I always thought that the ergonomics on my car were really good, especially for a guy of my height (6'2"). I was sitting in the car recently, and I noticed what appears to be a spacer about 1.5" thick behind the leather steering wheel. I then remembered seeing an option code about this on my car:

Option 018: Leather Steering Wheel/Raised Hub 380mm

One thing I had always noticed is that the turn signal and windshield wiper controls seemed to be a little too far forward. Apparently this factory-option spacer moves the steering wheel about 380 mm (1.5") away from the dash. Since the signal and wiper controls are mounted on the dash, this effectively increases the distance between the controls and the steering wheel by the same amount.

How common was this option code? Do you have it on your car?

 

I don't know the answers, but I HAVE heard of the factory spacer, AND, would LOVE to find out more about it- like for instance- would it work w/a Momo wheel? I have a Turbo S but I'm much shorter than you are- 5'9"- I really don't like the seating position of this car- I hate the factory seats (8-way elec adj)- the only ones I like are the 12-way elec adj (and heated) Sport seats- they feel lighter too. Mine have NO lumbar support...

Anyway, I would REALLY like to get myself back into the car a little more- I'm thinking, if I coud get the wheel 1.5" closer AND get the pedals 2" closer, that it would feel great- I'm just not sure how the wheel would look so far away from the console. Is there ANY way you could take a few pics, from different angles or anything? I would really appreciate it- you could e-mail them directly to me... Please let me know- and anyone else that knows more about the factory spacer, please respond....

 

OK, here's the best photo I have of the steering wheel assembly. From this angle you can see the spacer hub and the seam where it meets the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Overall, the installation looks good and is very clean. The only downside I can think of is that you have to reach a little farther for the turn signal and windshield wiper stalks. I didn't see the part listed in PET, so I'm not sure if it is still available separately. It really makes getting in and out of the car much easier, especially since there is no tilt option!

 

I, too have this option code on my 85.5, but never really thought about it until your post. I think it makes things MUCH easier for shorter drivers.
My g/f is 5'3" and she is extremely comfortable driving the car b/c of the closer steering wheel position. I'm 6'3", and can only really tell the difference if I pay attention to the angle of my arms when I'm driving compared to my '83.

Micah

 

Micah,
Interesting comment. Maybe I would actually be ~more~ comfortable (as a 6'2" driver) if the spacer were removed. That would allow my arms to extend more for the same seat position. Also, I would be able to reach the turn signal controls more comfortably.

Any idea how difficult this would be to remove? I know that the steering wheel is removed by taking of a retaining nut. What about the hub?

 

tt

errrr, you did mean 38mm right....?

380mm would be around 15 inches........

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

[quote]Originally posted by 951and944S:
<strong>tt

errrr, you did mean 38mm right....?

380mm would be around 15 inches........

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

380mm is the diameter of the steering wheel.

 

Thanks for the picture! If you do find out how it comes off, would you please let me know? The only thing I didn't think of is that the steering wheel comes UP a little since it's at an angle- I'm going to study the photo for a few minutes on a different format to see if I can see it better. Overall, it doesn't look like it's too much further from the instrument cluster than stock- there must be something else to this. Anyway, some adapters are connected b/t the hub and wheel, so there's no need for a longer steering wheel bolt- not sure about this one though, since this is the first time I've seen it- thanks again...

 

The raised hub is a VERY valuable option on a 944. It brings the wheel closer, and thus also increases legroom under it.
It is a complete hub, the cage shaped hub that is riveted to the wheel itself. It will not fit a Momo wheel as is.
It can be removed and exchanged for the hub of a std wheel, you have to drill the 4 rivets out and replace them with bolts and (nylock) nuts.
The column has no difference, only the Hub.
In my experience, you have all to gain from having the wheel closer to you, within reason. Fits me (6'2") and my fiancee (5'7") perfectly.
GeorgeK

 

Yep,
I've got the same option/wheel. I did notice that the spacer is made of some type of semi-pliable rubber. I too have never really thought about it before reading this post, I guess I am lucky that the car has this.

 

Anyone have a part # for it or a pic of it uninstalled? I'd like to see if I could make it work w/my Momo. I don't think it brings the wheel more than about 1/2" closer though. It might be 1.5", but in comparison to the normal wheel, it doesn't look like it's a full 1.5" futher from the dash- could be me, just looks that way...