a curly lead.
That steering wheel stopwatch button is going to pee you off too Greg if you ever let the wheel feed through your hands. They're designed for cars and karts with exceptionally small lock to lock characteristics where you just cross arms to go from one direction to the other.
IMO save a bunch of £££'s and take an allen key with you to track days if you have to change wheels. 5 minutes work easy peasy - or alternatively buy some gloves and stick with the wheel you've got !!
Just my professional opinion.
G
A while back I had to investigate an issue with a Snap-Off kit and found that the steel pins had elongated the holes that slide into on the aluminium boss. Result = irreversable slack between wheel and boss.
Here is a link to an Esprit owner who had the same problem [url]www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EModifications/Removeable_SteeringWheel.html[/url]
IMO this is the only way to go with these steering wheel quick releases if you are going to do it properly. I get these from a rally prep company near me for around £ 50 each if anyone is interested.
[url]http://rs.rallynuts.com/motorsport/St[/url]
As with a proper competition car the slug has to be welded to the column and connection to any electrical circuits (i.e. horn) would be via a curly lead.
That steering wheel stopwatch button is going to pee you off too Greg if you ever let the wheel feed through your hands. They're designed for cars and karts with exceptionally small lock to lock characteristics where you just cross arms to go from one direction to the other.
IMO save a bunch of £££'s and take an allen key with you to track days if you have to change wheels. 5 minutes work easy peasy - or alternatively buy some gloves and stick with the wheel you've got !!
Just my professional opinion.
G
Think its about £160.
Graham, I rarely find that I get the wheel much farther past the point that I have to remove my hands from the 10 to 2 position on track. That twinned with the wheel being smaller makes me think that it will travel even less distance.
I get what you mean about it being annoying when rallying but our wheel does not get used to the same extent as a rally driver throws theirs about. That, I would think goes for the wear point you made too! Can't beleive they would not have addresssed that issue or that its not just in the cases of very heavy use.
The race system you showed is also very similar to the "Race" system that these people do and as I said, its not road legal and also removes the need for the curly wire for the horn. (on either wheel)
I have not touched the sparco wheel, but I like it and think it would be fun to use and nice to drive with. People can choose whatever alternative wheel they like, but I like the look of that as a track only wheel. (remember I am no pro driver yet!) (need some of your tuition)
Thanks for the advice though. I am not trying to start anything to compete with your mods stuff here, just that they hinted that they might not want to make 1 kit only. In fact, you could add the kits to your site if you like mate, would help to shift them if they do want a run of 10+.
Greg
Graham, I rarely find that I get the wheel much farther past the point that I have to remove my hands from the 10 to 2 position on track. That twinned with the wheel being smaller makes me think that it will travel even less distance.
I get what you mean about it being annoying when rallying but our wheel does not get used to the same extent as a rally driver throws theirs about. That, I would think goes for the wear point you made too! Can't beleive they would not have addresssed that issue or that its not just in the cases of very heavy use.
The race system you showed is also very similar to the "Race" system that these people do and as I said, its not road legal and also removes the need for the curly wire for the horn. (on either wheel)
I have not touched the sparco wheel, but I like it and think it would be fun to use and nice to drive with. People can choose whatever alternative wheel they like, but I like the look of that as a track only wheel. (remember I am no pro driver yet!) (need some of your tuition
) Thanks for the advice though. I am not trying to start anything to compete with your mods stuff here, just that they hinted that they might not want to make 1 kit only. In fact, you could add the kits to your site if you like mate, would help to shift them if they do want a run of 10+.
Greg
broad said:
I hope they've upgraded the design on these in recent years.
A while back I had to investigate an issue with a Snap-Off kit and found that the steel pins had elongated the holes that slide into on the aluminium boss. Result = irreversable slack between wheel and boss.
Here is a link to an Esprit owner who had the same problem [url]www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EModifications/Removeable_SteeringWheel.html[/url]
Nice link.
I've had the snap off wheel for about a year now and haven't noticed any slack - occasionally it's a pain to get the wheel off and needs a bit of wrestling. Only my experience though.
Greg:
I really only got it to make the steering wheel closer to me but the security bit is nice and on the rare occasion that I have to do some tinkering in the drivers footwell area an easily removable wheel is a useful alternative to getting out the allen keys.
I've used the standard wheel with this arrangement and, with or without gloves I've not really had an issue with the feel of it. If your hands get sweaty try some gloves, which will make the wheel feel thicker anyway; it's a lot cheaper and easier to give them a try a first IMO.
The timer bit I wouldn't go for, the button sticking out would be an annoyance and would be bound to antagonise TD organisers and attract unwelcome attention from marshals on TD events.
Smaller wheel size:- like most novices I still do too much steering and I'd guess that a smaller wheel would make it worse for me ... but I haven't tried it so don't really know.
The wheel shape I can understand in a cramped single seater where you've got to fit your knees close under it but in the Noble ...?
Sorry if the comments mostly sounds a bit negative.
--
Richard
For what it's worth, I was the first to install the Tekniq snap-off system on my Noble over a year ago and I was so pleased with it that I brought to the attention of others on nobleforums. Others also tried it and I haven't heard of any complaints. I found it to be a very high quality piece and I am very happy that I chose it. It also brought the wheel 1" closer to me and made it much more comfortable to drive (I'm 6'4" ). The street version also has a key that is required to unlock it and remove it, so that you are the only one that can take it off. Here are some pictures that I took of mine at the time that I installed it. The price was very reasonable for the benefits derived. I got rid of the slippery OEM wheel at the same time...no more little red horn buttons either...just one big button in the middle on the wheel I chose (you can see the two horn contacts in the picture showing the back side of the wheel and hub off the car).
Hope the pictures help.
Regards,
Craig
>> Edited by caccobra on Thursday 23 February 13:04
>> Edited by caccobra on Thursday 23 February 13:07
Hope the pictures help.
Regards,
Craig
>> Edited by caccobra on Thursday 23 February 13:04
>> Edited by caccobra on Thursday 23 February 13:07
Mr Noble said:
Think its about £160.
Graham, I rarely find that I get the wheel much farther past the point that I have to remove my hands from the 10 to 2 position on track. That twinned with the wheel being smaller makes me think that it will travel even less distance.
I get what you mean about it being annoying when rallying but our wheel does not get used to the same extent as a rally driver throws theirs about. That, I would think goes for the wear point you made too! Can't beleive they would not have addresssed that issue or that its not just in the cases of very heavy use.
The race system you showed is also very similar to the "Race" system that these people do and as I said, its not road legal and also removes the need for the curly wire for the horn. (on either wheel)
I have not touched the sparco wheel, but I like it and think it would be fun to use and nice to drive with. People can choose whatever alternative wheel they like, but I like the look of that as a track only wheel. (remember I am no pro driver yet!) (need some of your tuition
Thanks for the advice though. I am not trying to start anything to compete with your mods stuff here, just that they hinted that they might not want to make 1 kit only. In fact, you could add the kits to your site if you like mate, would help to shift them if they do want a run of 10+.
Greg
Hi Greg,
The car I found the problem on was not a rally car but an Impreza road car. I've never seen one on a competition car and if I did it would soon find its way to the bin!!
I just do not agree with a hard pin / soft receptacle arrangement on an item of such critical importance as a steering wheel - if that is how they still make them. Granted most of my experience is with 'real' motorsport but situations on road and track are not necessarily that far removed from tarmac rallying. If you only saw some of the hazards I get to see through prep work from seemingly innocuous component installations then maybe you would think differently. Not wishing to be a killjoy, just be careful with this sort of thing. I don't believe the 'proper' race ones are illegal in the UK either. All rally cars have to have an MOT and they don't fail on quick release wheels.
Don't worry at all about the competing with Noblemods thing. It hadn't occurred to me at all and to be perfectly frank I only do Noblemods as a pocket money excercise and because I enjoy it.
No worries about the driving tuition, next time we're at a venue we'll sort it. Still say though that wheel is going to bother you / get you into bother
Graham
Cacobra,
Morning! I am just at home fitting my snap off kit. (when for one like you have and will stick to the one wheel) But I am having trouble getting the part that attaches to the car end to fit. The holes on the piece don't match up.
It looks like you have an extra piece between the s/wheel and the first stage of the kit and then another piece between the hub and the 2nd piece of the kit.
Are these adapters and if so, where did they come from?
Thanks and sorry if I woke you!
Greg
Morning! I am just at home fitting my snap off kit. (when for one like you have and will stick to the one wheel) But I am having trouble getting the part that attaches to the car end to fit. The holes on the piece don't match up.
It looks like you have an extra piece between the s/wheel and the first stage of the kit and then another piece between the hub and the 2nd piece of the kit.
Are these adapters and if so, where did they come from?
Thanks and sorry if I woke you!
Greg
I have this one from NRG - same idea, different approach. Mine does not have a key lock, but I prefer it this way. There are two tiny cams you push in and then pull back on the carbon and it pops off. Its very tight with no slack, and looks neat. FWIW I am 6'3 or 4 as well, and I like the new position of the wheel, closer to me. Sorry for making you stare at my ugly mug, but these are the only 2 shots I have. You can tell that Caccobra and I have the same excellent taste in steering wheels. And you get a peek at the other goodies I have in the car
Just a couple of points: first, the race version does have the pull-out knobs and second I've experienced absolutely zero play with the quick-release hub. In fact, the way the thing is designed, it's not possible for there to be any perceptible play because the pins get wider toward the base. If the corresponding holes ever widen, then the pins simply go deeper. I far prefer it to the Sparco quick release hub I have in my Elise which has a small, but obvious amount of play.
By the way Greg, if you haven't seen it already, here's a link to a video where you can see the smaller wheel and lap timer I have in my Noble.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?doc
By the way Greg, if you haven't seen it already, here's a link to a video where you can see the smaller wheel and lap timer I have in my Noble.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?doc
Sorry, Greg, I just spotted your post on nobleforums. Yes, mine needed a hub adapter as well, but the folks at Tekniq pointed that out to me when I ordered mine, so it all arrived together from them. I think I mentioned that in one of my earlier posts about their product that you should tell them what type of wheel you were going to use and the type of existing hub you had (MOMO). Since they sell their own brand of wheel to go with their system, using another brand may require an adapter. Are they going to ship one to you right away?
Craig
Craig
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