My personal and professional recommendation for a steering wheel hub adapter

[SixStar]

I'd have to venture a guess and say that MOST folk aren't going to run the OEM wheel. On the 02-05 they're an acre across, the 06-07 is nice and simple (three spoke) but still, why have an airbag that won't deploy?

I'm fortunate enough to have a 2004 WRX that I race so I can start trying out some parts that will cross over to our 818s. I started with an NRG short hub and 3" dished wheel. Nice setup for an R if you're not running blinkers (or wipers ha!). For the street I just couldn't stand the non-canceling blinkers and the lack of horn, also for Colorado we need a horn to be legal and another button on the dash is silly.

Here's the NRG setup: http://i.imgur.com/TibiTQU.jpg

This morning I installed the better solution, a Works Bell Hub. These are made specifically for the WRX and have a few very nice features. First they come with a resistor that fools the system into thinking the bag is still installed, so no dash light. Second they work with the clock-spring so you can retain your horn and cruise control if you like. A note, you will need to fabricate some sort of bracket if you want to keep cruise, I opted not to. The part is a nice clean cast and comes with a pretty decent fitting plastic surround.

The Works Bell, and super sweet instructions: http://i.imgur.com/nr3w2JU.jpg

Installed: http://i.imgur.com/5newu4K.jpg

Surround: http://i.imgur.com/xGYOBuC.jpg

Blinker cancel works now as does the horn. Placement of the wheel is great and allows enough room for swatting bees without setting off the wipers but they're still close enough for easy access.

[snowphun]

Nice setup, I fully agree the stock wheels are massive, and with the slow rack on the early cars it feels more like navigating a yacht than a sporty car. I put a DAMD wheel in my MY11 which is almost an inch smaller, good enough for a street car but still way too big for an 818. The stock wheel is almost 15", an Elise wheel is around 12" and would probably be a much better fit, and give more leg room.

[SixStar]

You must have some spare coin! I was all set to do a DAMD in the WRX, even sourced an 06 single stage bag.... then the price hit me in the face!

Good thing is I don't DD the Honey Badger much anymore. I'm so far ahead in the series I'd hate to have something fail or get hit by someone and throw it all away.

[Samiam1017]

Good thing is I don't DD the Honey Badger much anymore. I'm so far ahead in the series I'd hate to have something fail or get hit by someone and throw it all away.

What?

[snowphun]

You must have some spare coin! I was all set to do a DAMD in the WRX, even sourced an 06 single stage bag.... then the price hit me in the face!

The importer was having a sale and the exchange rate was better when I bought it, but yeah a hefty price. I figure it should look almost as good as new when I sell the car and can recoup half or more of the price selling it. And it is really nice.

[Xusia]

I'd have to venture a guess and say that MOST folk aren't going to run the OEM wheel. On the 02-05 they're an acre across, the 06-07 is nice and simple (three spoke) but still, why have an airbag that won't deploy?

I'm fortunate enough to have a 2004 WRX that I race so I can start trying out some parts that will cross over to our 818s. I started with an NRG short hub and 3" dished wheel. Nice setup for an R if you're not running blinkers (or wipers ha!). For the street I just couldn't stand the non-canceling blinkers and the lack of horn, also for Colorado we need a horn to be legal and another button on the dash is silly.

Here's the NRG setup: http://i.imgur.com/TibiTQU.jpg

This morning I installed the better solution, a Works Bell Hub. These are made specifically for the WRX and have a few very nice features. First they come with a resistor that fools the system into thinking the bag is still installed, so no dash light. Second they work with the clock-spring so you can retain your horn and cruise control if you like. A note, you will need to fabricate some sort of bracket if you want to keep cruise, I opted not to. The part is a nice clean cast and comes with a pretty decent fitting plastic surround.

The Works Bell, and super sweet instructions: http://i.imgur.com/nr3w2JU.jpg

Installed: http://i.imgur.com/5newu4K.jpg

Surround: http://i.imgur.com/xGYOBuC.jpg

Blinker cancel works now as does the horn. Placement of the wheel is great and allows enough room for swatting bees without setting off the wipers but they're still close enough for easy access.
Which exact model of hub did you get (111, 112, 115, 116), and where did you get it from?

[Frank818]

Works Bell Hub. These are made specifically for the WRX

WRX only or NA as well? I don't think there is a difference between the 2 for that, so I guess it fits all models.

That's exactly what I was looking for! Never saw this thread before, tnx to Brian to bring it back to life. That guy's awesome, I must say.

[SixStar]

There's only one that will work FWIK

"Impreza WRX & STi 02-07 Model #116"

And I can't break forum rules, lets just say it's high on the list if you Google "works bell hub wrx" :D

[K3LAG]

There are step-by-step install instructions for the Works Bell Hub, Quick Release and Flipper in my build thread.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?12055-The-Savage-build-thread&p=139690&viewfull=1#post139690

Larry

[Xusia]

OMG. You guys ROCK! Thanks so much!! :)

[Frank818]

Quite expensive, more than I thought. :(
I think I'll try with a low cost hub and fit the clock spring myself. I don't have an airbag light so I'm fine for that.

[SixStar]

For me it was more the horn and blinker cancel that the Works offers and the NRG doesn't. There are some "ghetto" solutions to both, but for a few bucks more it was worth getting the Works IMO.

[Frank818]

I have to revise the thread of "I can't remember who" who fitted the clock spring and horn manually on the hub. I wonder if it was even an NRG hub... I think the wheel was tilting. Mike Everson maybe, I have to check. It's true the Works will save time, I'll see how valuable that could be. I can see cheap hubs ranging from 25 to 40 bucks on ebay. It's everyone's choice, like you said. I'll spend some time thinking about it.

[Mechie3]

Might've been AZPete.

I don't have an airbag...it blew up in my face. I don't see an easy way to fill the hole either without getting another bag. Thanks for the info.

[AZPete]

Yup, that was me. I used the short NRG hub adapter because the steering wheel was too close to me. The short adapter made contact between the horn button and the column nut so I had to add spacers. Now that I know I can press the steering column shorter, per Rori's tip, I would use a thicker adapter if I had to do it again.
Here's my original post that shows what is called a "ghetto solution" (ouch): http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?12759-FFR-Steering-wheel-installed

[SixStar]

Ha ha, no that's not ghetto!

There's a thread on using a chunk of 4G wire to just rub on the NRG hub for the horn and another one where the guy glued bits of plastic to the blinker switch to make it cancel!

I'd say what you did was clever and resourceful.

[indiana818]

nice setup

[metalmaker12]

I have to revise the thread of "I can't remember who" who fitted the clock spring and horn manually on the hub. I wonder if it was even an NRG hub... I think the wheel was tilting. Mike Everson maybe, I have to check. It's true the Works will save time, I'll see how valuable that could be. I can see cheap hubs ranging from 25 to 40 bucks on ebay. It's everyone's choice, like you said. I'll spend some time thinking about it.

I have the factory clock spring with a modded momo hub and momo wheel. I never posted it. I actually did not post many things, but I am a pm away.

[Scargo]

If you are strictly race, and want maximum reliability and functionality, what would you run? I am not inclined to go with another NRG Gen 2 since the one I have is sometimes balky about coming off when I want it to come off.
I thought I'd spread this question beyond my build thread audience.
Suggestions have been made for a couple of pricey ones like the MOMO and Tekniq (http://www.tekniqauto.com/US/snapoff/snapoff.htm)Tekniq (http://www.tekniqauto.com/US/snapoff/snapoff.htm)
and then more down to earth ones like the Woodward QRA-1 (http://pitstopusa.com/i-20453692-woodward-quick-release-w-jumbo-aluminum-pull-ring-and-weld-on-adapter-sfi-42-1-sticker.html) with the QR697 hub adapter or I was looking at the Sweet (SWT801-70055 Sweet Momo/Sparco QR Hub).
What else do people like?