seats

78silversc · 03-12-2004, 05:41 PM

Greetings all,

seems like a life time since I have posted..... I've been lurking and reading though...

I just finished reading the post "Pics of new interior and RS seats. by D Hanson" and thought I would ask for opnions..

Mine is a 78SC I have autocrossed it a couple of times and ran it a pocono once.

I am interested in stepping it up this year as far as getting it on the racecourse (autox, DE, and track outings).

The PO has it set up for 5 point belts.. the eyebolts are in place etc... I have not used them yet.

I am interested in purchasing a new seat for use both as a driver AND for racing duty.

I am not a "hardcore racer".... hopefully someday I may be... but for now I am interested in autoxing my car on weekends and DE's and trackevents 4-5 times a year.

I am interested in getting your opinions on what seats you would look at... I want to retain the ability to recline.....because my driving position when I go pick up a loaf of bread is much different than when I am in "racing" mode.

I'm about 5'10" and weigh 190lbs (all muscle of course!!! ) LOL

So comfort is an issue.....what seats should I look at? Price is obviously a consideration... but not the most important one...comfort and safety rank higher.

Thanks in advance for all of the expertise this site offers....!!!

Regards
Larry NJ

magilla · 03-12-2004, 07:03 PM

Hi Larry,

I have been doing some research on this very subject. For a decent fixed back seat, you will spend anywhere from $250 to $1000. You can swap it out with your stock seat for track/ AX days only. Reclining seats are more like $500.

Some of the good names to search for: Cobra, Recaro, Sparco, Momo, Corbeau (in no particular order). Also, do a search on this BBS for NEX seats. There was a lot of talk about them being a decent and inexpensive option.

Whatever you do, try the seat out before you buy it. Depending on your size and desired purpose, you will find each seat different.

Good luck!

Jeff Alton · 03-12-2004, 07:40 PM

Larry, I had a Sparco Sprint in my car that I use as a daily driver, auotx car and DE machine. After 8 months I took it out and sold it. I had it mounted on sliders so it was adjustable but it was a little much getting in and out of the car every day. I could not put the factory seat in a I do not have helmet clearance with it. I bought a pair of sport seats from FK. They were inexpensive and fit me great. (5'10'' 165lbs) There is room in them for people who are bit larger than me. Mounting them was a bit of work but, hey, I am pretty handy!!!

www.fknorthamerica.com

Cheers, Jeff

78silversc · 03-12-2004, 08:43 PM

thanks for the response so far guys!

It's not a daily driver... or should I say... doesn't need to be.. I do drive it every chance I get jsut because I enjoy it so much.

I guess what I am looking for is a seat that will handle double duty... I don't (at this point) want to switch out seats eveytime I want to track it. It is set up for 5 point belts from PO which is a good thing so when racing I'll use 5 point belts and when going to pick up milk Ill lean the seat back a little use the regular belts... (though I'll still get that milk pretty quickly)

So I guess what I am asking is what seats would you expereinced guys look at .....keeping in mind that I am a newbie to racing and want the best of both worlds?

I'll visit the websites for the manufactures you mentioned and continue my research.....thank guys!!!

regards
larry

Jcon · 03-13-2004, 05:38 AM

For performance the fixed back seats are the way to go. You will want one that has bottom mounts rather than side to fit your factory bolt holes. The best deal I've seen is the Cobra monico. It's a fixed back, bottom mount set up for 5 point harnesses. You can check it out on the Cobra site.

Make sure that whatever seat you get fits height as well as width. You are 5'10", but a helmet adds quite a bit and the angle of the fixed back can sit you up straighter. The last thing you want is your helmet hitting the roof. Its harder to drive and If you have Harnesses and roll....your neck won't do well.

Jeff

onewhippedpuppy · 03-13-2004, 05:38 AM

I'm 6' and 200, I sat in a Recaro SRD and loved it, by far the most comfortable seat I've ever been in, I think they run about $500 each. If my car would quit breaking, I'd have one by now.

I think you can get them with the holes in the backrest for a shoulder harness, but doesn't a 5 point have the crotch strap too? Not sure if the SRD has that. I'm not a racer, yet anyway, so I don't really know about that stuff.

Wil Ferch · 03-13-2004, 11:01 AM

Sparco "Ultra" is a good one piece shell that can be either bottom or side mounted...FIA approved too if that matters. About $360 / each if I remember correctly. The FK /NEX seat thread I started a bit back is good too at its lower price point ( About $400/PAIR with side mounts !) and the thread offers some nice mounting advice from various people.

---Wil Ferch