As you probably know the steering adjustment in the RX-8 moves up and down but does not telescope. While I understand this was probably not added as a feature to save weight, I would DEARLY love it if my steering wheel stuck out just a couple of inches further.

Does anyone know if it's possible to make a permanent adjustment to the length of the steering column?

If this is possible would it screw up the airbag system? (I recall reading somewhere that the airbag has sensors in the seat to detect how far away the driver/passengers are and adjust the deployment accordingly)