More headroom needed to fit helmet--any suggestions?

[David--Edwards]

I attended my first DE this weekend and loved it. However, I need 1 to 2 inches more headroom in the 993 to fit my helmet w/o having to tilt the seat way back. I thought of cutting and sewing off the bottom cushion so I could remove it temporarily for DE, but I don't know if my rear will fit between the sides (center cushion is narrow). I though about buying a racing seat, but they all seem not to work with regular seatbelts. And, to go to harnesses, you have to buy something like the brey-krause harness bar, which is almost as expensive as going to a rear roll cage. It seems like my solution just keeps getting more and more expensive. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
David '95 993

[cabman]

I have a suggestion that doesn't involve doing anything to your car.

just take the helmet, find a machine shop and have them mill a flat across the top, just enough to fit inside the car.

[carnut169]

I wouldn't do that... if you alter the helmet it will no longer be quite as safe!

I would look at the way your seats attach to the floorpan to see if a new bracket could be designed. My seats are 4"+/- off the floor of the car- you need some room for the computer, but I would think that you could take 2" away and still be fine.

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Sean O.
Atlanta, Ga.
87 Carrera Cabriolet

[pwd72s]

Does Porsche still make a NON sunroof car? If so, you GAIN about 1.25" in headroom, and LOSE about 60 pounds, up high, where it's not needed.

[Will]

I've got the same problem with both of my cars. I find that it helps to move the seat *forward* rather than back. I still need an inch or two, so I scrunch my upper body and neck down to fit, which is obviously a poor solution, but until I figure this out, it'll have to do. There doesn't seem to be an easy fix, but I've never thought of modifying the seat so that the cushion could be removed. Hmmm.....

Will

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'87 Carrera Coupe
'97 993 Carrera S
'96 BMW R1100RT

[Z-man]

Perhaps a different brand of helmet would fit better: try to borrow someone's to see. Some use less or thinner padding inside.

Being rather tallish, I do get some rubbing on the ceiling too. I find that this helps:
after I put the helmet on, I push up with my head, to get the helmet fitting 'snugger' around my head. Then I strap it down. Maybe good for 1/2 an inch.

Definately do NOT alter the helmet in anyway: it would take away most of the safety of the helmet.

Good luck,
-Z.

[Jack Olsen]

I would not alter your stock seat. Get a second-hand racing seat for $150 and put it in for D.E. events. It will hold you in place better, and most of them will still work with three-point belts.

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Jack Olsen
My Rennlist page • My Pelican Gallery page • My Porsche Owners Gallery page

[John Brandt]

CABMAN I hope you're not friggon serious about that reply.
If you are, you should be banised!

[rscupper]

I had the same problems - tall from the hip, up. Different helmet brands didn't matter. You defininitely get more room without the sunroof, but that sounds like one the more expensive solutions.
I know nothing of the 993 stock set-up but you might try: sport seats (better bolstering and a bit deeper); manually adjustable seats (power mechs need more room under the seat); or, go with Jack's suggestion on the cheap racing seat - this is by far the safest, best performing solution (I believe I've seen stock harnesses used with them, somehow, and you won't believe how good Gs can feel).

[avi8torny]

If your looking for more headroom, buy a Targa. I am 6'6" and fit just fine with the helmet on. Now if I could only reach the steering wheel.