First of all, one of the things you can do to test the wheel on a PC. Plug it into a computer and install Logitech Gaming Software 5.10. After you've done that, go to the windows Game Controllers control panel, and you can test the rotation in there to make sure the system is responing in time (note: In that window, the in-window representation of the wheel only turns 180, even if you have the rotation set to 900. Thus, at the default settings, you'll be rotating the wheel faster in person than it will on screen, but that's normal). You can also press face buttons on the wheel to simulate feedback effects.
To change feedback effects and to disable/enable power steering, restart the game. Then, before going into GT mode, go to the icon at the bottom that's 2nd from the right. Click on that to get to settings. Press down twice on the D-Pad to go to the wheel hardware config, and the first option can be used to alter feedback effects. Don't worry about the steering type-that's not used on the current wheels. I'd just alter the feedback strength and try chaging the power steering setting.
wswingly- It sounds like you're having the same cognitive disconnect I had with my first 48 hours of wheel usage. A lot of what you're describing is how the game reacts when you exceed the performance of the tires in relaiton to the current conditions, AND in a video game, you don't have the same fear of impending death to keep you within the limits of the machine for the conditions. Try the above steps, and then maybe take the EK civic or DC2 integra around the track a couple times at a completely moderate speed. After you get the lines down, start shaving the seconds off while keeping a primary focus on maintianing the lines. I have to force myself when playing GT5 to keep an eye on the speed as I often don't get a strong sense of speed while playing.
When you are using the wheel, it does take more force and concentration than a joystick, but allows you more accurate control. The license tests and NASCAR runs are MUCH easier on a wheel.
If you guys could put up a youtube video we could probably analyze what's going on better. The only reason I'm thinking it's a style-related thing was once I was helping with a tradeshow and I had someone complain that the wheel was broken over the same types of complaints (Was on GTR2 on PC though). I was able to pull a perfect lap first time, then shave a second off each succeding lap. I also was then able to give him an impromptu drivng lesson and then he was then able to handle the wheel.
so yeah, put up a youtube on say a A-spec time trial, driving lines on, with both the wheel and the bottom half of the screen visible, and the view set to bumper-cam level (no car is visible, two rotary dials for RPM/speed, gas/brake indicators visible).
