Steve 96C4S

I'm considering getting a new steering wheel for my 993 and am only considering these 2 wheels - The AJ USA wheel w/ airbag for $739 plus the crest which I guess is extra...http://www.ajusa.com/cgi-bin/pb/view...&model_id=0038


vs the traditional 996 3 spoke wheel from Carnewal or hopefully from a place like planet911.com that gets 996 steering wheels from people that are upgrading and sells them for closer to around $650 with airbag


I thought it would be nice to get the 996 3 spoke wheel as it looks nice in the 993, but I notice that the occasional 993 driver will buy the AJ USA wheel instead. It's alot less new, compared to Carnewal, but if I can get the airbag from Carnewal and get the wheel used - or the combined wheel and bag from planet911.com for around $650, maybe it's about the same price or even less than a new AJ USA wheel. I've checked the search feature and read everything I could read in an hour of posts... but am still undecided.

Anyone want to comment on the differences good and bad between these 2 wheels? Lastly, is my excellent condition 993 black steering wheel and airbag REALLY worth the $300 that someone is selling it for in Rennlist classifieds? Who'd want my old wheel, an older 911 Carrera driver maybe?

Thanks,
Steve

PS - Anyone happen to have a 996 or AJ USA 3 spoke w/ airbag for sale!

adsc4s

Personally, I like the 996 3 spoker. It just looks right in our 993's and feels good. I have never seen the AJ wheel in person.

I sold my original 993 4 spoke wheel/airbag. I did not expect to get $300 and I didn't ask for $300.

Steve 96C4S

Thanks adsc4s - What is a fair price for a used 993 4 spoke wheel then? The only one I see on the Rennlist site for sale is all of $300! That sounded kind of high to me too. This is the only thing I had to go by...

"Category: 911/993/996 Parts for Sale Ad Number: 3036
Date Posted: 03/19/2004 Price: $300 +shipping
Expires On: 05/03/2004

Description
4 Spoke Steering Wheel with Airbag. Black leather. Will fit 993, 996, Boxster and any Porsche with airbag set up. Taken off from my 993. "

I've checked on Ebay every day for a week now but no 996 steering wheels.

Steve

nile13

You have to answer a very simple question - do you like protruding bolsters on top of your thumbs? The 996 wheel has them, and they are very pronounced. Some (most?) people love them, I don't. I was considering a 996 wheel until I tried it in a Boxster S and I think I'll go with something else. Ideally, I like Momo's smooth models, i.e. the whole wheel's crossection doesn''t change at all, no dimples, no bolsters. I have enough Momo wheels lying around to pick and choose

Since it's a _very_ subjective thing, try the 3-spoke in a Boxster S or a 996 first.

Steve 96C4S

Thanks Mike - I'll have to re-check that out when I look at a 996 at my local dealer this week. I'm guessing it feels alot like this, on my "new" BMW 740iS


but to be sure, I'll feel it in person. I like the bolsters on my BMW wheel so I'm assuming I'll like it on the 996, but I don't want to make a $700 mistake, either!

Steve

chris walrod

I like the GT3 Alcantra wheel that Gert offers. I think around 500euro or so. I dont think a matching alcantra airbag is available though...

nile13

Steve, I think they use the same wheel in an E46 M3, and if som it does feel similar to 996's wheel. As I said, most people seem to like boslters, I'm an exception

max911

i actually like the variation in the 996 rim's shape and size when i am on a long drive. just moving your hands a bit will really change your grip.
For a not-very old guy, my hands are somewhat arthritic, and the change of position every few minutes does them well.
(too many years of pulling cable/rope in the oilpatch during Canadian winters)
i just wish the Porsche 3-spoke with oversize rim wasn't so expensive. my hands would love that!! http://www.carnewal-europe.com/cpx_p96138.htm

Trying one out for a while is a good suggestion.... since different wheels will feel better/worse to different people.

max

ca993twin

Do they have a 3-spoke wheel available (either source) in classic grey?

max911

Steve, I think the 996 grays are both darker than classic gray. (space gray and graphite gray.) You'd probably have to go with black.....which i think looks good

I am not sure of the AJ wheel color choices.
the FVD catalog has a range of the Atiwe wheels . Atiwe is the manufacturer of the AJ wheel, and the very similar Ruf wheel. Techart has a very nice 3spoker that looks like the AJ/Atiwe, but has a thicker rim with reforated leather sections.

edit: fixed the link

David in LA

If I recall correctly, the AJUSA wheel is identical to the ones sold by Techart and Gemballa, and are actually the steering wheels that Porsche had put on 993s customized from the factory....if so, then these wheels would be more "factory" on a 993 then the 996 wheel. Am I mistaken and getting forgetful??

I personally think from a practical purpose the 996 wheel is the better choice as airbag replacements (...cross fingers...) would be more readily available. But the AJUSA wheel feels smaller and more connected when driving.

dr kenneth e garchow

i have also changed to the 996 3 spoke wheel and love the look and feel.
i studied most options and think the 3 spoke factory wheel just looks right
in the car. I think the AJ wheel is to flat looking.

i first had a standard 4 spoke, switched to a factory carbon/leather 4 spoke (looked and felt better), then a 3 spoke carbon/leather (looks best and feels best). you can choose from a no crest, gold crest or silver crest air bag on the 3 spoke. all my wheels were bought used and have had no problems.

and now in 04 there is a thicker 3 spoke wheel option that feels good also.
that one will be hard to find used

i kept the stock wheel to put back on the car when i sell it since most buyers wont pay extra for a different wheel (at least untill after we have car and buy one for ourselves)

you should be able to sell the 3 spoke if you buy it used, for close to what you paid for it when you are ready to part w/it.

max911

David in LA, your memory is pretty good. Techart had steering wheels that were based on the factory four spoke, then 3 spoke wheel. usually with a thicker rim and formed portions at 10 and 2. plus, leather airbag and deviating stitching were common.
If you do a little looking on the internet, you will see their Atiwe based steering wheels as well.
They all look to have a large diameter grip.

CAHRERA

Steve,

I have the AJUSA steering wheel in my C2S. I bought my car from them in June and had them throw it in the purchase. I like it. Techart, Ruf and Gemballa uses the same wheel. They just have their logos embossed on the Air bag. Where AJUSA uses the Crest. I'll try to take some pictures and post them. My digital camera sucks but will see how they come out. I got Grey interior with the Black pigskin trim between the top of the dash and knee pads. So the Black Wheel actually looks good. And then I did the RS Shifter and Boot. I saw Gemballa Steering Wheels on Ebay and they were starting bid at $1100-$1500.00

Suwipin

Steve,

FWIW I've just installed the RS steering wheel in my car and I like it a lot