If you have never driven a car with an aftermarket steering wheel, you're missing out. There's something compelling about the feel. Perhaps it's the smaller diameter or the thicker padding. Maybe it's the soft sensation and firm grip on the leather and suede finish that gets us. Whatever it is, the ergonomics give a more positive driving experience - something a big, clunky stock wheel doesn't offer.
For our '03 VW GTI 1.8T, we decided to give a Momo steering wheel a try. Browsing its website, the Italian company has more than 100 different wheels in various diameters, styles and materials. The Monte Carlo looked the cleanest and most appropriate for our project car with its black leather and metal finish.
It comes in two sizes - 13.78" and 12.6". Since we wanted the feel of a small wheel, we opted for the 12.6" which only weighed 5.51 lb. In order to install the wheel, we also required a hub adapter that would mate the new wheel to our steering column. Momo has virtually every Euro application available, whether you drive a Mk1 VW, BMW M3 or Audi A4 -they have it all. The MSRP for the wheel and hub was $220 and $95 respectively, but Momo regularly discounts it products, so check the website.
Disclaimer: Our GTI originally came with an airbag system. By installing an aftermarket steering wheel, you lose this function. If safety is a major concern, we don't recommend performing this modification. A smaller wheel can also produce more precise or twitchy steering.
Huge difference in sizes between...
Huge difference in sizes between stock and Momo wheels
Next Month After two years with the Hartmann Lambo Gallardo replica wheels, we decided to return to basics with our original BBS LMs that had been repolished and fitted with Toyo tires. We also have some surprising performance upgrades coming, so stay tuned!
 Disconnect the battery by...  Disconnect the battery by loosening the 10mm bolts on the terminals. This is important because you don't want the airbag to blow up in your face! Rotate the wheel 90° with the key in the ignition |  Locate the hole in the back...  Locate the hole in the back of the stock wheel and unclip the tabs with a small, flat-head screwdriver. The goal is to push down on the spring that secures the airbag latch inside the steering wheel. This is the toughest part of the install and may take several tries. Once done, turn the wheel 180° and repeat the process on the other side |  Once the airbag is released,...  Once the airbag is released, unplug its harness and two horn pins |
 Now apply the steering lock....  Now apply the steering lock. Use a T55 Torx bit, undo the steering wheel center bolt |  Disconnect airbag harness...  Disconnect airbag harness from air bag. Steering wheel is free and comes off |  the center spline. Plug the...  the center spline. Plug the airbag harness back on and feed the wires through the adapter. Secure the T55 Torx bolt |
 To prevent our airbag warning...  To prevent our airbag warning light from illuminating, Momo included a 2-amp resistor that needs to be tapped into the yellow air bag sensor. Secure with pliers and electrical tape |  Place Momo's steel ring onto...  Place Momo's steel ring onto the hub and align the holes. Then align the new steering wheel and tighten six Allen screws into the hub |  Secure the two wires to the...  Secure the two wires to the horn button. Snap the cap into place. Reconnect the battery, et voila! |