Realistic Driving Simulator Project

[RAFgeneral]

Hello, I’m completely new to this forum and would like some help with basics to the final result.
As you can guess I would like to build a car simulator for a long-term project at work, I’m an apprentice within the car manufacturing industry; my skill set lies within fabrication and electrical installation, however never into electronics.

Project brief: To make a car simulator which users a real car (Honda civic) as the shell where the extra components can be mounted. All the original components of the car should be used to create stock feel when inside, for example the Honda civic dash and steering inputs should be used as they would be in real life (speedo, car indicators, warning lights if possible, etc…)
Project specification:
Initial specification (the essentials):
• Use the original steering wheel from the car for steering
• Use the original paddle box for clutch, brakes and acceleration
• Use the original gear shift (manual) to change gears within the game

Second level specification (peripheral):
• Use the original components on the dash to display the Speed, RPM, Gears, ect..

Third level specification (control):
• Use the original D-pad style connector on the steering wheel to control the game
• Use the original inputs (buttons) within the cockpit to control other features within the game (e.g. turn lights) this would depend on the game.

Fourth level specification (force feedback):
• Implement force feedback on the steering wheel and brake pedal.

Firth level specification (full car feedback):
• Implement feedback system on the whole shell (could be front half of the car). 6DOF platform??

I have started looking into ways on how to implement and achieve the specification above, this is the reason I came across this site while finding a way to view the data stream from the game.

It’s becoming pretty apparent that an Arduino would have to be used but I don’t know how to program (I’m sure I’ll get the basics and gets lots of help online), I have seen that a servo motor are used heavily for the force feedback.
So, I would like to know how I should go about this project, mostly how to set up a servo feedback using X-Sims would be a massive help.
Thanks

[sirnoname]

As long it is a VIII FK1-3 it is ok.
Most here do not build 1:1 cockpits, there are better places for cockpit builders.
For the motion platform you go with a AC motor platform. I Here in this forum is no platform that could lift your projekt.

[RAFgeneral]

I will be using 2015/16 model civic with the rear cut off, so half a car (just the body/shell).

I joined here because there seems to be lots of projects on this site which I would like to use parts from and combine with my project.

I’m struggling with how to set up the feedback from the game to a direct drive FFB wheel; I don’t want to be spending money before I know what I really need.

Can I use any servo motors and drivers for FFB- anything I need to look out for?
(I can get servo motors and drivers/controllers from work for this project, if I can use them it would a massive help)