Hardware for installing Recaros in 74-up 911s

[Otter74]

I thought I'd share this information for the benefit of future searchers. I put a pair of old Recaros (LXA or KR, not sure which) in my car recently. I'm not sure exactly how old my seats are (I'm thinking 80s) but the underside of the seat pan is stepped, such that factory rails won't bolt directly to it. Perhaps spacers would work with them as well, but I just went ahead and got a pair of Recaro double-locking sliders. These required spacers due to the step in the pan.

I used this hardware:

McMaster-Carr p/n 92235A217 (Flanged Socket Head Screw, M6 x 1 mm Thread, 30 mm Length, Pack of 10) - to mount the rails to the seat pan. (8 needed.)

McMaster-Carr p/n 98040A105 (Black-Oxide Steel Oversized Washer for M8 Screw Size, 8.4 mm ID, 22 mm OD, Pack of 5) - to space the rails out from the seat pan, and also to space the rails off the floor mount a bit. (24 to 32 needed.)

Porsche p/n 900-186-018-02-OEM - to attach the rails to the floor of the car. (8 needed.)


If you have certain other years of Recaros, you may not need or won't need the spacers between the rails and the seat. I needed the spacers between the rails and floor because, using the existing holes drilled in the Recaro slider base that match the hole spacing in the floor, a weld at the rear of the floor bracket kept the rail from sitting flush. If I'd used the other hole in the rail base and drilled a new on at the correct spacing, I wouldn't have needed this spacer and the rail would have sit flush on the floor bracket.
I didn't have to use new hardware here, I just wanted to.

Despite the spacers, the seat leaves you sitting at least a couple of inches lower than stock pre-85 comfort seats, which I happen to like. If you wanted to sit higher you might be better off with a box-section spacer. I was OK with the heavy washers based on the height needed. I had hex-head bolts in the original rails, but you have to use OE-style recessed head bolts (with a ball-end Allen wrench) on the Recaros, as there's no tool access for a 10mm socket and ratchet.

I'll attach photos later.

[salayc]

I used Sparco seat spacers. Much easier than stacking washers.

https://www.ogracing.com/products/sparco-seat-spacer-kit?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5eX7BRDQARIsAMhYLP8mVIzpn6w4N5GT c36DsLbVtrNycHw3BgvtbEaKf8LUA4Xuix47QaEaAkOPEALw_w cB

[75 911s]

Edit: I think I understand your mount setup, I'm just interested as to how they are lower than the stock comfort seats. when I tried my Recaro Pole Positions, they sat higher using the double slider recaro rails on the stock tub rails.

[Otter74]

I saw those but it would have taken me a while to get a set in or have someone machine a set locally (I can’t do it myself), whereas I could get thick washers from McMaster-Carr the same day. At only three per, they weren’t hard to deal with.

[Otter74]

Originally Posted by 75 911s

I'm a bit confused Otter. Are you saying you mounted your Recaro double sliders directly to the floor pan and that the recaro brackets fit in between the existing seat rails that are welded in the tub (not used)?

Sorry for not being clear enough. No, I mounted them to the factory seat mounting locations. That’s what I meant by ‘floor pan’ (as opposed to seat pan)

[famoroso]

Originally Posted by 75 911s

Edit: I think I understand your mount setup, I'm just interested as to how they are lower than the stock comfort seats. when I tried my Recaro Pole Positions, they sat higher using the double slider recaro rails on the stock tub rails.

What did you end up using?

I have a pair of Pole Position ABYs arriving today and I want to mount them as low as possible. I'm not against fixing the driver's seat in place, but would prefer to have it on a slider.

[75 911s]

Originally Posted by famoroso

What did you end up using?

I have a pair of Pole Position ABYs arriving today and I want to mount them as low as possible. I'm not against fixing the driver's seat in place, but would prefer to have it on a slider.

I test fit them in my '75. They sit up very high, FYI these are Recaro Pole Position ABE, way different than the OP and I think part of my initial confusion.

Anyway, they are intended for my 77 project, and since I'm down to a bare tub, I'm modifying the rails to accommodate my huge frame (6'6" 230lbs) I'm moving them back roughly 5" inches and nearly down to the floor. Well I'm welding in new mounts and cutting the others out. Yes yes the fuel line.

Did you get steel or aluminum side mount plates?

[Otter74]

Originally Posted by 75 911s

Edit: I think I understand your mount setup, I'm just interested as to how they are lower than the stock comfort seats. when I tried my Recaro Pole Positions, they sat higher using the double slider recaro rails on the stock tub rails.

I've never used Pole Positions, but the modular seats are lower mostly because the Recaro base and cushion is a lot thinner than the comfort seat base and cushion. I measured yesterday and the cushion is 2" lower than the comfort seats. Recaro padding is firmer so difference while seated may be less.

I'm 6 feet tall, biased towards torso length, 155lb so pretty thin. I can see the gauges a little bit better now and the cushion angle for my legs is perfect. I spent ~2500 miles in the car a few weeks ago, including a couple of 17-hour days, and they are all-day comfortable.

[famoroso]

Originally Posted by 75 911s

I test fit them in my '75. They sit up very high, FYI these are Recaro Pole Position ABE, way different than the OP and I think part of my initial confusion.

Anyway, they are intended for my 77 project, and since I'm down to a bare tub, I'm modifying the rails to accommodate my huge frame (6'6" 230lbs) I'm moving them back roughly 5" inches and nearly down to the floor. Well I'm welding in new mounts and cutting the others out. Yes yes the fuel line.

Did you get steel or aluminum side mount plates?

ABEs (not ABY per my typo). Re: aluminum or steel mounts, I ordered aluminum. I haven't gotten the shipment yet tho.

I'm bummed to hear that you lose headroom with the ABEs, but not surprised given what I've read. I am surprised there isn't a well known / documented procedure or parts list for installing Pole Positions. Hence, my entreaty earlier this year...
Recaro Pole Position '87 Carrera install best practices? Southbound Trimmers mounts? I've inquired into other mounts (Southbound Trimmers, Brey Krause, etc.), but haven't gotten anything definitive.

Edit: Seats are IN! Aluminum side mounts. Final pic is last night's rest rig!

[famoroso]

I mounted up the passenger side Pole Position Classic and, as expected... it's AWESOME!

Looks killer, feels GREAT and I gained some headroom, which is a *BIG* plus...



More info here... Recaro Pole Position '87 Carrera install best practices? Southbound Trimmers mounts?