Got Headroom???

[Drago]

A co-worker of mine let me check out his wifes '82 SC last weekend. I climbed in, slid the seat back all the way and sat back.

Bonk.

Well now....that's not going to work at all. Adjust the seat back so my head doesn't hit....now it's a bit long to the steering wheel. I'm beginning to think it's going to take a little more than seat adjustments to get my rather large frame into one of these cars.

Just how much head room does that sunroof take up anyway (I only need a couple of inches more)?

Also, in regard to head room, do Targa's offer any more than a non-sunroof Coupe (yes....with the Targa top on the car, don't get smart with me). Just looking at pictures it seems that the Targa's don't have that graceful slope that the Coupe's do which may or may not indicate more room. I seem to recall fitting reasonably well into another co-workers '75 Targa, but that was years ago when I was much younger and able to withstand more pain for the things I lust after.

I'd prefer a non-sunroof Coupe since we tend to get a little rain here in the NW but would certainly consider a Targa to split the commuting chores (on the drier days) with the "other P-Car".

Regardless, I have more looking to do

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Sorry about the rambling.

[Markus30]

Same problem here - 6'3". I think the sunroof eliminates 1.5 to 2 inches in headroom. After looking fruitlessly for an SC/Carrera with no sunroof, I ended up getting a Targa. With the targa top on, I have just enough room to fit my melon comfortably inside.

P.S., It may be possible to lower or install an aftermarket seat to get the needed headroom. Others will hopefully comment on this.

Regards,
Markus

[Yargk]

I have aftermarket Recaro SRDs on the stock seat mounts. These lower me probably 2+ inches. Although I don't need it at just 6 feet, it's better to sit lower in the car. You can feel the car more. At a PCA meeting I met a rather tall fellow who took sitting low to an extreme in his track prepared cabriolet. The car had a racing shell that was installed VERY low in the car. I didn't sit in it, however he said that if you're shorter than 6' 2", you'll have trouble seeing over the steering wheel. The point is, if he could get it THAT low, than you, even without a racing shell, you should be able to enjoy plenty of room with a little modification.

[Drago]

Originally posted by Yargk
I have aftermarket Recaro SRDs on the stock seat mounts. These lower me probably 2+ inches. Although I don't need it at just 6 feet, it's better to sit lower in the car. You can feel the car more. At a PCA meeting I met a rather tall fellow who took sitting low to an extreme in his track prepared cabriolet. The car had a racing shell that was installed VERY low in the car. I didn't sit in it, however he said that if you're shorter than 6' 2", you'll have trouble seeing over the steering wheel. The point is, if he could get it THAT low, than you, even without a racing shell, you should be able to enjoy plenty of room with a little modification.

I hope your right Keith. I measure out at 6'7" so naturally I expected to have to do some modifications. Just wanted to hear what some other taller guys have done to get a better fit. The car, when I find it, will see track time (DE's mainly) so I don't mind switching to a *larger* racing shell. My brother has a one in his BMW 2002 track car that would fit nicely.

Markus, I know your struggle, I'm looking for the same non-sunroof SC. I know there was a 'sunroof delete' option on the SC's....was this available on the Carrera's as well. I didn't know that.

Thanks for the info!

Now....about that shifter residing under my right knee....

The struggle continues....

[jbripps]

Hi there,

6'2 over here, and absolutely no problems with headroom in my '85 targa. I've got a few inches to spare as well. I have adjustable sport seats, and pretty much bottom it out for a lower driving position, but even if I maximize the rear and front height, still no problems.

I do remember feeling a bit more confined when I drove a sunroof coupe, however, still had the room there too.

Have fun.

[Don in Redondo]

Hi Drago, Yargk is right about the Recaros.

At your height the other modifications that you are going to need to think about are a steering wheel diameter reduction and shifter shaft length reduction, in order to get enough comfortable leg room at the left door side for unencombered clutch pedal actuation, and the same for the right for comfortable gas pedal/brake operation.

At 6'8", I have had to go to a 13.5 inch steering wheel and a 8.0 inch shifter shaft length.

[Drago]

Originally posted by Don in Redondo
At 6'8", I have had to go to a 13.5 inch steering wheel and a 8.0 inch shifter shaft length.

Well, now I'm really becoming encouraged! Thanks for the input Don.

I've installed a smaller diameter wheel (Momo 'Team')on my daily driver and it's helped out a lot.

I've heard that Momo offers a hub spacer which I think would help with the knee/leg room on both sides of the wheel. Does anyone have one of these hub spacers installed and if so, how much offset does it provide?