Sim Racing Upgrade Order – What to Buy First (and What to Skip)
Introduction
Some upgrades significantly change how you drive. Others offer marginal improvements. And some simply allow you to continue progressing.
After reviewing sim racing equipment across a wide range of price points, this guide outlines a practical upgrade order — focusing on where to spend and where to hold back.
Before getting into it, there are a few things worth considering.
Key Considerations Before Upgrading
First, consider whether upgrading actually solves a problem.
If you can’t clearly identify what your current hardware is preventing you from doing, an upgrade is unlikely to deliver meaningful improvement. It’s easy to fall into the habit of upgrading for its own sake rather than for a defined purpose.
Second, define your budget and objectives.
Sim racing can become expensive quickly. Understanding what you want from your setup — whether it’s immersion, performance, or flexibility — will influence where your money should go.
Finally, platform matters. A PC setup offers significantly more flexibility than console, which will affect compatibility and upgrade paths.
1. Chassis (or Rig) – The Foundation
The most important upgrade is the chassis.
Your rig determines:
What hardware you can use
How much force you can realistically apply
Long-term expandability
Using high-end pedals or a powerful wheelbase on a desk or unstable wheel stand is not an efficient use of money. In many cases, it limits performance and can even introduce instability.
What to look for
Aluminium extrusion rigs are generally the most versatile.
Examples include:
Trak Racer TR80
GT Omega Prime Lite
Key features to prioritise:
Dual-rail structure
Rigid pedal deck
Expandability
These rigs allow for:
Motion systems
Haptics (e.g. Buttkickers)
Triple monitors or VR setups
Accessories like keyboard trays or mounts
Spending beyond a certain point (e.g. thicker profiles like 160mm) offers minimal real-world benefit.
Alternative designs (tubular frames, wood rigs like the RSR21) can work, but should be evaluated carefully, as rigidity varies significantly.
2. Pedals – Performance Gains
After the chassis, the next priority is the pedal set.
Pedals are one of the main contributors to consistency and lap time.
Minimum requirements
Load cell brake
Software calibration
Physical adjustability (springs, elastomers, dampers)
Even entry-level options like:
Fanatec CSL Load Cell Pedals
Simagic SRP Pedals
can perform well, but often lack adjustability.
Moving up the range
Higher-end pedals offer:
Adjustable pedal angles
Improved materials and rigidity
Better mounting solutions
Optional haptics
Hydraulic or pneumatic systems (in some cases)
Load cell ratings:
~60 kg: sufficient for most users
~100 kg: covers nearly all use cases
Higher numbers don’t necessarily translate into better performance due to pedal geometry and leverage.
Notable mention
Simsonn Pedals — strong value, though quality control can vary
3. Wheelbase – Important, but Often Overemphasised
The wheelbase is the most visible upgrade, but not necessarily the most impactful.
Current standard
Direct drive systems are now:
Widely available
More affordable
Present across all performance tiers
Power considerations
A common “sweet spot” is around 12 Nm.
At this level, you achieve:
Most of the available force feedback detail
Enough power for a wide range of wheels
Better value compared to higher torque systems
Higher torque bases offer more headroom, but not necessarily better performance.
What really matters
Differences between wheelbases are often found in:
Quick release systems
Ecosystem compatibility
Software
Long-term reliability
For lower power ranges (3–5 Nm), desk setups are still viable. Beyond that, a wheel stand or full rig is recommended.
Wheel choice also matters — heavier wheels reduce perceived force feedback detail.
4. Accessories – Final Step
Accessories should come last.
This is where personal preference and immersion come into play.
Key categories
Steering wheels
Formula
GT
Road
Drift
Shifters and handbrakes
Essential for drifting or rally
Add immersion for manual driving
Control interfaces
A button box can significantly improve usability.
Elgato Stream Deck
Useful for:
Launching software
Controlling car systems
Adjusting settings on the fly
Haptics and Motion
Haptics range from simple to complex:
Pedal rumble motors
Buttkickers
Motion platforms
One example:
Qubic System Belt Tensioner
These systems add another layer of feedback, particularly around braking and weight transfer.
Training Tools
Performance is not just hardware.
Driver development tools can accelerate improvement.
One example:
Coach Dave Academy
These tools provide:
Telemetry analysis
Setup guidance
Driving feedback
They are not essential, but can significantly reduce the learning curve.
Conclusion
A structured upgrade path helps avoid unnecessary spending.
A general order to follow:
Chassis (foundation)
Pedals (performance)
Wheelbase (refinement)
Accessories (customisation)
Upgrades should be driven by clear needs rather than trends or external influence.
