Carbon Fiber Steering Wheels

[NeoDeo]

I did a search and I could not find on the forum of a debate over the factory NISMO steering wheel and the Carbon Fiber steering wheel. I see many people selling there's here, so it does make me wonder. I am looking at this: https://www.cfelement.com/product-page/nissan-370z-2009. However, I am mostly calling out to those that autocross, if this wheel is as functional as factory or if it is just for looks and could be less functional for autocross or even dangerous. I do like the look and it will help with my legs space, but I do not want to sacrifice function and safety.

If this post has already been discussed, I apologies in advance. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[SeeThruHead]

they just take a regular steering wheel and then wrap it with carbon.
so it will be thicker than a regular steering wheel.
also it will be slicker if you're not using gloves and you want to grab the none leather area.

you will have better grip on the factory nismo wheel. So decide if that matters to you.

I was going to get one but convinced myself the the Alcantara Nismo wheel is classier and more aesthetically appealing.

If i did go for carbon, definitely have to be matte finish.

[NeoDeo]

Originally Posted by SeeThruHead

they just take a regular steering wheel and then wrap it with carbon.
so it will be thicker than a regular steering wheel.
also it will be slicker if you're not using gloves and you want to grab the none leather area.

you will have better grip on the factory nismo wheel. So decide if that matters to you.

I was going to get one but convinced myself the the Alcantara Nismo wheel is classier and more aesthetically appealing.

If i did go for carbon, definitely have to be matte finish.

Thank you for your honest feedback. I was thinking the same thing. The last thing I want in an apex is a slick wheel that will slide through my hands

[ZStalker505]

Also most prefer a round wheel where most carbon wheel have a flat bottom, you want to predict where your hands will be when the wheel is spinning.

[NeoDeo]

Originally Posted by ZStalker505

Also most prefer a round wheel where most carbon wheel have a flat bottom, you want to predict where your hands will be when the wheel is spinning.

That is an excellent point. I think only a few times, did I need to turn my steering wheel so much I would need to touch what is considered the bottom.

[SeeThruHead]

You will at autocross. But it doesn't matter much if you use good steering technique.

this is the steering technique recommended by my HPDE school for autocross (not really needed on the track tho). doesn't matter if you have a flat bottom with this
this technique will also help you avoid the slick carbon as well. So maybe not that big of an issue.

[NorthStyle]

Another thing to mention: all (well, over 90%) of these wheels come from China. So, searching for a CF wheel through Alibaba or Aliexpress will save you a decent chunk of change and the shipping is fairly fast as well. Plus, the quality is the same since this is where the sellers are purchasing their stock from.

[NeoDeo]

Thank you everyone for your response. This will help me make a better informed decision!

[Tractionless]

Originally Posted by SeeThruHead

also it will be slicker if you're not using gloves and you want to grab the none leather area.

you will have better grip on the factory nismo wheel. So decide if that matters to you.

If i did go for carbon, definitely have to be matte finish.

So you've never actually driven with the gloss carbon fiber wheel correct?

If not, unless you're a sweaty hog your hand does not slip on the clear coated carbon, I speak from 3 years experience driving with one.

For the OP,
My aftermarket wheel has contours that aid in grip and control at the points where you hold for performance driving, is thicker, is carbon and alcantara and is available without a flat bottom. Feel free to PM me for source info.

[chendaxian888]

i give you a deal, you know all that shitty CF stirring wheel come from China, yes, all of them, I can get you one from factory. if you want a good one then better go custom.

[OptionZero]

imo, the only "functional" upgrade is one that is combined with a spacer and/or QR hub to space the wheel in a better position. The stock wheel has no telescoping function, replacing it with something wrapped in another material isn't gonna do anything

[Tractionless]

Originally Posted by OptionZero

imo, the only "functional" upgrade is one that is combined with a spacer and/or QR hub to space the wheel in a better position. The stock wheel has no telescoping function, replacing it with something wrapped in another material isn't gonna do anything

Post #9 last sentence is also a functional upgrade IMO. I definitely agree for aggressive driving the wheel is too far away for some drivers.

[Inflaymes]

I bought my flat-bottomed carbon fiber and leather wrapped steering wheel from Jalisco's Carbon Fiber. Excellent quality, and it was less than most other steering wheels.

[MarkRT]

Originally Posted by Inflaymes

I bought my flat-bottomed carbon fiber and leather wrapped steering wheel from Jalisco's Carbon Fiber. Excellent quality, and it was less than most other steering wheels.

Okay, that looks totally nice! My buddy might consider that when he starts the interior mods on his new Z. We're finalizing the last mods on his truck this week including the bumper, winch, and kmc wheels. Good to hear the quality is excellent.

[cooltoy]

Must have.