Is an upgrade to this type of steering wheel possible?
 

I have a 2002 S model 986. I know the three spoke wheels in these cars tend to be popular for many. I'm not crazy about it. I prefer the metal three spoke wheels in the 997 cars. I'll try to attach a photo here of what I mean.


http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1519919681.jpg



I found the photo on the internet, this one shows paddle shifters, but having a 6 speed I don't need that. They also come without the paddle shifters, which is of course what I'd want. Is it possible to upgrade to one of these? Has anyone done it? if not, does anyone know of an aftermarket wheel that looks similar? Thanks.

Leaving aside the airbag compatibility and the design not being harmonized for the 986/996 “curves” approach, I believe the splines do not match up. That’s why you don’t see this done.

Just a suggestion...for the cost of a new Porsche steering wheel you can swap out your steering wheel with a sport steering wheel and keep the airbag.

They will do a core exchange

Example: DCT MOTOR SPORTS www.dctms.com Porsche carbon alcantara leather sport steering wheels

I saw that, thanks so much. Actually it's the triangular airbag that doesn't much appeal to me. No big deal, I'll just keep it. Just a thought.

I really like mine. Note the flat bottom, which provides for a nice increase of thigh room.


http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1519952108.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1519952173.jpg

Very Nice - I regret not going that route. I was being cheap at the time. I ended up installing a MOMO steering wheel. Love the steering wheel but keeping the integrity of the car was probably better.

Until you turn the wheel 😁

try this link
http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/56570-tiptronic-paddle-shift.html

Where did you get that wheel? I like it!

True dat. But it does help considerably while entering and exiting.

Once seated, you are on your own.

Thanks - DM

Bought on eBay maybe 18 months ago. A quick search there just now on "986 steering wheel" shows a number of different variations on this same theme.

Reason why I bought this particular model was due to the blue stitching.

If you -really- can't find one like it there now, let me know and I'll rummage thru my receipts so to see if I can find the particular seller (who, of course, may or may not have any available left today).

But yeah, I really do like it a lot as it is something that you touch and feel every time that you drive the car.

Thanks - DM

The above steering wheel is the T96 by DCT, pretty pricy. I went rogue and ditched my airbag for a Momo Race steering wheel. Did a GT3 Cup wheel, but the dish is too deep for my position.

Here is the T96 link: Porsche carbon alcantara sport leather steering wheels 996 997 986 987 955 Turbo S carrera

This is the wheel I bought: https://www.momo.com/en-us/product/race/

try the momo montecarlo 320mm. i actually like it more than the t96 that i have.
that's only if you are ok with deleting the airbag

If you have a roll cage and a 6 point harness, an airbag is redundant. Otherwise, removing a proven safety device for a cosmetic change would not be my first choice.

For me it was a matter of position and size of the stock wheel. There is nothing functionally wrong with the stocker (except it weighs 2000lbs) it just didn't work well for me. I didn't disable the entire system, just deleted the drivers AB. Slowly this car will be more and more track oriented anyway. I haven't made the jump to seats yet as I don't want to give up the passenger airbag. Of course, there are legal considerations as well as insurance considerations to "altering the AB system" fortunately non of those apply.

DCI says that they can remanufacture a steering wheel to the buyer's design standards. You might follow the link to the sellers website, but I think this is what I'm going to do with my worn steering wheel.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-996-986-993-Carrera-Boxster-4-spokes-Sport-Flat-bottom-steering-wheel-/252549478268?vxp=mtr&hash=item3acd1f377c

They can probably tell you about fitting a 996 wheel on a 986 column, too. Fitting a non bag wheel on my car? I really don't think so, even if it were a track car.

A 996 wheel and 986 wheel are a direct swap. No worries there. Going bagless requires a bit of doing for the horn and the airbag delete, but no big deal really. There are kits to do the job.