3-spoke or 4-spoke...that is the question. Why do you like or no???
07-13-2009, 12:02 AM
#19
Ironman 140.6
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I have the 3 spoke in my 996 and the 4 spoke in my 986.
FWIW, I prefer the three spoke for both looks and shape. I just purchased a 3 spoke for my 986. I'll probably install it in a week or two.
FWIW, I prefer the three spoke for both looks and shape. I just purchased a 3 spoke for my 986. I'll probably install it in a week or two.
07-13-2009, 10:13 AM
#20
It's a very easy install, direct bolt in. As I mentioned before in one of your past threads, I did this mod last year. It took about a half hour working slowly. You can find used wheels that come up for sale from time to time on this site (I got mine from a fellow rennlister). There is a DIY on this site or Renntech that's very helpful.
Differences in the 2 wheels are diameter size. With the 4 spoke, it was harder to see many of the idiot lights (as the 4 spoke airbag comes up higher on the steering column and obstructs your view slightly). Now you can clearly see them without craning your neck. Also the thickness of the rim is nicer and shortened diameter does help with turn in (faster) as your hands don't have to travel as far to make the front wheels turn the same amount as compared to the 4 spoke.
When you pick up the wheel and airbag, let me know if you want some help installing it.
Differences in the 2 wheels are diameter size. With the 4 spoke, it was harder to see many of the idiot lights (as the 4 spoke airbag comes up higher on the steering column and obstructs your view slightly). Now you can clearly see them without craning your neck. Also the thickness of the rim is nicer and shortened diameter does help with turn in (faster) as your hands don't have to travel as far to make the front wheels turn the same amount as compared to the 4 spoke.
When you pick up the wheel and airbag, let me know if you want some help installing it.
07-13-2009, 11:53 AM
#21
Burning Brakes
I remember my 944 having the non-centered 4 spoke and it was the cool wheel vs the old 3 spokes. I never really liked the way the top of the rim went up and down as you turned the wheel. When I was looking to buy my 996, I drove a few 2001s and liked the feel of the 3 spokes on the '02's much better.
07-13-2009, 01:53 PM
#22
Rennlist Member
Having had an airbag save me from a potentially crippling injury (truck pulled out in front of me and I hit him doing 55mph in a dodge neon--got away with chronic back pain and the ability to walk), I don't think I could live with a for-track 3-spoke with no airbag.
Unless I felt like driving around with a HANS device and helmet all the time.
Unless I felt like driving around with a HANS device and helmet all the time.
07-13-2009, 04:03 PM
#24
Three Wheelin'
A bit of topic, but referencing Tim's first post, I think it's important to 'wash and wax' the wheel before making a choice. Because, the 4-spoke wheel may end up looking like this when you take off her glasses:
07-13-2009, 04:22 PM
#25
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I went from old 4-spoke on my 944, to the airbag 4-spoke on my 944S2, to the current 3-spoke of my 996. No sure why Porsche put the 993 wheels into the new cars - maybe they had a lot left over?
3-spoke wins hands down! Nicer looking, great girth, and it has a Porsche crest in the center!
07-14-2009, 12:45 PM
#26
No affiliation. Just saw this on the FS forum.
https://rennlist.com/forums/for-sale...nd-airbag.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/for-sale...nd-airbag.html
07-14-2009, 01:39 PM
#27
AutoX
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All other things equal, fewer spokes, and thinner ones, means more liklihood of a 'good' grip on the wheel when things get exciting. Check it out...I'd guess you will never see more than 3 spokes on a race car steering wheel. The 'Buick' comment is apt.
07-14-2009, 04:18 PM
#28
Agree, mine came with 4, changed to 3 a year later, and it definitely has a more improved road feel, due to its smaller diameter. I always felt that the steering was too light on my 996 when I got it new. But the feel became tighter after the change, just right. Its a noticeable improvement.
07-15-2009, 10:54 AM
#29
Advanced
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Never thought..
I would hear this argument here. Now in the off road/Adventure racing world this is actually pretty commonly discussed.
I had a co-driver in a 100 mile cross country race get his thumb dislocated when he managed to get it caught in a four spoke wheel in a Rover. Hit a hidden log in high grass at speed and the wheel lash took him by surprise. Wasn't so bad since I got to drive the rest of the race, but he was in too much pain to navigate for me so we ended up ripping off the oil pan cover at a known scrub point. Fun city!
I have a 3 spoke in my 996 and I prefer it. I have considered doing a swap for the fat alcantra wheel, but I too have been saved a few times by airbags in unexpected high speed off road excursions.
I had a co-driver in a 100 mile cross country race get his thumb dislocated when he managed to get it caught in a four spoke wheel in a Rover. Hit a hidden log in high grass at speed and the wheel lash took him by surprise. Wasn't so bad since I got to drive the rest of the race, but he was in too much pain to navigate for me so we ended up ripping off the oil pan cover at a known scrub point. Fun city!
I have a 3 spoke in my 996 and I prefer it. I have considered doing a swap for the fat alcantra wheel, but I too have been saved a few times by airbags in unexpected high speed off road excursions.