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A good street steering wheel?

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Old Sep 26, 2022 | 08:58 PM
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From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
A good street steering wheel?

My 87 steering wheel is started falling part and I don’t like the stuff it’s leaving on my hands. I would like to see what is our there for a nice street wheel that isn’t a ton of money. Preferably a bolt on type kit
and I think I want something comfortable and possibly smaller than stock and maybe even molded like below. I’ve been looking at screaming chickens but they aren’t solid 3 spoke and the wheels look large. I drive this car only on the street but I drive it like I stole it so comfortable and good quality.



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Old Sep 27, 2022 | 12:36 AM
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Re: A good street steering wheel?

thats pretty much the wheel i have. well style. i like it but it does take some getting use to. have it on a NRG quick release hub. i got lucky and found the wheel and hub pretty much new on offerup.


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Old Sep 27, 2022 | 07:20 AM
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From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Nice, do you have a functioning horn? I think the bottom would weird me out not being round. I actually prefer the grant 8511 as it's fully round but again I'm not sure if I can get a working horn.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/grt-8511

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Old Sep 28, 2022 | 12:12 AM
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Re: A good street steering wheel?

i wasnt really lookin for this style wheel in general, mostly the quick release but like i said i got it for a good deal.

i did not hook up the horn but you can. well at least with the NRG quick release you can.
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Old Sep 28, 2022 | 07:08 AM
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From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Quick release is $$ from what I'm seeing. I figured out I can make it have a horn and it will probably be the route I go. I assume no spacers/extensions are required on our 3rd gens?
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Old Sep 28, 2022 | 07:57 AM
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: A good street steering wheel?

In my experience, every vehicle with an aftermarket steering wheel, that I have bought or worked on, had horn problems. And the wheel mounting appeared weak and no where as strong as an OE wheel.

On my cars, aftermarket steering wheels get removed, second only to aftermarket "Alarm" systems. I would get a good quality reproduction wheel, or have yours restored.
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Old Sep 28, 2022 | 09:43 AM
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From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by mikeceli
In my experience, every vehicle with an aftermarket steering wheel, that I have bought or worked on, had horn problems. And the wheel mounting appeared weak and no where as strong as an OE wheel.

On my cars, aftermarket steering wheels get removed, second only to aftermarket "Alarm" systems. I would get a good quality reproduction wheel, or have yours restored.
I've used my horn maybe once in 2 years... and even then it was more for "hey the light is green let's go". I have never seen a repro wheel for a 3rd gen... I've looked at OER, Classic Industries, Hawks... etc and nada. Also I don't think you can restore the molded OE steering wheel... they recover them which makes them feel bulky and look "thick".
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Old Sep 28, 2022 | 10:11 AM
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From: S. UTAH
Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by customblackbird
I've used my horn maybe once in 2 years... and even then it was more for "hey the light is green let's go". ..............".
I have never used my "Air Bags" (SRS Supplemental Restraint System) , but certainly want it there, if I need it.

I would consider some of the reproduction wheel, I have seen photos of.




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Old Sep 28, 2022 | 10:20 AM
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From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by mikeceli
I have never used my "Air Bags" (SRS Supplemental Restraint System) , but certainly want it there, if I need it.

I would consider some of the reproduction wheel, I have seen photos of.
I actually find them to cause more harm and I've been in quite a few accidents. Seat belts is a different story tho.

If you have links please post because I have been unable to find repro's of the stock wheel.
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Old Sep 29, 2022 | 09:05 PM
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From: Meriden, CT 06451
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Cavalier Z24 steering wheel in 87 Formula - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

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Old Sep 29, 2022 | 10:36 PM
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: A good street steering wheel?

"noemmission 84T", so that is genuine GM? It looks very nice, is it a straight forward bolt on?
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Old Sep 30, 2022 | 05:34 PM
  #12  
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From: Meriden, CT 06451
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by mikeceli
"noemmission 84T", so that is genuine GM? It looks very nice, is it a straight forward bolt on?
I got mine new from ebay for something like $30. Not OEM, but aftermarket. Direct bolt-on.
The horn button can be hard to find.

Check Lumina also.
Here are some listed right now:
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 CHEVROLET CAVALIER STEERING WHEEL OEM 17987601 | eBay
Z24 Cavalier Z28 Rs Camaro S10 C10 Monte Carlo Ss Blazer Sport Steering Wheel... | eBay
OEM GM 1990-1996 Chevrolet Lumina Monte Carlo Cavalier steering wheel DELUXE Z24 | eBay
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Old Oct 1, 2022 | 06:58 AM
  #13  
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From: Missouri
Car: 1985 Z28
Engine: 305 LG4
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by mikeceli
In my experience, every vehicle with an aftermarket steering wheel, that I have bought or worked on, had horn problems. And the wheel mounting appeared weak and no where as strong as an OE wheel.

On my cars, aftermarket steering wheels get removed, second only to aftermarket "Alarm" systems. I would get a good quality reproduction wheel, or have yours restored.
I installed a nice aftermarket Grant wheel on my '87. Horn button install was easy and it actually works better than my factory '85 horn button because the electrical contacts on the original are wearing out. The Grant was an easy install and sturdy, but I know what you mean in the quote above about weak and horn problems. Previously I had a quick release piece on there with a Momo wheel adapted to fit. The whole setup was janky (previous owner stuff) and I never liked it.

If anyone wants the quick release adapter they can have it, just PM me. I never liked it because it caused a lot of unnecessary slop and play in the wheel. I guess if you leave your car parked on a street in a high theft area it might be useful to be able to remove the steering wheel, but I live in a rural red state area and have no such troubles.
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Old Oct 1, 2022 | 07:03 PM
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From: Meriden, CT 06451
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by Aaron R.
....but I live in a rural red state area and have no such troubles.
I forgot what that is like. Time for me to move! CT sucks!
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Old Oct 1, 2022 | 07:17 PM
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From: Colorado USA
Car: '83 Firebird (T/A Clone)
Engine: 350 with L-69 components
Transmission: 700R-4, 2000 RPM stall converter
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt/3.73 ..
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by NoEmissions84TA
I forgot what that is like. Time for me to move! CT sucks!
So does Colorado...
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Old Oct 1, 2022 | 07:21 PM
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From: Meriden, CT 06451
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by T.L.
So does Colorado...
But Colorado now has more money than they know what to do with because of the legalized marijuana.
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Old Oct 2, 2022 | 09:10 AM
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Re: A good street steering wheel?

If you have a leather wheel now, you can cut the stitching, peel the leather, and clean up the wheel with some goo gone. It's now thinner than stock, but totally useable. I've done it twice. Ultimately had them both recovered. First was stock thickness, second was with a little extra padding. Both were very well done.
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Old Oct 2, 2022 | 10:35 AM
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From: S. UTAH
Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by Abubaca
If you have a leather wheel now, you can cut the stitching, peel the leather, and clean up the wheel with some goo gone. It's now thinner than stock, but totally useable. I've done it twice. Ultimately had them both recovered. First was stock thickness, second was with a little extra padding. Both were very well done.

Redone by who and for how much?
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Old Oct 5, 2022 | 09:27 PM
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From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Well I got the grant and just installed it. The heel is pointed to the 1 o’clock position when the wheel
was straight stock. I can’t see how I can adjust this as I followed the instructions and a good YouTube video and it only fits one way due to the plastic horn spring thing. I feel like my only real option is to elongate the 3 holes in the adapter or pull the steering shaft on the box and rotate. Car has had a few alignments and tracks straight but I’m sure it’s all been messed with.




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Old Oct 5, 2022 | 11:04 PM
  #20  
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From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: A good street steering wheel?

F’ it. Modified the hub and got it straight. Feels good in the hand and they weren’t kidding about the grip diamond thread I couldn’t imagine a hand slipping out.


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Old Oct 5, 2022 | 11:14 PM
  #21  
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Car: 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: 6.2L
Transmission: Stage III T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by customblackbird
My 87 steering wheel is started falling part and I don’t like the stuff it’s leaving on my hands. I would like to see what is our there for a nice street wheel that isn’t a ton of money. Preferably a bolt on type kit
and I think I want something comfortable and possibly smaller than stock and maybe even molded like below. I’ve been looking at screaming chickens but they aren’t solid 3 spoke and the wheels look large. I drive this car only on the street but I drive it like I stole it so comfortable and good quality.


buy the cheapest wheel you can find and run over it a few times to get that desired look
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Old Oct 6, 2022 | 01:25 AM
  #22  
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Re: A good street steering wheel?

Just ran across this article on a new LeCarra wheel today. LINK
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Old Oct 6, 2022 | 07:16 AM
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by customblackbird
Well I got the grant and just installed it. The heel is pointed to the 1 o’clock position when the wheel
was straight stock. I can’t see how I can adjust this as I followed the instructions and a good YouTube video and it only fits one way due to the plastic horn spring thing. I feel like my only real option is to elongate the 3 holes in the adapter or pull the steering shaft on the box and rotate. Car has had a few alignments and tracks straight but I’m sure it’s all been messed with.




There is NO WAY I would do those MODS outlined above, to make a STEERING WHEEL "FIT"! Your talking about the component that transmits DRIVER INPUT to the STEERING SYSTEM!
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Old Oct 6, 2022 | 10:09 AM
  #24  
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From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by mikeceli
There is NO WAY I would do those MODS outlined above, to make a STEERING WHEEL "FIT"! Your talking about the component that transmits DRIVER INPUT to the STEERING SYSTEM!
The MOD PERFORMED was drilling new holes in the hub adapter which is still secured how GRANT INTENDED but in a different position. The new hub is aluminum judging by the shavings and is secured with the same 3 bolts that Grant provides. Cranking on the wheel with the engine off in a parked position and the wheel doesn't budge so it won't ever get worse than that with stress on the wheel. God forbid if you knew I deleted my windshield wipers hahaha
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Old Oct 8, 2022 | 09:03 AM
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From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: A good street steering wheel?

Took the car to work yesterday which is a 40 min drive. Can’t believe how the wheel could make it feel like a different car. Steering wheel feels great in my hand with fantastic grip. It isn’t smooth so it doesn’t spin or slip back in your hand when you let go but my steering doesn’t really do that with the hydro boost anyway like a new car does. Highly recommend this wheel!
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Old Nov 26, 2022 | 04:19 PM
  #26  
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Re: A good street steering wheel?

Originally Posted by customblackbird
Well I got the grant and just installed it. The heel is pointed to the 1 o’clock position when the wheel
was straight stock. I can’t see how I can adjust this as I followed the instructions and a good YouTube video and it only fits one way due to the plastic horn spring thing. I feel like my only real option is to elongate the 3 holes in the adapter or pull the steering shaft on the box and rotate. Car has had a few alignments and tracks straight but I’m sure it’s all been messed with.



That isn't too far off. You should be able to align the steering wheel by adjusting the tie rods (or have an alignment shop do it if you don't have the tools do do an alignment on the car). I definitely wouldn't start trying to elongate holes and such on the steering wheel because that seems like it would make it unsafe.
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