“Should I just build my own 8020 rig?” is one of the most common sim racing questions on forums and Reddit. And it’s a fair question: aluminium profile seems simple, and DIY rigs can look amazing.
But the decision is not only about money. It is about time, finishing quality, adjustability, and how likely you are to keep iterating until the rig feels perfect.
Prime vs DIY in one table
| Category | GT Omega | SIMGASM |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Pay for a complete engineered kit | Pay for profiles, brackets, plates, hardware, tools and mistakes |
| Time cost | Assemble and tune | Design, order, drill/cut, iterate |
| Adjustability | High, designed around add-ons | Potentially unlimited, depends on design quality |
| Finish and look | Consistent anodized/powder coated parts | Depends on suppliers and your build skills |
| Upgrade ecosystem | Brand accessory range | Universal ecosystem if you standardize T-slot sizes |
What DIY builders usually underestimate
1) Hardware adds up
T-nuts, bolts, corner brackets, washers, angle plates and fasteners add up quickly. If you forget parts, shipping costs and delays stack up. A pre-designed kit avoids that friction.
2) Plate design is not trivial
Wheel and pedal plates are where force goes in. If plates are too thin or poorly braced, the rig flexes no matter how thick your profiles are. Getting this right is the difference between “it works” and “it feels professional”.
3) Cable routing is a design problem
Clean builds require planning: where do cables enter the frame, where do they exit, how do you keep access for adjustments? Many DIY rigs become messy because routing was an afterthought.
Why people still choose DIY
DIY makes sense if you enjoy building and you want a custom footprint, special accessories or a unique driving position. It also makes sense if you have access to tools, or you want to prototype different layouts.
If you want to be racing quickly and prefer a clean, engineered solution, buying a kit is often the better “value” option.
Where SIMGASM fits in the Prime vs DIY debate
SIMGASM gives you the profile-rig benefits (adjustability, stiffness, upgradeability) while keeping the build clean and approachable. The tier system also makes it easier to avoid overbuying: start where you are, then upgrade when you actually need more stiffness or features.
If you want a “Prime-like” stiffness level, the closest tier is the SIMGASM Pro simulator. If you want a strong rig that stays upgradeable but is lighter and more compact, the SIMGASM Sport simulator or SIMGASM Club simulator may be the smarter starting point.
Recommended SIMGASM building blocks for a clean rig
- SIMGASM wheel mount base set + SIMGASM front wheel mount for a stiff, adjustable wheel mounting approach.
- Apex freestanding triple monitor stand if you want to keep monitors independent and stable.
- Universal peripheral deck for shifters, handbrakes and button boxes without drilling.
