Wheelbase mounting explained – compatibility, bolt patterns and choosing the right sim rig mount

Choosing a Direct Drive wheelbase is often easier than mounting it to a cockpit. The questions begin when the mounting method, bolt pattern, thread size and mount width all need to match. Two wheelbases can look very similar and still require completely different plates.

The most common questions are:

• Does every plate described as a Front Mount fit Simucube, SIMAGIC, VNM and Asetek?
• Can a MOZA R5 be bolted to holes prepared for a 66 mm front-to-back pattern?
• What is the difference between Simucube 2 and Simucube 3 front mounting?
• Do Asetek La Prima, Forte and Invicta use a standard Front Mount?
• How can you check whether a wheelbase will fit a Recart, SimXPro, Sabelt, SIMGASM Hobby, Huzaro or Next Level Racing rig?
• How do you choose the correct screw length without damaging the wheelbase housing?

Below you will find a structured guide to the wheelbases and mounting solutions available from Simline, with the Asetek range included as well. It explains not only which components may work together, but also why the name of a mounting system alone is not enough to confirm compatibility.

How was this guide prepared?

This article was created from the current selection of Direct Drive wheelbases, cockpits and mounting accessories available from Simline, together with manufacturer drawings and installation manuals. Bottom, front and side mounting were checked separately because the same wheelbase may support more than one installation method.

We distinguish between dimensions confirmed by a technical drawing and details that depend on a particular model or hardware revision. When a manufacturer confirms the number and thread of the mounting holes but does not publish an unambiguous spacing diagram, we recommend using the template for that exact wheelbase instead of copying a value from a similar housing.

This is not a laboratory test of every possible mounting combination. Its purpose is to reduce the risk of ordering the wrong plate, adapter or screws.

What needs to match before a wheelbase fits a cockpit?

Mechanical compatibility involves more than finding a wheelbase name in a product description. A safe installation requires several details to match at the same time:

• mounting method – bottom, front, side or through an adapter;
• hole geometry – a rectangular pattern, pitch-circle diameter or T-slot position;
• number and diameter of screws – usually M5, M6 or M8;
• maximum thread engagement – an overlong screw can damage the inside of the wheelbase;
• mount width – profile-rig mounts may use 410–420, 500, 580 or 600 mm widths;
• clearance for the shaft, quick release and cables – the housing and connectors must not press against the plate;
• rigidity of the full assembly – a powerful wheelbase needs a stiff plate and frame as well as matching holes.

In this article, 78.4 × 66 mm means left-to-right × front-to-back spacing. PCD Ø145 mm describes the diameter of the pitch circle on which the holes are positioned. It is not the rectangular size of the mounting plate.

How should you use this guide?

1. Identify the exact model and generation of your wheelbase.
2. Decide whether you want Bottom Mount, Front Mount or Side Mount.
3. Compare the spacing, PCD and thread size with the current mount drawing.
4. Check the cockpit’s internal width or the mount’s adjustment range.
5. Choose screw length from the plate thickness, washer and permitted thread engagement.
6. Confirm that cables, the emergency stop and the quick release remain accessible after installation.

Bottom Mount – bolting the wheelbase from underneath

Bottom Mount is the most common solution on compact wheelbases and complete wheel stands. The wheelbase sits on a plate while screws pass through holes or slots from underneath. The principle is simple, but several bolt patterns are in use.

The common 78.4 × 66 mm layout appears on many MOZA wheelbases and on designs related to the older Fanatec pattern. MOZA R3 and R5 use a shorter 40 mm front-to-back dimension. Simucube 3 and Asetek use sliding T-nuts, providing adjustment in one axis while still requiring the correct rail width.

A plate with long slots is more adaptable than one with individual holes, but it is not automatically universal. Each slot must cross the required position, and there must be room for the screw head, washer and installation tool.

Front Mount – four different systems that are easy to confuse

Simucube 2 – Ø145 mm PCD

Simucube 2 Sport and Pro have four threaded M8 holes arranged on a Ø145 mm pitch circle, together with a Ø110 mm centring surface. Simucube 2 Ultimate keeps the same geometry but uses through-holes and nuts. Front mounting is the native installation method for this generation.

Simucube 3 – Ø135 mm PCD

Simucube 3 has four front M8 holes on a Ø135 mm pitch circle. A simple plate drilled only for Simucube 2 will therefore not automatically fit Simucube 3. A multi-pattern mount can support both generations when it includes two separate hole layouts.

Servo flange – Ø130 mm PCD

Some SIMAGIC Alpha and VNM wheelbases use a four-point M8 front layout on a Ø130 mm pitch circle. It is similar to a conventional MiGE servo flange. It must not be confused with Simucube 2 or Simucube 3 merely because all three systems use four screws.

Asetek Front Mount – a proprietary system

On Asetek La Prima, Forte and Invicta, the front adapter is installed after removing the front cover and is secured with four M5 screws. The adapter then connects the wheelbase to the cockpit’s side brackets. This is neither a Simucube pattern nor a Ø130 mm servo flange.

Dedicated MOZA, Conspit and other mounts

Some MOZA wheelbases support front or side mounting through brackets made for the exact housing. Conspit ARES uses the dedicated CP122 Front Mount. In these cases, the safest choice is the part explicitly listed for that wheelbase family.

Side Mount – angle adjustment and lateral support

Side Mount uses a pair of brackets to connect the sides of the wheelbase to the cockpit. It makes steering-wheel angle adjustment easier and leaves more open space below the housing. It still requires the bracket width, side threads and adjustment slots to match the exact wheelbase.

There is no single universal side pattern. SIMAGIC Alpha, Alpha EVO, Conspit ARES, MOZA Ultra and Fanatec use different housings and intermediate parts. Even where a bracket has elongated slots, the screw diameter and the spacing of the two points on each side must be checked.

Mounting MOZA wheelbases

The current Simline selection includes MOZA R3 PC and MOZA R3 Xbox/PC bundles, MOZA R5, R9 V3, R12 V2 and the stronger R16 Ultra, R21 Ultra and R25 Ultra. These families do not all share the same complete mounting system.

MOZA R3 and R5

R3 and R5 use four bottom M6 threads in a 78.4 × 40 mm pattern. The shorter front-to-back distance may not match an older plate drilled only for 66 mm. A dedicated MOZA adapter converts the 40 mm layout to the common 66 mm pattern.

Available mounts and adapters: for R5, the MOZA Table Clamp and MOZA Universal Base Mount Adapter; for bottom mounting on a wide cockpit, also the SimXPro Universal Flat Wheeldeck 580–600 mm. R3 needs a plate whose slots cross the 78.4 × 40 mm pattern; the current standalone MOZA Table Clamp page does not list R3.

MOZA R9 V3 and R12 V2

The main installation method is Bottom Mount with four M6 screws in a 78.4 × 66 mm layout. R9 V3 can use an optional side bracket. Any other mounting method should be checked against hardware made for the exact revision.

Available mounts and adapters: MOZA Table Clamp for R5/R9/R12, MOZA Universal Base Mount Adapter, for R9 also the MOZA R21/R16/R9 three-hole adapter, and for 580–600 mm profile rigs the SimXPro Universal Flat Wheeldeck.

MOZA R16 Ultra, R21 Ultra and R25 Ultra

The Ultra family supports bottom mounting and dedicated front or side hardware. R21 Ultra and R25 Ultra use four M6 bottom screws in a 78.4 × 66 mm layout. For R16 Ultra, use the current model drawing instead of copying dimensions from another Ultra wheelbase solely because the housing looks similar.

Available solutions: MOZA Front Mount (the product page lists R16/R21), MOZA RS049 adapter (R16/R21), MOZA RS13 adapter (R16/R21), SimXPro Extended Universal DD Front Mount 580 mm and SimXPro Universal Flat Wheeldeck 580–600 mm. Where a mount page says only R16/R21 without the Ultra suffix, confirm the housing revision and hole pattern before ordering; the flat wheel deck page also lists R25.

Mounting SIMAGIC wheelbases

SIMAGIC Alpha Mini

Alpha Mini has four bottom M6 threads in a 67 × 80 mm pattern. The front flange uses four M8 points on a Ø130 mm pitch circle. Compatible Alpha side brackets can also be used.

Wheelbase: SIMAGIC Alpha Mini. Mounts: MB-A, MB-S, P-DFT and T-LOC; for the Ø130 mm front pattern, also RECART DD Front Mount, RECART Direct Drive SC and Sabelt DD Front Mount.

SIMAGIC Alpha and Alpha U

Both wheelbases use four bottom M6 threads. The front mount is based on four M8 points on a Ø130 mm pitch circle. For a bottom plate, compare the exact drawing for the chosen model because an M6 thread alone does not define the hole pattern.

Wheelbases: SIMAGIC Alpha and SIMAGIC Alpha U. Mounts: MB-A, MB-S, P-DFT, T-LOC, RECART DD Front Mount, RECART Direct Drive SC, Sabelt DD Front Mount and SimXPro Universal DD Front Mount 580–600 mm.

SIMAGIC Alpha EVO Sport, EVO, EVO Pro and EVO Ultra

The Alpha EVO family supports bottom, side and front mounting. The wheelbase connects from underneath with M6 screws. MB-S is used for side mounting, while MB-F is the front-mount solution. These parts are made for the EVO family and should not be treated as universal mounts for the older Alpha range.

MB-F also has an operational consequence: according to the manual, front mounting disables the magnetic accessory connection at the front of the wheelbase.

Wheelbases: EVO Sport, EVO, EVO Pro and EVO Ultra. Mounts: SIMAGIC MB-F, SIMAGIC MB-S, P-DFT, T-LOC, and for Bottom Mount the SimXPro Universal Flat Wheeldeck 580–600 mm.

Mounting Simucube 2 and Simucube 3

Simucube 2 Sport, Pro and Ultimate

The native Simucube 2 installation method is the Ø145 mm PCD Front Mount. The wheelbase does not have a conventional bottom pattern for direct attachment to a flat wheel deck. If the cockpit has only a wheel deck, a Simucube Mount or another suitable bracket is needed to connect the front flange to that plate.

Wheelbases: Simucube 2 Sport, Pro and Ultimate. Mounts: Simucube Mount, Sabelt DD Front Mount, SimXPro GT-RS Front Mount, SimXPro Universal DD Front Mount 410–420 mm, SimXPro Universal DD Front Mount 580–600 mm, SimXPro Extended Front Mount 580 mm, SimXPro DD Side Mount, RECART DD Front Mount and RECART Direct Drive SC.

Simucube 3 Sport, Pro and Ultimate

Simucube 3 can be mounted from the front or from underneath. The front layout consists of four M8 holes on a Ø135 mm pitch circle. Bottom mounting uses four sliding M6 T-nuts. Their left-to-right spacing is 78.4 mm, while the front-to-back position is adjustable in the channels.

The manufacturer specifies a maximum screw protrusion of 9 mm into the housing. Screw length must therefore account for the plate and washer thickness.

Wheelbases: Simucube 3 Sport, Pro and Ultimate. Confirmed multi-pattern Front Mount: the SimXPro Universal DD Front Mount 580–600 mm, whose product page names both Simucube 2 and 3. Other mounts described only as “Simucube” or “Simucube 2” must not automatically be treated as compatible with the Ø135 mm pattern.

Mounting VNM and Conspit wheelbases

VNM Premier 13, Elite 18, Supreme 25 and Xtreme 32

The VNM family supports front, side and bottom mounting. Its front flange uses four M8 screws on a Ø130 mm pitch circle. This allows it to work with some plates made for the conventional servo pattern, but the centre opening and current compatibility list still need to be checked.

Use the template for the exact VNM version when mounting from the side or underneath. A common housing width does not confirm the position of every mounting point.

Wheelbases: VNM Premier, Elite, Supreme and Xtreme. Ø130 mm PCD/MiGE-pattern mounts requiring a centre-clearance check: Sabelt DD Front Mount, SimXPro GT-RS Front Mount, SimXPro Universal DD Front Mount 580–600 mm and SimXPro Extended Front Mount 580 mm. Their pages list MiGE/VRS geometry but do not name VNM, so centre clearance should be confirmed before ordering.

Conspit ARES 12 and ARES Platinum 20

ARES uses four bottom M6 points installed in sliding channels. The channels are approximately 80 mm apart, and the front-to-back screw position is adjustable. Side mounting uses four M8 threads, two on each side, with approximately 54.5 mm between the two points.

The dedicated Conspit CP122 is used for front mounting. CP103 brackets provide wheelbase installation and angle adjustment on the cockpit.

Wheelbases: Conspit ARES 12 and ARES 20 Platinum. Mounts: Conspit CP103 and Conspit CP122 Front Mount.

Mounting Asetek wheelbases

Asetek uses bottom channels with sliding T-nuts. All the models described below have rails spaced 87 mm apart, but their front-to-back adjustment range and T-nut thread may differ.

Asetek Initium 5.5 Nm

Initium has four sliding M6 T-nuts. The rail spacing is 87 mm, with a front-to-back adjustment range from 30 to 100 mm. Do not assume complete compatibility with mounts made for the larger Asetek wheelbases.

Wheelbase: Asetek Initium 5.5 Nm. The current catalogue has no separate mount explicitly described as Initium-compatible; a universal slotted plate must cross the 87 mm rail width and support the 30–100 mm range.

Asetek La Prima 12 Nm and Forte 18 Nm

La Prima and Forte use four sliding M6 T-nuts, 87 mm rail spacing and a 30–160 mm front-to-back range. On a slotted plate, the slots must cross the 87 mm width and provide a suitable position for both pairs of screws.

Asetek Invicta 27 Nm

Invicta keeps the 87 mm rail spacing but extends the front-to-back range to 30–190 mm. The current manufacturer product page specifies M8 T-nuts, while some older Asetek-family documentation refers to M6. Confirm the thread on the delivered hardware revision before preparing the screws.

Asetek Front Mount

La Prima, Forte and Invicta require a dedicated adapter attached to the front of the wheelbase with four M5 screws after the front cover has been removed. The adapter can then connect to the cockpit’s side brackets or to another interface. Asetek Front Mount is not interchangeable with Simucube or VNM.

Available mount: Sabelt Asetek Front Mount for Asetek La Prima, Forte and Invicta. Product pages for these three wheelbases have not yet been published by Simline, so their names in the compatibility table temporarily link to Asetek’s official pages.

Quick wheelbase compatibility table

Which wheelbase mounts are available from Simline?

The links below cover the active mounting-product pages. Outlet versions of the same bracket are not repeated because they do not change its geometry or compatibility. For universal plates, compatibility means that a fit is possible after checking the wheelbase pattern, cockpit width and centre clearance; it is not a guarantee for every model.

Universal Bottom Mount plates

Current bottom-mount options include the Recart Wheelbase Plate 500/600 mm, SimXPro Universal Wheel Plate 420 mm, SimXPro Universal Flat XR 420 mm with mounting kit, SimXPro Universal Wheel Deck, SimXPro Universal Flat Wheeldeck 580–600 mm, Sabelt Wheel Deck, Sabelt Lite Wheel Deck and BS Rig Sim Grip. The correct choice depends on both the wheelbase bolt pattern and cockpit width.

Multi-pattern Front Mount plates

The range includes the RECART DD Front Mount GTR/GTRs/GTRx, RECART Direct Drive SC, SimXPro GT-RS Front Mount, SimXPro Universal DD Front Mount 410–420 mm, SimXPro Universal DD Front Mount 580–600 mm, SimXPro Extended Universal DD Front Mount 580 mm and Sabelt DD Front Mount. Each plate carries a different set of hole patterns, so check the current model list and PCD on its own product page.

Side and angle brackets

This group includes SIMAGIC MB-A, SIMAGIC MB-S, SIMAGIC P-DFT, SIMAGIC T-LOC, Conspit CP103, the MOZA Table Clamp and SimXPro DD Side Mount. Compatibility depends on housing width, side-thread positions and the cockpit interface.

Dedicated mounting solutions

The Sabelt Asetek Front Mount is made for La Prima, Forte and Invicta. SIMAGIC MB-F supports Alpha EVO, Conspit CP122 supports ARES, Simucube Mount supports Simucube 2, and the MOZA Front Mount supports the R16/R21 models named on its page. The range also includes the MOZA RS049 adapter and MOZA RS13 adapter. A dedicated part is normally easier to verify, but less flexible if the wheelbase is changed later.

Sim racing rigs and cockpits available from Simline – wheelbase compatibility table

The table below covers 48 active product pages: 45 items from the Sim rigs category and three additional products listed in the broader cockpit and turn-key simulator categories. Every product name links directly to its page. An active page does not necessarily mean that the item is currently in stock.

How to read the table: “compatible” means compatible after selecting the correct mount and confirming the bolt pattern. Bottom Mount is not a guarantee for every base, while Front Mount may mean PCD Ø130, Ø135, Ø145 mm or a proprietary interface. The complete rig's torque rating must also be observed.

Asetek note: because the La Prima, Forte and Invicta product pages have not yet been published on Simline.eu, those model names temporarily link to Asetek’s official product pages. The Initium link points to Simline.

If a factory deck lacks the required pattern, a model-specific adapter may solve the problem. Drilling extra holes should remain a last resort: sufficient material must remain around the edge, adjustment hardware must stay clear and the support must not be weakened.

How do you choose the correct screw length?

Thread diameter is only the first parameter. Required screw length depends on plate thickness, washer thickness and permitted engagement inside the wheelbase. A simple calculation is:

screw length = plate thickness + washer thickness + required thread engagement

The final value must remain within the manufacturer’s limit. The screw must not bottom out or enter the wheelbase housing. Whenever the manual gives a maximum depth, that limit takes priority over a general recommendation for the thread size.

Do not add several millimetres “to be safe”. Measure the mount thickness and use the length specified by the installation instructions.

FAQ – frequently asked questions

Is every Front Mount universal?

No. Simucube 2, Simucube 3, Ø130 mm PCD and Asetek are different systems. A multi-pattern plate needs separate holes for every supported layout.

Does a Simucube 2 Front Mount fit Simucube 3?

Not automatically. Simucube 2 uses a Ø145 mm PCD and Simucube 3 uses Ø135 mm. A mount fits both only when its manufacturer provides both hole layouts.

Does Asetek Front Mount fit Simucube?

No. Asetek uses a front adapter secured to the wheelbase with four M5 screws. It is a separate system.

Does MOZA R5 fit a 78.4 × 66 mm plate?

R5 uses a 78.4 × 40 mm pattern. A plate with suitable slots may support it. A plate drilled only for 66 mm requires a 40-to-66 mm adapter.

Can Simucube 2 be mounted from underneath?

Not directly to a conventional flat wheel deck. Simucube 2 needs a bracket such as Simucube Mount that uses the front flange and then connects to the deck.

Can Simucube 3 be mounted from underneath?

Yes. Simucube 3 has four sliding M6 T-nuts with a fixed 78.4 mm width and an adjustable front-to-back position.

Are two screws enough to mount a wheelbase?

If the manufacturer specifies four points, all four should be used in the final installation. Two screws increase the load on the plate and the remaining threads.

Do slots in a plate guarantee compatibility?

No. They must cross the required positions, have the right width and leave room for the screw head, washer and tool. The wheelbase housing also needs proper support.

Do SIMAGIC Alpha and Alpha EVO use the same mounts?

Do not assume that they do. Alpha EVO uses dedicated MB-S and MB-F hardware. The older Alpha family uses different brackets and a Ø130 mm PCD front flange.

Do all Asetek wheelbases use M6 screws?

Initium, La Prima and Forte are documented with M6 T-nuts. The current Invicta product page specifies M8, although older material may state M6. Confirm the delivered hardware revision.

Does a stronger wheelbase require an aluminium-profile rig?

Not always, but plate, upright and frame rigidity become more important as torque increases. Aluminium profile makes reinforcement and mount replacement easier, while a well-designed steel cockpit may also be suitable.

What should I do if my wheelbase is not listed for a mount?

Compare the drawings for both products or contact the store with the exact wheelbase, cockpit and mount revision. Do not confirm compatibility from photographs alone.

Sources and data verification

The model, cockpit and mount lists were checked against the current Simline catalogue. Bolt patterns and thread sizes were compared with manufacturer documentation. During updates, we also check whether a new generation has retained the housing and holes of the preceding model.

• Direct Drive wheelbases available from Simline
• sim racing cockpits and rigs
• Direct Drive mounts and accessories

Update policy

Manufacturers may change housings, T-nuts, supplied screws and compatibility lists without giving the entire family a new product name. This article includes a last-updated date. Reported discrepancies are checked again against mounting drawings and product pages before the article is corrected.

About the author

This article was prepared by the Simline.eu team, which works with sim racing hardware sales, component selection and compatibility checks for wheelbases, mounts and cockpits.

Summary

MOZA R3 and R5 need a 78.4 × 40 mm pattern or a 40-to-66 mm adapter. MOZA R9 and R12 use the common 78.4 × 66 mm layout. Simucube 2 and Simucube 3 have different front pitch circles, while Asetek uses its own adapter.

On aluminium-profile rigs, the spacing between the uprights must also be checked. A 410–420 mm mount cannot replace a 580–600 mm component even if the front plate contains the correct wheelbase holes.

If a setup is not explicitly listed, send the wheelbase name, cockpit model and a photograph of the existing mount through the Simline contact form. This allows the geometry to be checked before ordering instead of trying to adapt the components after delivery.