I am not finding too much on search regarding this, so I thought I would ask here. My e36 m3 is not a daily driver, and is doing more HPDE’s and some auto-x, perhaps in some future point it will evolve to me getting licensed and setting up myself and the vehicle for some competitive class racing.
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Thing is I am really not liking my stock steering wheel. The leather is starting to have it and its dimensions could be better for me. I have tracked a fairly prepped e30 on a few occasions which I grew to love the suede race wheel it has.
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So I am thinking of the putting a wheel and z3 steering rack “on the list” for a future mod. Questions I have are:
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- Is this wise to delete the airbag for a sometimes street car? What I am asking is since the schroth is not always on since it is not street legal, the airbag does lend a level of protection. Is this a stupid idea to do this now?
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- What race steering wheels do a lot of you like that work well?

A) Depends on if you get into an accident. The insurance company might not like the removal of a safety device either. Do this at your own risk. The hubs that are used do have a cushable part - but it's still gonna hurt.

B) If you can't find a race shop that will let you fondle a bunch, then spending time on the phone with the seller is a good idea. There is a huge variation in rim diameter, rim thickness, and dish. REally depends on how long your arms are, where the seat is positioned and how big your hands are.

For me, a mod78 wasn't thick enough and didn't have enough dish to get it placed right. I needed a 2" spacer to get is closer to me and the rim actually hurt my hands becuase it wasn't thick enough. Also, for me, what is comfortable for cruising down the freeway and what is comfortable on the track are two different things.