Who is a 997 steering wheel guru????
11-25-2014, 12:28 AM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Who is a 997 steering wheel guru????
Is there a definitive steering wheel primer showing differences between 997.1 – 997.2 wheels and airbags?
I think 997.1 airbags are basically triangular, while 997.2 are round, but it seems that some .1 airbags are round…………
My goal is to take this nasty wheel off (see CF / plastic wheel below), put it in a box and shop for something with leather.
My 997.1 is a 6 speed, so no pdk / tippy buttons necessary.
I could live with the triangular bag, but would prefer round.
I don’t need a “multi-functional” wheel.
Ignoring “multi-functional” controls, are 997.1 round airbag wheels pretty much plug-n-play for 997.1 triangular airbag wheels?
Perhaps more importantly, are 997.2 wheel / airbag combos pretty much plug-n-play for 997.1 triangular airbag wheels?
Who knows?
Where do I find out?
Thank you
Craig
I think 997.1 airbags are basically triangular, while 997.2 are round, but it seems that some .1 airbags are round…………
My goal is to take this nasty wheel off (see CF / plastic wheel below), put it in a box and shop for something with leather.
My 997.1 is a 6 speed, so no pdk / tippy buttons necessary.
I could live with the triangular bag, but would prefer round.
I don’t need a “multi-functional” wheel.
Ignoring “multi-functional” controls, are 997.1 round airbag wheels pretty much plug-n-play for 997.1 triangular airbag wheels?
Perhaps more importantly, are 997.2 wheel / airbag combos pretty much plug-n-play for 997.1 triangular airbag wheels?
Who knows?
Where do I find out?
Thank you
Craig
11-25-2014, 01:22 AM
#2
Rennlist Member
Thanks for raising this question...I've been wondering the same.
I have a scratched round "sport" wheel that came with my 997.1, and am replacing it with a round sport wheel in better shape that was a take-off from a 997.2. I'm curious to see what else might work on my car.
11-25-2014, 01:23 AM
#3
I am not an expert, but I did recently upgrade my 997.1 non-S with the triangular multi-function wheel like you have (except for the CF), and installed a round sport wheel from a 997.2 GT3 (non-MF). It was plug and play. I wanted a thicker wheel with the wider grips at 10 and 2. Easy DIY upgrade.
Keep in mind that the triangular airbag will not fit the round wheel.
Keep in mind that the triangular airbag will not fit the round wheel.
11-25-2014, 03:29 AM
#4
Nordschleife Master
Is there a definitive steering wheel primer showing differences between 997.1 – 997.2 wheels and airbags?
I think 997.1 airbags are basically triangular, while 997.2 are round, but it seems that some .1 airbags are round…………
My goal is to take this nasty wheel off (see CF / plastic wheel below), put it in a box and shop for something with leather.
My 997.1 is a 6 speed, so no pdk / tippy buttons necessary.
I could live with the triangular bag, but would prefer round.
I don’t need a “multi-functional” wheel.
Ignoring “multi-functional” controls, are 997.1 round airbag wheels pretty much plug-n-play for 997.1 triangular airbag wheels?
Perhaps more importantly, are 997.2 wheel / airbag combos pretty much plug-n-play for 997.1 triangular airbag wheels?
Who knows?
Where do I find out?
Thank you
Craig
I think 997.1 airbags are basically triangular, while 997.2 are round, but it seems that some .1 airbags are round…………
My goal is to take this nasty wheel off (see CF / plastic wheel below), put it in a box and shop for something with leather.
My 997.1 is a 6 speed, so no pdk / tippy buttons necessary.
I could live with the triangular bag, but would prefer round.
I don’t need a “multi-functional” wheel.
Ignoring “multi-functional” controls, are 997.1 round airbag wheels pretty much plug-n-play for 997.1 triangular airbag wheels?
Perhaps more importantly, are 997.2 wheel / airbag combos pretty much plug-n-play for 997.1 triangular airbag wheels?
Who knows?
Where do I find out?
Thank you
Craig
I personally never cared for any of the stock steering wheels. Too wimpy and the leather feels cheap. If you really want a nicer wheel, consider having one built to your specs. The .1 sports wheel with the round airbag will work on your car as will any .2 wheel. You just can't use your current airbag. Cost of custom is the same or less than an OEM wheel and is built on OEM core. The feel of the leather is much improved as is the thickness and you can specify material, stitching and thickness. Pictures below of two I bought from Dallas Custom http://www.dallassteeringwheel.com/index.htm
No affiliation other than customer.
11-25-2014, 08:34 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
Great job on the steering wheels. Question for you on the red GTS gauge faces - when you ordered did the center gauge face come with the GTS script based on your VIN or did you have to specify it? Also, did your OEM center gauge face have the GTS script. I have a 2012 GTS and no script. Thanks.
11-25-2014, 09:52 AM
#6
1. 997.1 OEM has two styles, triangle (standard) and round (sports)
2. The triangle comes in four flavors - manual (plain), automatic, manual multi-function, automatic multi-function. The difference is the trim/buttons on the side and perhaps a control box under the airbag. It is easy to switch flavors within the triangle family using the right parts ( trim pieces, switches, etc.)
3. The round comes in two flavors - manual (plain) and automatic. Multi-function is not an option for the 997.1 round sport steering wheel. Again easy to switch between manual and automatic within the round family. But you cannot add multi-function to the round 997.1 steering wheel. The control electronics for MF do not fit under the 997.1 round steering wheel.
4. All 997 steering wheels will fit all 997 cars. But airbags only fit one style of airbag, meaning a 997.2 round airbag does not fit a 997.1 round steering wheel or vice versa
What does this mean? You can switch between 997.1 triangle and 997.1 round if you swap both the wheel and airbag. You can also switch between 997.1 triangle/round and a 997.2 by swapping both the wheel and the airbag. You can add MF to a 997.1 triangle wheel. You can convert a manual wheel into automatic or back (doesn't change your car though
)
When can you keep your airbag? Only if you stay within the same style (997.1 triangle for example) and change from a manual to automatic flavor, add or delete MF, and so on. But refer to the top as MF is only available in some flavors.
If you are looking to keep your airbag and want to just change the style of your wheel, buy just a replacement wheel of the same style. It doesn't matter if you pickup a bare wheel, manual or automatic as you can reuse all the other parts on your current wheel. Or you can have your current bare wheel refinished via a core exchange with someplace like DCT Motorsports http://www.dctms.com/product_ST_PCH_997_987.html I went this route and love it!
OP - since your existing wheel is CF, you might have luck finding someone for a simple swap
2. The triangle comes in four flavors - manual (plain), automatic, manual multi-function, automatic multi-function. The difference is the trim/buttons on the side and perhaps a control box under the airbag. It is easy to switch flavors within the triangle family using the right parts ( trim pieces, switches, etc.)
3. The round comes in two flavors - manual (plain) and automatic. Multi-function is not an option for the 997.1 round sport steering wheel. Again easy to switch between manual and automatic within the round family. But you cannot add multi-function to the round 997.1 steering wheel. The control electronics for MF do not fit under the 997.1 round steering wheel.
4. All 997 steering wheels will fit all 997 cars. But airbags only fit one style of airbag, meaning a 997.2 round airbag does not fit a 997.1 round steering wheel or vice versa
What does this mean? You can switch between 997.1 triangle and 997.1 round if you swap both the wheel and airbag. You can also switch between 997.1 triangle/round and a 997.2 by swapping both the wheel and the airbag. You can add MF to a 997.1 triangle wheel. You can convert a manual wheel into automatic or back (doesn't change your car though
)When can you keep your airbag? Only if you stay within the same style (997.1 triangle for example) and change from a manual to automatic flavor, add or delete MF, and so on. But refer to the top as MF is only available in some flavors.
If you are looking to keep your airbag and want to just change the style of your wheel, buy just a replacement wheel of the same style. It doesn't matter if you pickup a bare wheel, manual or automatic as you can reuse all the other parts on your current wheel. Or you can have your current bare wheel refinished via a core exchange with someplace like DCT Motorsports http://www.dctms.com/product_ST_PCH_997_987.html I went this route and love it!
OP - since your existing wheel is CF, you might have luck finding someone for a simple swap
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roadie13 (09-26-2019)
11-25-2014, 12:29 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
I'm certainly no guru, but I've found this link to be pretty informative:
https://www.stuttcars.com/porsche-models/911/997/
It touches on a few good bits of spec related trivia.
Semicycler's response seems to pretty well cover it though: - great response!
- Dan
https://www.stuttcars.com/porsche-models/911/997/
It touches on a few good bits of spec related trivia.
Semicycler's response seems to pretty well cover it though: - great response!
- Dan
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11-25-2014, 02:54 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I am not an expert, but I did recently upgrade my 997.1 non-S with the triangular multi-function wheel like you have (except for the CF), and installed a round sport wheel from a 997.2 GT3 (non-MF). It was plug and play. I wanted a thicker wheel with the wider grips at 10 and 2. Easy DIY upgrade.
I personally never cared for any of the stock steering wheels. Too wimpy and the leather feels cheap. If you really want a nicer wheel, consider having one built to your specs. The .1 sports wheel with the round airbag will work on your car as will any .2 wheel. You just can't use your current airbag. Cost of custom is the same or less than an OEM wheel and is built on OEM core. The feel of the leather is much improved as is the thickness and you can specify material, stitching and thickness. Pictures below of two I bought from Dallas Custom http://www.dallassteeringwheel.com/index.htm
1. 997.1 OEM has two styles, triangle (standard) and round (sports)
2. The triangle comes in four flavors - manual (plain), automatic, manual multi-function, automatic multi-function. The difference is the trim/buttons on the side and perhaps a control box under the airbag. It is easy to switch flavors within the triangle family using the right parts ( trim pieces, switches, etc.)
3. The round comes in two flavors - manual (plain) and automatic. Multi-function is not an option for the 997.1 round sport steering wheel. Again easy to switch between manual and automatic within the round family. But you cannot add multi-function to the round 997.1 steering wheel. The control electronics for MF do not fit under the 997.1 round steering wheel.
4. All 997 steering wheels will fit all 997 cars. But airbags only fit one style of airbag, meaning a 997.2 round airbag does not fit a 997.1 round steering wheel or vice versa
What does this mean? You can switch between 997.1 triangle and 997.1 round if you swap both the wheel and airbag. You can also switch between 997.1 triangle/round and a 997.2 by swapping both the wheel and the airbag. You can add MF to a 997.1 triangle wheel. You can convert a manual wheel into automatic or back (doesn't change your car though)
When can you keep your airbag? Only if you stay within the same style (997.1 triangle for example) and change from a manual to automatic flavor, add or delete MF, and so on. But refer to the top as MF is only available in some flavors.
If you are looking to keep your airbag and want to just change the style of your wheel, buy just a replacement wheel of the same style. It doesn't matter if you pickup a bare wheel, manual or automatic as you can reuse all the other parts on your current wheel. Or you can have your current bare wheel refinished via a core exchange with someplace like DCT Motorsports http://www.dctms.com/product_ST_PCH_997_987.html I went this route and love it!
OP - since your existing wheel is CF, you might have luck finding someone for a simple swap
2. The triangle comes in four flavors - manual (plain), automatic, manual multi-function, automatic multi-function. The difference is the trim/buttons on the side and perhaps a control box under the airbag. It is easy to switch flavors within the triangle family using the right parts ( trim pieces, switches, etc.)
3. The round comes in two flavors - manual (plain) and automatic. Multi-function is not an option for the 997.1 round sport steering wheel. Again easy to switch between manual and automatic within the round family. But you cannot add multi-function to the round 997.1 steering wheel. The control electronics for MF do not fit under the 997.1 round steering wheel.
4. All 997 steering wheels will fit all 997 cars. But airbags only fit one style of airbag, meaning a 997.2 round airbag does not fit a 997.1 round steering wheel or vice versa
What does this mean? You can switch between 997.1 triangle and 997.1 round if you swap both the wheel and airbag. You can also switch between 997.1 triangle/round and a 997.2 by swapping both the wheel and the airbag. You can add MF to a 997.1 triangle wheel. You can convert a manual wheel into automatic or back (doesn't change your car though
)When can you keep your airbag? Only if you stay within the same style (997.1 triangle for example) and change from a manual to automatic flavor, add or delete MF, and so on. But refer to the top as MF is only available in some flavors.
If you are looking to keep your airbag and want to just change the style of your wheel, buy just a replacement wheel of the same style. It doesn't matter if you pickup a bare wheel, manual or automatic as you can reuse all the other parts on your current wheel. Or you can have your current bare wheel refinished via a core exchange with someplace like DCT Motorsports http://www.dctms.com/product_ST_PCH_997_987.html I went this route and love it!
OP - since your existing wheel is CF, you might have luck finding someone for a simple swap
VERY informative.
Cheers
Craig
11-25-2014, 08:31 PM
#9
Rennlist Member
The summary below is good. Just a couple of additonal items:
1. The major difference between the 997.1 and 997.2 round wheels is that the horn on the 997.1 is activated by buttons to the sides of the airbag, whereas in the 997.2 the horn is activated by pressing on the airbag. This is what makes the airbags non-interchangeable.
2. There are a couple of different 997.1 sport steering wheels. A basic round steering wheel and a more expensive thicker sport steering wheel (option code XPA). I've had both, and prefer the XPA.
3. The MY 2009 997.2 cars with manual transmission and a sport steering wheel came with the 997.1 sport steering wheel. Not sure what the '09 MT cars got as standard issue, probably the triangular wheel.
4. Starting in 2010, all wheels used a round airbag, and the sport wheels picked up the bitchin' silver spokes, with or without flappy paddles.
5. The sport steering wheels for 997.2 cars with PDK were offered in 2 differnet versions. Not sure when they cut this in (2010?), but wheels on later cars have indicator lights for the various Sport modes.
6. When installing a 997.2 wheel into a 997.1 car, an updated control module may be required.
7. Not mentioned, but there are also heated wheel options. Contrary to what is said on some parts websites (ie.g. Suncoast) you can replace a non-heated wheel with a heated wheel, but only if you have heated seats.
8. In addition to leather, there are Alcantara, Carbon, and "Aluminum Look" steering wheel options.
Kit
San Diego, CA
1. The major difference between the 997.1 and 997.2 round wheels is that the horn on the 997.1 is activated by buttons to the sides of the airbag, whereas in the 997.2 the horn is activated by pressing on the airbag. This is what makes the airbags non-interchangeable.
2. There are a couple of different 997.1 sport steering wheels. A basic round steering wheel and a more expensive thicker sport steering wheel (option code XPA). I've had both, and prefer the XPA.
3. The MY 2009 997.2 cars with manual transmission and a sport steering wheel came with the 997.1 sport steering wheel. Not sure what the '09 MT cars got as standard issue, probably the triangular wheel.
4. Starting in 2010, all wheels used a round airbag, and the sport wheels picked up the bitchin' silver spokes, with or without flappy paddles.
5. The sport steering wheels for 997.2 cars with PDK were offered in 2 differnet versions. Not sure when they cut this in (2010?), but wheels on later cars have indicator lights for the various Sport modes.
6. When installing a 997.2 wheel into a 997.1 car, an updated control module may be required.
7. Not mentioned, but there are also heated wheel options. Contrary to what is said on some parts websites (ie.g. Suncoast) you can replace a non-heated wheel with a heated wheel, but only if you have heated seats.
8. In addition to leather, there are Alcantara, Carbon, and "Aluminum Look" steering wheel options.
Kit
San Diego, CA
1. 997.1 OEM has two styles, triangle (standard) and round (sports)
2. The triangle comes in four flavors - manual (plain), automatic, manual multi-function, automatic multi-function. The difference is the trim/buttons on the side and perhaps a control box under the airbag. It is easy to switch flavors within the triangle family using the right parts ( trim pieces, switches, etc.)
3. The round comes in two flavors - manual (plain) and automatic. Multi-function is not an option for the 997.1 round sport steering wheel. Again easy to switch between manual and automatic within the round family. But you cannot add multi-function to the round 997.1 steering wheel. The control electronics for MF do not fit under the 997.1 round steering wheel.
4. All 997 steering wheels will fit all 997 cars. But airbags only fit one style of airbag, meaning a 997.2 round airbag does not fit a 997.1 round steering wheel or vice versa
What does this mean? You can switch between 997.1 triangle and 997.1 round if you swap both the wheel and airbag. You can also switch between 997.1 triangle/round and a 997.2 by swapping both the wheel and the airbag. You can add MF to a 997.1 triangle wheel. You can convert a manual wheel into automatic or back (doesn't change your car though)
When can you keep your airbag? Only if you stay within the same style (997.1 triangle for example) and change from a manual to automatic flavor, add or delete MF, and so on. But refer to the top as MF is only available in some flavors.
If you are looking to keep your airbag and want to just change the style of your wheel, buy just a replacement wheel of the same style. It doesn't matter if you pickup a bare wheel, manual or automatic as you can reuse all the other parts on your current wheel. Or you can have your current bare wheel refinished via a core exchange with someplace like DCT Motorsports http://www.dctms.com/product_ST_PCH_997_987.html I went this route and love it!
OP - since your existing wheel is CF, you might have luck finding someone for a simple swap
2. The triangle comes in four flavors - manual (plain), automatic, manual multi-function, automatic multi-function. The difference is the trim/buttons on the side and perhaps a control box under the airbag. It is easy to switch flavors within the triangle family using the right parts ( trim pieces, switches, etc.)
3. The round comes in two flavors - manual (plain) and automatic. Multi-function is not an option for the 997.1 round sport steering wheel. Again easy to switch between manual and automatic within the round family. But you cannot add multi-function to the round 997.1 steering wheel. The control electronics for MF do not fit under the 997.1 round steering wheel.
4. All 997 steering wheels will fit all 997 cars. But airbags only fit one style of airbag, meaning a 997.2 round airbag does not fit a 997.1 round steering wheel or vice versa
What does this mean? You can switch between 997.1 triangle and 997.1 round if you swap both the wheel and airbag. You can also switch between 997.1 triangle/round and a 997.2 by swapping both the wheel and the airbag. You can add MF to a 997.1 triangle wheel. You can convert a manual wheel into automatic or back (doesn't change your car though
)When can you keep your airbag? Only if you stay within the same style (997.1 triangle for example) and change from a manual to automatic flavor, add or delete MF, and so on. But refer to the top as MF is only available in some flavors.
If you are looking to keep your airbag and want to just change the style of your wheel, buy just a replacement wheel of the same style. It doesn't matter if you pickup a bare wheel, manual or automatic as you can reuse all the other parts on your current wheel. Or you can have your current bare wheel refinished via a core exchange with someplace like DCT Motorsports http://www.dctms.com/product_ST_PCH_997_987.html I went this route and love it!
OP - since your existing wheel is CF, you might have luck finding someone for a simple swap
Last edited by kcheves; 11-26-2014 at 01:53 PM.
11-25-2014, 09:23 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
The summary below is good. Just a couple of additonal items:
1. The major difference between the 997.1 and 997.2 round wheels is that the horn on the 997.1 is activated by buttons to the sides of the airbag, whereas in the 997.2 the horn is activated by pressing on the airbag. This is what makes the airbags non-interchangeable.
6. When installing a 997.2 wheel into a 997.1 car, an updated control module may be required.
Kit
San Diego, CA
1. The major difference between the 997.1 and 997.2 round wheels is that the horn on the 997.1 is activated by buttons to the sides of the airbag, whereas in the 997.2 the horn is activated by pressing on the airbag. This is what makes the airbags non-interchangeable.
6. When installing a 997.2 wheel into a 997.1 car, an updated control module may be required.
Kit
San Diego, CA
#1. If i am installing new wheel with appropriate airbag your comment should not be an issue?
#6. Could you please define which specific control module and what is it's function?
I am planning on purchasing a .2 wheel / airbag from a 6 speed car to be used with my 6 speed car.
Thank you
Craig
11-25-2014, 10:19 PM
#11
Nordschleife Master
Great job on the steering wheels. Question for you on the red GTS gauge faces - when you ordered did the center gauge face come with the GTS script based on your VIN or did you have to specify it? Also, did your OEM center gauge face have the GTS script. I have a 2012 GTS and no script. Thanks.
11-25-2014, 11:18 PM
#13
Nordschleife Master
11-26-2014, 10:54 AM
#14
Rennlist Member
Good Luck.
11-26-2014, 10:47 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
"... Just a couple of additional items:
1. The major difference between the 997.1 and 997.2 round wheels is that the horn on the 997.1 is activated by buttons to the sides of the airbag, whereas in the 997.2 the horn is activated by pressing on the airbag. This is what makes the airbags non-interchangeable....
3. The MY 2009 997.2 cars with manual transmission and a sport steering wheel came with the 997.1 sport steering wheel. Not sure what the '09 MT cars got as standard issue, probably the triangular wheel."
Is the 2009 997.2 round M/T wheel an exception to the rule that v.1 and v.2 wheel swaps require airbags corresponding to their same series?
1. The major difference between the 997.1 and 997.2 round wheels is that the horn on the 997.1 is activated by buttons to the sides of the airbag, whereas in the 997.2 the horn is activated by pressing on the airbag. This is what makes the airbags non-interchangeable....
3. The MY 2009 997.2 cars with manual transmission and a sport steering wheel came with the 997.1 sport steering wheel. Not sure what the '09 MT cars got as standard issue, probably the triangular wheel."
Is the 2009 997.2 round M/T wheel an exception to the rule that v.1 and v.2 wheel swaps require airbags corresponding to their same series?