dcpmark

.......what about the airbag?? I've seen references to a "straight swap", but my mechanic says he has "the computer" to do the job right. I got a good price from a different guy, including installation, but I'm wondering if I should pay my mechanic to install it.

Jim Carmichael

Porsche dealers won't do the swap because of potential liability as not standard in original car....For what it's worth.

Michael Elmore

Jim:

That is not correct...at least here in the U.S. I have contacted several Porsche dealers about doing the swap and none have turned me down. The airbag, however, must be replaced along with the steering wheel, is what I'm being told.

Michael Elmore

Jim:

That is not correct...at least here in the U.S. I have contacted several Porsche dealers about doing the swap and none have turned me down. The airbag, however, must be replaced along with the steering wheel, is what I'm being told.

Kevin

dcpmark;

It is a straight swap. And very easy. However make sure that you disconnect your battery, or you will get an error code. For liability reasons, if you are uncomfortable go to your mechanic. This was one of my first DIY, that I did on my '98C4S.

dcpmark

Thanks, Kevin! I wanted to make sure you don't need a special piece of equipment to recalibrate the airbag, or reset the onboard computer, or something. And I want to make sure the airbag will work after! Have you had your diagnostics run AFTER you replaced the steering wheel?

scott watkins

You guys are actually considering installing a "water pumper" steering wheel in your 993's??? BLASFIMY!!!

dcpmark

[quote]Originally posted by scott watkins:
<strong>You guys are actually considering installing a "water pumper" steering wheel in your 993's??? BLASFIMY!!! </strong><hr></blockquote>

Maybe, Scott, but that 3-spoker sure IS beautiful! The current one reminds me of my mom's old Mercedes.......

Phil

Richard,
Do you have a picture?

SkipSauls

Before you guys swap-in a new 3-spoke Porsche wheel, have you tried one out yet to be sure that you like it? I have one in my Boxster and like it, in fact when I first got my 993 I thought "Ugh, what an ugly old 4-spoke wheel!" But, after driving the 993 for a while I like the feel of it much better! Like other parts of the 993, the wheel feels like it is of a better quality than those in the Boxster, despite the fact that the car is 5-6 years older and a much older design.

Now a wheel that looked like the new 3-spoke model but feels like the old 4-spoke model, I'd go for one of those. I'd also like something like an M3/M5 wheel in my 993, but without the BMW roundel, of course.

Cheers,

TB993tt

I agree, the 993 wheel was the last of the many over engineered parts that Porsche produced and to replace it with that cheap plastic looking three spoker is IMHO degrading to the 993. The techart version of the 993 wheel is the way to go if you have $$$ to burn, same style and quality but smaller diameter.

pookee

Years ago I installed a metal Porsche roundel, in my 3 spoke 911SC wheel. It made a big difference in looks! Has anyone tried to install the metal roundel from a 996 wheel into the 993 wheel?

Michael Elmore

Maybe I'm missing something regarding the 993's 4-spoke and the 996's 3-spoke.....is there REALLY a big difference in quality between them? Opinions, please.

mags993tt

[quote]Originally posted by Michael Elmore:
<strong>Maybe I'm missing something regarding the 993's 4-spoke and the 996's 3-spoke.....is there REALLY a big difference in quality between them? Opinions, please.</strong><hr></blockquote>

This really is a personal thing but I swapped out the 4 spoke for a 3 spoke because it felt more 'positive' in my hands, was more aesthetically pleasing to my eyes and hides less of the dash. Quality seems fine to me but again this is going to boil down to personal preference so my advice is to try one before you buy if you are thinking of swapping. (They're not cheap!!!!).

M

scott watkins

dcpmark,

You are preaching to the choir I love mine!!!