Nodoze2004

It is kind of a shame that Acura is not offering the A-Spec parts serpately as I am really a fan of the A-Spec steering wheel.

I hope that someone posts one on Ebay soon as I would really like to purchase this steering wheel!!

Any guesses how long it will be before Acura offers these parts seperately?

PetesTL

I think it will never be offered separately. You might have much better luck finding an aftermarket one.

bustedbyu

A-Spec parts will be sold separately in the near future... How near? Some say by the end of the year and others say mid 2005.

GaleForce

The steering wheel is different? I sat in in A-spec, I guess I was noticing too much about the exterior that I wasn't comparing interior components. Pics?

Aegir

Here ya go...

GaleForce

Is the only different part the silver lining on the top corners?

eaRL

It's also slightly larger.

GaleForce

Ah, well, not enough "improvements" for me to buy one, nice though. I like the normal one just fine

moregrip

well not exactly, the silver inserts, the blue stitching, the thicker diameter wheel, and of course the Aspec steering wheel is made in japan, the stocker is made in mexico!

Aegir

Here are my impressions from a previous post:

The A-Spec steering wheel is a really nice piece of work. I’ll be honest, I was expecting to be disappointed – but now I’m glad I got it. It is much higher quality than the stock wheel. The leather is better quality, so is the stitching. The blue stitching looks awesome and fits in with the blue lighting theme. It is firmer and has a different, less round shape that offers a better grip. The perforated leather thumb areas are a nice touch and very comfortable. I guess it’s another example of the value of good ergonomics. It really does add more to my driving experience than I thought it would.

GaleForce

Honestly I am not going to notice a better drive if my steering wheel is better.

Dutchml

That looks like my steering wheel in one respect....Leans to the right.

Aegir

Just happened to be the way I parked. It's actually nicely aligned with the wheels. I'm definitely an amateur when it comes to photographing cars...

Aegir

Yep, I said the same thing. I was a skeptic and only got it because it was part of the kit. I fully expected it to be only an 'appearance upgrade'. What can I say, ergonomics count. The steering wheel is my primary interface with the car. Improving that interface goes a long way. My hands are on that wheel about 15 hours a week... You can't judge a tactile experience from pictures and words. You need to put your hands around it and decide for yourself.

Maybe this is part of it: For those familiar with the 'three types of learners' theories - tactile, auditory, visual - I am a tactile learner. If you take in the world primarily via your eyes or ears, the feel of a steering wheel probably won't mean jack to you.

Or maybe: Then again, perhaps it's just the constant reminder that I have treated myself that I like.

rets

If I have choice, I prefer this one...

GaleForce

I think thats the A-spec one.

Anyway, it is definitely a lot nicer, and I would welcome it if I got the A-spec, but that package was a bit too expensive for me. But like I said the steering wheel is very nice, but I don't mind the standard OEM one, I never really cared (except I do like the TL one more than the TSX). I probably won't buy one of the A-spec one eithers since its an upgrade I don't really need, the one that comes standard is very nice, don't need to blow my money on something a bit nicer :p

Anyway, how much did you pay for your car after tax? And did you get Navi?

LVSBB6

That is actually a picture of the sport steering wheel,which is offered as optional part from dealers in Canada.

It is basically the same design steering wheel which you find in A-spec, except the stitching and the inserts are black. It retails for CDN$950 plus installation from the dealer.

GaleForce

I was more interested in the price of his car with tax since he got A-spec, and if he had a navi. Thanks for the info though. Wonder why it isn't offered in the US.

Nodoze2004

To some the stock wheel is fine, but to be honest I find it a bit thin. Once you have grown accustomed to a thick steering wheel it is hard to take a step back. I like the feel of the thick steering wheel (such as the A-Spec wheel). Has anyone closely compared the Canadian sport wheel to the American A-Spec wheel. From the picture they look VERY similar, with the exception appearing to be the blue stitching (which is a shame, but I could live without it).

Perhaps I could buy one from a Canadian parts dealer!? Are there any differences in the airbag/safety requirements between America and Canada??

Also Aegir....NICE car man. I have your ride as my desktop background (1067_p26116.jpg). Nighthawk....there is no substitute!

Aegir

Total tab was around 36K +tax, no NAVI.

GaleForce

Thanks for the info

LVSBB6

I totally agree with your impression. My other car is a Honda Prelude which I have switched with aftermarket steering wheel, a much thicker grip than stock. Now I find the stock TL steering wheel is little too the thin and feels awkward.

I am very tempted to upgrade to sport steering wheel, but the price to pay is hard to justify. I suppose the price would go down, only if the A-spec option becomes available in Canada.


The US and Canadian models shares the same part for the steering wheel, so I am positive that you can purchase one from Canada and have it fitted in the US model.