Simagic wheelbases are popular for a reason: they can feel both strong and informative without being “grainy”. But you only get that feeling when your settings have a clear goal.
This guide explains SimPro Manager settings in plain English. The goal is not to copy someone’s numbers. The goal is to understand what each setting does so you can build a profile that stays detailed across multiple sims.
The “two-layer” approach that works
Think of force feedback as two layers:
- Game layer: what the sim outputs (kerb shape, understeer, load transfer).
- Wheelbase layer: how your base filters, predicts and delivers that output.
If you “fix” a game problem with a wheelbase filter, you often create a new problem in a different sim. So we’ll tune in a way that travels well.
Start here: angle and soft lock
- Angle / rotation: set a sensible max (900° is a common default) and let each sim use soft lock where possible.
- Hard lock / stop lock strength: keep it realistic. Too strong makes parking and tight hairpins unpleasant.
If you’re unsure about rotation per car type, read the steering angle and rotation guide first.
Core settings explained
Overall force / force feedback strength
This is your safety and comfort ceiling. Set it so you can catch a slide without fighting the wheel. Higher isn’t always faster.
Smoothing / filter level
Smoothing hides “grain”, but it also hides information. Use the minimum needed to remove harsh buzz. If you feel disconnected, you likely have too much smoothing.
Wheel rotation speed
Think of this as how aggressively the wheel reacts to changes. Too high can feel twitchy; too low can feel lazy. If your wheel feels like it “snaps” on center, lower this first before adding heavy damping.
Feedback detail
This pushes small cues forward. Great for texture, but if it’s too high you’ll amplify kerb noise and make every surface feel like gravel.
Mechanical damper, friction and inertia
- Damper: slows movement. Useful to calm oscillation.
- Friction: adds “weight” and resistance around center. Useful if the wheel feels too light.
- Inertia: adds mass-like behavior. Useful if the wheel feels nervous, but too much makes transitions slow.
Use these like seasoning, not like sauce. If you need huge numbers to make the wheel drivable, the underlying issue is often rig flex or clipping.
Slew rate control
This can reduce violent spikes by limiting how fast torque changes. It’s a great tool for comfort, especially in rally and street driving. Too much can dull fast information (like initial turn-in grip loss).
Three starting profiles you can build from
These are not “the best settings”. They’re stable baselines to start from, then adjust one variable at a time.
| Profile | Goal | What you prioritize |
|---|---|---|
| GT baseline | Consistency for long stints | Low clipping, mild damping, clear mid-force detail |
| Formula baseline | Fast response | Lower damping, higher rotation speed, crisp center feel |
| Drift/Rally baseline | Self-steer and control | Smooth torque transitions, controlled spikes, clear grip loss |
Checklist: if your Simagic feels “wrong”
- Harsh and spiky: check clipping first (clipping guide), then reduce detail or add a small amount of slew control.
- Oscillates on straights: reduce rotation speed, add a touch of damper, and check your wheel mount stiffness.
- Feels vague: reduce smoothing and friction, then raise in-game gain carefully.
- Random USB issues: do cable routing properly and avoid tension on connectors. This cable routing guide helps.
Why a rigid aluminium cockpit makes tuning easier
When the cockpit is stiff, you can run lower filters and still feel smooth. That’s the real advantage of a good aluminium rig: it gives you detail without relying on heavy software smoothing.
- Entry: SIMGASM Hobby cockpit (C40) if you want the lowest price while still getting a real aluminium rig.
- Most popular: SIMGASM Club cockpit (C80) for “buy once, upgrade later” stiffness.
- High torque / motion: SIMGASM Sport cockpit (C120) or SIMGASM Pro cockpit (C160) depending on torque and how hard you brake.
- Comfort seat option: SIMGASM Core Recline seat if you don’t want a fixed bucket seat.
- Bucket seat options: SIMGASM Atlas GT seat for GT driving position, or SIMGASM Atlas Formula seat for a more laid-back formula/hypercar position.
- Mounting: seat bracket set makes seat install and positioning easier on a profile rig.
- Monitors: integrated triple monitor stand if you want an integrated, space-saving setup, or freestanding triple monitor stand if you want the screen isolated from vibrations and future motion upgrades.
- VESA hardware: VESA mounting bracket set for clean, rigid mounting (especially helpful for triples).
- Wheelbase mounting: wheel mount base set + front wheel mount when you want a clean, rigid wheel deck.
- Alternative mounting: bottom wheel mount and large side plates / small side plates for different base/mounting styles.
- Shifter/handbrake: shifter and handbrake mount + universal peripheral deck for rally/drift layouts.
- Ergonomics add-ons: keyboard swivel mount, heelrest and heel plate for a more “finished” cockpit feel.
Continue reading
- Simagic iRacing settings: a clean baseline for GT, prototypes and formula cars
- Simagic ACC settings: keep detail without harsh kerbs or clipping
- Simagic Alpha series mounting guide: bolt patterns, bottom mounts and angle brackets
- Simagic wheelbase settings guide for iRacing and ACC
- How to avoid force feedback clipping: a practical workflow
