The VRS DirectForce Pro is one of the most talked about “no nonsense” direct drive wheelbases. It can deliver a very honest steering feel, but only if you set it up with headroom and mount it on a cockpit that does not move.
This guide gives you practical baseline settings (not magic numbers) and a simple tuning workflow for iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC).
Start with the foundation: VRS needs a rigid mount
High detail wheels expose weaknesses in your build. If the wheel deck flexes, the force feedback becomes inconsistent and you will chase settings forever.
- Recommended cockpit for VRS torque levels: SIMGASM Sport simulator or SIMGASM Pro simulator.
- Wheel mounting: use a solid front wheel mount or a reinforced bottom wheel mount depending on your preferred position.
- Comfort matters: you will do longer sessions on a supportive seat like the Atlas GT seat (or the Core Recline if you prefer a reclined comfort seat).
Baseline VRS wheelbase tool settings
Think in two layers:
- Wheelbase layer: keep it stable and smooth, but lightly filtered.
- Sim layer: set the actual driving force and avoid clipping.
Baseline profile (starting point):
| Setting | Suggested starting point | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Max torque | Set to wheelbase max (then tune in game) | Do not “cap” torque early unless you need a safety limit. |
| Damping | 2–6% | Enough to stop oscillation; too high kills detail. |
| Friction | 0–4% | Adds weight; keep low for a natural self align. |
| Inertia | 0–6% | Too much makes quick corrections feel slow. |
| Smoothing | Low | Only add if the wheel feels grainy on certain sims. |
Safety note: Always test with a conservative in game strength first. If you are new to high torque wheels, your wrists will thank you for ramping up over time.
iRacing setup workflow (the quick way)
- In iRacing, set Wheel force to your VRS max torque (so the sim knows your headroom).
- Run a few laps and watch for clipping in the black box.
- If clipping happens in your biggest corners: reduce strength 5–10%.
- If the wheel oscillates on straights: add a little damping on the wheelbase side first.
VRS wheels can feel extremely “alive” in iRacing when your setup is correct. If the wheel feels heavy but vague, you are likely filtering too much or clipping.
ACC tuning tips for VRS
ACC’s steering signal can feel sharp. Your goal is to keep kerbs and road texture below tyre load information.
- Gain: start 60–70, lower if you clip.
- Minimum force: 0 on direct drive.
- Road effects: low (0–10) so the steering stays readable.
- Dynamic damping: keep low; use wheelbase damping for stability.
Mounting and ergonomics checklist
- Wheel height: elbows slightly bent, wrists relaxed at 9 and 3.
- Seat position: if you feel shoulder fatigue, your wheel is too far.
- Monitor position: keep your eye point stable with a solid stand (see below).
Recommended SIMGASM gear
- SIMGASM Pro simulator (flagship stiffness for high torque)
- SIMGASM Sport simulator (motion ready and clean cable routing)
- Front wheel mount (ideal for heavy DD bases)
- Apex freestanding triple monitor stand
- VESA mounting bracket set (fine alignment and stability)
- Cable routing accessories (keep the build serviceable)
Continue reading
- Direct drive torque explained: how much Nm do you really need
- Force feedback settings explained: tune your wheel without losing detail
- How to avoid force feedback clipping: a practical workflow across sims
- Sim racing FOV guide: set your camera and field of view correctly
- Sim racing cable routing guide: service loops, strain relief and clean upgrades
