This is the MPI SimLink GT and Stock Car Kit, and it transforms the Logitech G923 in an extremely unique way. Created by Max Papis Innovations, a company that manufactures real-life motorsports equipment, they’ve brought their expertise in real-world motorsports to the sim to create a relatively affordable solution for modifying the popular G923. How so? This "SimLink" system provides a way to easily and quickly interchange wheel rims, similar to a traditional quick-release—just in a different way. Sent to me by MPI for review, today I’ll be explaining how it works and taking a look at the GT and stock car wheel rims, covering the pros, cons, and whether it’s worth your consideration.

As we all know, the Logitech G923, along with its G920 and G29 predecessors, has been extremely popular in the entry-level sim racing market, primarily for its affordable price. With this in mind, MPI’s products must follow suit, and with a $150 price tag for the SimLink system with the wheel, plus additional wheels at $99, I think it achieves that goal. While one could argue that it makes more sense to put that money toward a higher-end wheelbase, for many, that simply isn’t an option due to factors like product availability, upgrade costs, or other considerations. Thus, the ability to modify your existing G923 at this relatively affordable price point may be worth considering.

MPI SimLink

Starting with the SimLink system, its functionality is very simple. Once the metallic center spoke is installed, the wheel rim attaches using three thumb screws, allowing it to be swapped in and out in a matter of seconds. From my experience, this straightforward mechanism is quite clever, as it lets you easily change wheels without needing any tools—something previously impossible with the G923.

It’s important to clarify that, as of the making of this video, this system currently works only with the G923 and not with the G29 or G920—I’m not entirely sure why, but that’s what MPI states on their website. Unfortunately, the primary drawback of the MPI SimLink system is its installation. Due to its design, you have to disassemble the G923 significantly—a tedious and delicate process that I wouldn’t recommend a young sim racer attempt. The good news is that a well-explained video assembly guide is available, and once it’s set up, you won’t have to worry about it again.

Currently, two wheel rims are available: one GT variation and one stock car variation

GT Wheel Add-On

Starting with the GT add-on, it’s designed as a replica of the MPI wheel used in the real-world Audi RS3 WTCR race car. Overall, this is an attractive wheel that integrates well with the G923. It’s larger in size yet very lightweight, so it doesn’t diminish the feedback details from the wheelbase, and it’s well-designed to be comfortable and ergonomic on track.

The grip material is something unique; it uses what MPI calls the "extreme grip RG material," which feels similar to tennis racket grip tape. Combined with orange leather accents, hand-stitched microfiber, and a metallic center plate, it delivers an impressive and comfortable look and feel.

Though this wheel is slightly larger than the one included with the G923, most of the buttons remain within close reach, and the wheel’s thickness feels about the same. On track, the wheel held up well. Thanks to its light weight, the force feedback from the wheelbase felt unchanged, and the wheel rim showed no noticeable flex. The included MPI paddle shifters were a nice touch, although they didn’t affect the G923’s shifter feel. I believe they missed an opportunity to include magnets for a more tactile feel, as many third-party mods have done. Nonetheless, I am a fan of the MPI GT wheel mod—it both looks and feels great and doesn’t detract from the G923’s features. However, I cannot say the same about the stock car wheel.

Stock Car Wheel Add-On

Made to be an exact replica of the MPI wheels used in stock car racing series, this large 350mm wheel rim is seriously the real deal. Once attached, its size is immediately noticeable, giving that authentic stock car racing feel, but it comes with drawbacks.

Being slightly heavier and significantly larger, it drowned out nearly all the force feedback detail, as the G923’s low torque simply couldn’t handle the additional weight and size effectively. As a result, the G923’s force feedback strength struggled, reducing the detail and precision I could feel on track. Moreover, the wheel’s large size made it difficult to reach all the G923’s buttons, forcing me to remove my hands to access many of them.

Despite these issues, the wheel is very well-made. It’s hand-stitched in a microfiber material and comes with large paddle shifters to accommodate its size. It feels comfortable and authentic in hand, but to me, it’s the G923 that lets this wheel down rather than any fault of the wheel itself. For this reason, I would recommend that Max Papis Innovations use their expertise in real-world motorsports to create third-party wheel mods for more powerful and capable wheelbases. In that market, more people are willing to pay a premium and care more about the authenticity and real-world feel of their wheels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the MPI SimLink GT and Stock Car kit brings a fresh and innovative twist to the Logitech G923, allowing sim racers to use high-quality, motorsport-inspired wheel rims interchangeably. The GT rim, in particular, strikes a balanced blend of style, functionality, and immersion, adding a realistic feel without compromising the G923’s performance. On the other hand, while the stock car wheel is realistic and well-made, its larger size and weight prove challenging for the G923’s force feedback capabilities, underscoring the limitations of an entry-level wheelbase when paired with heavier mods.

Overall, for those looking to add authentic flair to their sim racing setup at a reasonable price, the MPI SimLink system could be a worthwhile investment. This concludes my full review of the Max Papis Innovations SimLink system. Let me know your thoughts on this product in the comments below, and as always, thank you for watching. Stay safe, and have a fantastic rest of your day.

MPI SimLink FAQ’s

What is the MPI SimLink system, and how does it work? The MPI SimLink system is a wheel modification kit for the Logitech G923, allowing users to swap between high-quality, motorsport-inspired wheel rims. After installing the metallic center spoke, you can attach or detach the rims using three thumb screws, enabling easy changes in seconds without tools.

Can I use the SimLink system with the Logitech G29 or G920? No, the SimLink system currently only works with the Logitech G923. MPI has not specified a reason for this limitation on their website.

How difficult is it to install the SimLink system? Installation requires significant disassembly of the G923, which can be a delicate and time-consuming process. It may be challenging for younger or less experienced users, but MPI provides a detailed video assembly guide to assist with the setup.

What wheel rims are available for the SimLink system? Two wheel rims are currently available: a GT rim, modeled after the Audi RS3 WTCR race car, and a stock car rim, inspired by MPI’s real-life stock car racing wheels.

Does the SimLink system affect the G923’s force feedback performance? The GT rim integrates well with the G923 without diminishing force feedback. However, the larger and heavier stock car rim can reduce force feedback detail, as the G923’s lower torque struggles to handle its size and weight effectively.

Are the buttons on the G923 still accessible with the new wheel rims? With the GT rim, most buttons are still within easy reach. However, the larger size of the stock car rim may require you to remove your hands from the wheel to access some buttons.

Are the paddle shifters included with the SimLink system? Yes, both rims come with paddle shifters. While they’re visually appealing and ergonomically appropriate, they do not improve the tactile feel of the G923’s existing shifters.

Is the SimLink system a good value for its price? For sim racers looking to add an authentic motorsport-inspired look and feel to their setup, the SimLink system offers good value. The GT rim, in particular, maintains G923 performance while enhancing immersion, making it a solid choice for entry-level enthusiasts.

Would the MPI SimLink kit work with higher-end wheelbases? Currently, the SimLink system is designed specifically for the Logitech G923. However, MPI’s expertise suggests potential for future compatibility with higher-end wheelbases, where users may better appreciate and fully utilize these high-quality, realistic rims.

Is the SimLink kit worth considering for an entry-level sim racing setup? Yes, the MPI SimLink system provides a unique, immersive experience at an accessible price point. For those who value realism and style, it could be a valuable addition to a Logitech G923 setup