The Snap-off system is a TUV approved race-bred quick release system. Made from aircraft grade cast aluminum, the system was originally developed for an exotic Italian car manufacturer's racing effort. Unlike other race-type quick release systems, the Snap-off system was made to bolt directly onto a standard TUV approved collapsible (Tekniq) hub kit. It requires no welding or other irreversible modifications to the car's steering mechanism and accepts any Tekniq steering wheel. It became apparent that this system had applications in other than racing, and was quickly adapted for use on the street, as a very effective theft deterrent. A car parked on the street without a steering wheel presents a formidable challenge to a car thief.
The Snap-off RACE is the original version of the system and is still sold by us for show and racing use. The RACE version cannot be locked, and is universal - allowing you to use multiple steering wheels with the same system. Most rally and racing drivers want two steering wheels. One for the driver(suede) and one for the mechanics (polyurethane). This model is completely different from our street-legal STREET version. It is constructed from billet aluminum and finished in a hard anodized silver coating for durability. It is purpose made for racing and is not meant to be used with a horn. However, we have provided two terminals which can be used for a horn or other race oriented devices such as lap timers, NOS systems, etc.
The Snap-Off STREET is our street-legal version of the original race part. The STREET version is built to the same rugged specifications as the RACE but has some very useful and essential design innovations built into the system. It is painted a sedate black to blend seamlessly into modern car interiors.
The first innovation is the automatic failsafe locking feature. The STREET uses an automatic locking system that is engaged as soon as the steering wheel is placed on the hub. There is no need to manually lock the wheel onto the hub, nor is a key required to do this. This is very important if the system is going to be used by family members or your significant other, not all of whom may be conscientious enough to painstakingly lock the device each time they get into the car to drive. There is therefore no likelihood of the steering wheel inadvertently or accidentally releasing from the hub while the car is in motion.
The second innovation has to do with the security of the system. Imagine that the system becomes so ubiquitous that most cars are equipped with it. Car thieves could buy the system just as easily as you or I and could theoretically use their own steering wheels to heist cars. To prevent this, we made each STREET unique - the mating pins between the steering and hub are located in a random placement order with virtually millions of different combinations. No two STREET systems are alike and the thief is thwarted if any other STREET system is used in an attempt to steal the car.
If your car is driven on public roads, most definitely the STREET version, it will provide you with full anti-theft security, and peace of mind, knowing that the system will only release with a key. This is the only version we would recommend if you will be using the car on the street and/or be sharing driving duties with others. We cannot stress enough the importance of having a system that will lock automatically and which will not release inadvertently or accidentally while the car is in motion.
You should only consider the RACE version, if you are a racer and will use the car solely for tracking or for show purposes. Call us if you need more clarification or additional information.
You must remove your factory steering wheel and slide a Tekniq hub kit onto your car's steering column. This process is no different from the installation of other popular aftermarket steering wheels. The Snap-Off system then bolts directly onto the Tekniq hub kit (six Allen head machine screws). The other mating piece is likewise secured to any Tekniq steering wheel and together they form the quick release anti-theft system.
Yes! We manufacture a Snap-Off System that will accommodate Momo bolt-pattern steering wheels (Momo, Sparco, etc). If you already have a Momo steering wheel and a Momo hub adapter you have two options:
Option #1. Buy the Snap-Off Street system for Momo wheels ($149.90 US), plus an adapter ring ($19.90 US) to fit the Snap-Off system to your existing Momo hub adapter. Keep in mind this option will bring the steering wheel 1.25" closer to you than where it currently sits.
Option #2. Buy the Snap-Off Street system for Momo wheels ($149.90 US), and one of our hub adapters ($54.90 US). This option is more expensive and you will be replacing your existing Momo hub adapter. But, our hub adapters are shorter to compensate for the added length of the Snap-Off system so the stock driving position is maintained.
Yes, unlike a lot of other race-type quick release systems, Snap-Off has integrally designed contacts for your horn button. The contacts mate perfectly to the wheel and your horn button works as it was originally designed to work.
Not if you have the Snap-Off STREET version in one or both cars, because each Snap-Off STREET is unique and will only mate with it’s own factory machined matching component. This is a very important security feature of the STREET.
If you are a racer and insist on steering wheel interchangeability, then the Snap-Off RACE will allow you to do this. We have clients who race, but the car is shared by two or more drivers each wanting to use their own steering wheel. They use the Snap-Off RACE, because it allows them to switch from one steering wheel to another in seconds since it has a universal mating pin configuration (all RACE versions are identical). Please keep in mind that these clients consciously choose to forsake the automatic locking and full anti-theft security features that are only available on the STREET version.
We are, first and foremost, car enthusiasts at Tekniq and we personally use what we sell. We have (ab)used the Snap-Off systems for over two years in our own cars, on the track, at autocrosses and in extreme temperatures.
It is TUV approved - this is a stringent German testing standard which is not easily obtained.
It does not rattle even after years of use - it is made from cast aluminum and steel, there is a rubber o-ring between the mating surfaces that keeps it snug.
It has been tested in winter temperatures that drop to minus 40 Celsius (that translates into minus 40 Fahrenheit - since this is where the two scales meet) and summer temperatures that go up to 40 Celsius (110 Fahrenheit) really testing the systems through a large temperature range. The system has not let us down yet.