Smaller Steering Wheel?

[Opposite Lock]

Early Boxster S ergonomics suck, IMHO. I'm a six-footer, 180 pounds, a little on the long-legged side. I can live with the crappy switches, the nil side support of the seats, but the standard steering wheel is downright dangerous. I can't brake, left- or right-footed while steering into a corner without my hands fouling on the steering wheel, no matter what permutation of seat and steering wheel position I try.

Is there any alternative?

I drove a friend's BMW M3 yesterday, the E46 model, and wish I'd gone for that. I am quite disillusioned with the 'Porsche experience'.

Sorry for the rant, and TIA for any suggestions.

[rsfeller]

Early Boxster S ergonomics suck, IMHO. I'm a six-footer, 180 pounds, a little on the long-legged side. I can live with the crappy switches, the nil side support of the seats, but the standard steering wheel is downright dangerous. I can't brake, left- or right-footed while steering into a corner without my hands fouling on the steering wheel, no matter what permutation of seat and steering wheel position I try.

Is there any alternative?

I drove a friend's BMW M3 yesterday, the E46 model, and wish I'd gone for that. I am quite disillusioned with the 'Porsche experience'.

Sorry for the rant, and TIA for any suggestions.

I do not know of another wheel personally but there has to be some momo non-airbag options that racers use. I assume you are racing based on your comment, correct? Otherwise I really don't understand you comments for daily driving.

I am 6ft 1inch and fit just fine at 230lbs. I do feel the roll-over hoop is very dangerous which has been discussed on this list. Sounds like they did a better job with the 987, so you should have done some research before buying!

[gandrade1]

Early Boxster S ergonomics suck, IMHO. I'm a six-footer, 180 pounds, a little on the long-legged side. I can live with the crappy switches, the nil side support of the seats, but the standard steering wheel is downright dangerous. I can't brake, left- or right-footed while steering into a corner without my hands fouling on the steering wheel, no matter what permutation of seat and steering wheel position I try.

Is there any alternative?

I drove a friend's BMW M3 yesterday, the E46 model, and wish I'd gone for that. I am quite disillusioned with the 'Porsche experience'.

Sorry for the rant, and TIA for any suggestions.

6'4'' here - no problems with the steering wheel...Installed GT3 console delete for more leg room, Kirkey Intermediate seats 17'', bolted to the floor for the driver and 16'' for the passenger - they are comfortable. If you are thinking of racing, get the same seats I did with 5 to 6 point harnesses and non-airbag Momos, you should be fine! Would not go for non-airbag steering wheels without the harnesses.

M3 is more of a family car, albeit wonderfully sportive...Two different concepts - the Boxster is a roadster, where space is at a premium. BTW, I have noticed that is the case for most Porsches...

Hope this helps.

Best,

Gus

[TKE878]

Being a former 911 driver, the Boxster is diffentaly a much smaller car. I miss the extra behind the seats room and over all larger feel. But as mentioned earlier the BMW and Boxster are really apples and oranges as a comparison.

[Beelzy]

Boxsters ROCK!!!!!

:renntech:

[savowood]

6'0" and 200 lbs...no problems. I'm not sure what problem you're having. It could be a technique problem.

-Michael

[Opposite Lock]

Thanks for the replies.

First of all, this is not about racing, just everyday driving on Hong Kong's twisty roads. I tend to steer in a racing style though, holding on to the steering wheel to the six or seven o'clock position. There is a one or two inch space between the steering wheel and my thighs, which necessitates me putting my legs in a very awkward position so my hands can clear them.

Maybe it is technique, then. I'll have to go back to the 'driving school' method. :o

Gus...thanks for the seat recommendation. It makes me wonder if the guy I bought the car from put risers under the seats. He was quite short. :rolleyes:

[savowood]

Also, did you drop the seat all the way down? The seat does adjust up and down as well as the traditional adjustments.

It's always interesting when I get a student who uses the "racing style" instead of "driving school" method. There's a reason you're taught that way...

If you have a steering wheel which will go from center to full lock in a 90 degree turn, and then back to center and 90 degrees the other way to full opposite lock, then keeping your hands on the wheel makes perfect sense. Almost every car on the street is much more than that. It wouldn't work to have a tight steering ratio as the street is too twitchy for that.

Going to the "driving school" method will help you be safer and more comfortable. We teach you that way for a reason. :lightbulb:

-Michael

[aron in toronto]

I was also a bit disapointed buy the Boxster's ergonomics. I think a tilting steering wheel, similar to the 987, would make a big difference.

As others have mentioned make sure your seat is all the way down. Try shifting the seat forward then lower it, and then move it back. see if that helps.

There are smaller aftermarket airbag wheels, but I can't say if they would solve your problems. Most of them seem to be 340mm in size.

These are from Carnewal, Gemballa and Ruf

[aron in toronto]

Here is a photo of the "GT3 console delete" that was mentioned before. Taken from deschodt on rennlist

[blue2000s]

Porsche offers a smaller steering wheel on the 987 as an option, they call it the sport steering wheel. It even comes with a thicker rim. I wonder if the 987 and 986 wheels are compatible?

Edited October 23, 2008 by blue2000s

[gandrade1]

Porsche offers a smaller steering wheel on the 987 as an option, they call it the sport steering wheel. It even comes with a thicker rim. I wonder if the 987 and 986 wheels are compatible?

That would be great - assuming they don't cost 2 grant!!!

All the best,

Gus

[itzbob46]

Another GT3 console delete for more leg room guy here at 6'3". Massive difference. Just spend a half hour taking apart the vertical portion of your console and drive it for a day or so. You'll see. No risk experiment!

Bob

[Opposite Lock]

Also, did you drop the seat all the way down? The seat does adjust up and down as well as the traditional adjustments.

As others have mentioned make sure your seat is all the way down. Try shifting the seat forward then lower it, and then move it back. see if that helps.

Thanks, savowood and Aron. By following your suggestion, I managed to get the seat about a half inch lower. In that position, by moving the seat closer to the steering wheel, I now have a little more room to turn the wheel. It doesn't feel natural, but I'll get used to it.

I will continue to avoid the 'driving school' steering method. :P Too old to change it now. :rolleyes:

Many thanks for all the input.

Regards,

Ed

[ofishbein]

Here is my option. 340 mm from FVD (slightly smaller), and also a console delete from Suncoast. But then again, I'm 6', 210 lbs and had no problem w/the original set up.