For those who have Kirkey seats...

dd74 · 04-08-2005, 05:01 PM

The roll bar in my 911 prohibits for the most part, the recline feature of my DAD seats, so I may ditch them entirely and save some weight in the process. I've been looking at Kirkeys for some time, and may pull the trigger soon. For those who have Kirkey seats, what type do you use? What height are they (or is "it" for those 911s with one seat)? 15-inches? Taller? And how are they for daily driving? Kirkey doesn't recommend them for daily driving, but I want opinions from those who have them in their 911s. I spoke to a Miata spec guy who says they're very comfortable - but that's on the track. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

TimT · 04-08-2005, 05:09 PM

I have a Kirkey 20 deg layback in my 911, its not a street car, but the seat is plenty comfy for me while on track. The dimension you see, 15 inches, is the seat width, you measure your hip width while seated. and buy the appropriate width seat. Allowing for a driving suit etc, if applicable.

Anothe alternative to Kirkey is Ultrashield

Ive seen these seats at various track events and they seem quite nice.

dd74 · 04-08-2005, 05:23 PM

Hi Tim. Thanks for the reply. Are all the Kirkey seats the same height? Another problem with my DADs are they're tall (on the sliders) and obstruct rear viewing.
Thanks for the link, btw.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

I have a Kirkey "Intermediate" seat, 17", and I like it. It's actually more comfy than some stock seats.

addictionMS · addictionMS's Garage

I have the Deluxe Road Race Seat and love it, the guy at IO port racing would not sell me a lower value seat, because he said the speeds of a 911 are too high and the other seats were not safe enough

something to consider

in our RX7 we have the Economy Layback 20¢ª(Double Rib) Seat and it was pretty flimsy, so I would go to the better seats

Jim

tycharle964 · 04-08-2005, 07:58 PM

i had kirkey intermediate laybacks in my 72 HSR car.

they are not comfortable to work around, or get in and out, However, once in they are surprisingly comfortable and give a nice secure safety feeling

that being said, I would not buy them again, until I build or buy a 356 cab racer that needs a seat my size, which is next on my list

I have ridden in sparcos and recaros, the SPG and Evo's and find them nice to work around, slide in and out and provide good support...i would't want a kirkey for any longer than a track session or two

they are stout, lack any type of give that the fiberglass seats will afford your knees and elbows when moving about in your car, I unbolted it and took it out anytime any work was being done...hitting your knee on the sucker hurts, and the "rib-cage" section can cut into your arm pit if you are a short person

I was pleased with the quality though, and the removable cover makes it easy to buy a new one once it gets worn, unlike Evos or SPGs.

go sit in them and decide, I went to OG racing and sat in a lot

good seats though, nice for track, not for daily use IMHO

addictionMS · addictionMS's Garage

as a contrast I have done three 12 hour enduros and a ton of 3 hour enduros in them and had no ill effects, even pulled a 3 hour session in my car without trouble.

I think the key is to get a seat that fits well, my Kirkey has extra padding where I need it, so I can go for hours.

I have heard a debate about "do you want the extra strenght of Al around you to protect from impact" or do you want the seat to break up, an AL seat could bend and pin you in.

Jim

Chuck Moreland · 04-08-2005, 09:53 PM

The one I have is called Intermediate Road Race, IIRC. Very comfortable once you are in and the support is excellent. Very lightweight. Great track seat.

Poor choice for a daily driver, it is tough to get in and out of. If I had to jump in/out several times a day, every day, it would get old fast.

My plan was to swap my Recarros in for the street, then back to the Kirkeys for the track. But I never make the swap, the Kirkeys stay put. They are fine for the occasional use street car.

But your smartest move is to go sit in a bunch of seats, preferably back-to-back for good comparison. Everyone's arse is different. The variety in race seat fit/feel is enormous, despite similar appearance. I would never buy a seat without a test sit.

dd74 · 04-09-2005, 12:43 AM

Thanks for the advice guys. What I'm really after is a seat that isn't too against ingress/egress, though I think I can manage once I'm inside the seat. That's why the Kirkey was tops on my list. Yes, I suffer short person's disease, and a rather Tasmanian Devil like upper-body (I wanted to be a running back once - didn't make it, though I can "hit.") So arms and armpits getting cut is a concern. Anyway, what I don't need is reclinable seats - so I figure some weight can be saved there.

Anyone know of a good race shop with good seats in L.A.? I really haven't been able to find one here in poser-ville.

Wil Ferch · 04-09-2005, 10:43 AM

For record..unlike what was posted here...Sparco ( for sure) and Recaro ( quite likely) have removable/replaceable covers....although not "buttoned down" like Kirkey.

For sizes look at the various suppliers web pages...most at least offer a three view drawing of the sizes offered.

Consider those seats...( for dual street/race use)..that have side bolsters that aren't "square" on the front leading edge...can interfere with shifter in 2nd gear slot. Some other seats slope downward toward the front and are better in this aspect....with less overall side-leg support.

Consider Cobra seats.....Kevlar at F'glass prices...good quality, nice features ( triangular lap slots that allow belts to "rotate" more comfortably around your belly)...and the fore-aft slot for the sub belt..a nice design feature.

Wil