How much simulator time can I use towards a part 61 instrument rating?
The simulator doesn’t meet the definition of aircraft.

§61.1   Applicability and definitions.
Cross-country time means—
(i) Except as provided in paragraphs (ii) through (vi) of this
definition, time acquired during flight—
(A) Conducted by a person who holds a pilot certificate;
(B) Conducted in an aircraft;
(C) That includes a landing at a point other than the point of
departure; and
(D) That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic
navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems to navigate
to the landing point.
(ii) For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical experience
requirements (except for a rotorcraft category rating), for a private
pilot certificate (except for a powered parachute category rating), a
commercial pilot certificate, or an instrument rating, or for the
purpose of exercising recreational pilot privileges (except in a
rotorcraft) under §61.101 (c), time acquired during a flight—
(A) Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
(B) That includes a point of landing that was at least a straight-line
distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of
departure; and
(C) That involves the use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic
navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems to navigate
to the landing point.