Opinions? - Vintage Bucket vs Modern Sport Seat

[shaunmbenson]

Hi Gang

I'm deciding between a GTS Classics ST driver's seat or a Sparco Evo II for my 85 911

I want some opinions. I had a Vintage Seats RS in the driver side - great seat but found it lacked upper body support and was a hint narrow in my hips -- it will go passenger side

I track about 10 days a year and do nice long drives often

I want the look and weight saving of a sport seat and like both the vintage and modern looks. I will possibly put in a full harness but for the immediate future plan a 3 point seatbelt plus a competition lap belt

Anyone have experience with the GTS ST? I had the Sparco in an old car and liked it but this car is a gentler tracker than the last so I want to know if the GTS has enough bolster for my use and is generally enjoyed

Thanks

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by shaunmbenson

Hi Gang

I'm deciding between a GTS Classics ST driver's seat or a Sparco Evo II for my 85 911

I want some opinions. I had a Vintage Seats RS in the driver side - great seat but found it lacked upper body support and was a hint narrow in my hips -- it will go passenger side

I track about 10 days a year and do nice long drives often

I want the look and weight saving of a sport seat and like both the vintage and modern looks. I will possibly put in a full harness but for the immediate future plan a 3 point seatbelt plus a competition lap belt

Anyone have experience with the GTS ST? I had the Sparco in an old car and liked it but this car is a gentler tracker than the last so I want to know if the GTS has enough bolster for my use and is generally enjoyed

Thanks

For the track days you want a modern shell w/ 6 point harness, Hans and a 1/2 cage to secure the harness to. JMO

[Quicksilver]

If safety is any concern the older seats just aren't safe compared to an modern seat. The period correct seats look awesome but they can't be made to absorb heavy impacts in multiple directions.

The Evo II is head and shoulders above the GTS Classics "ST" in safety but it still is sub par for what you are paying for. It is fiberglass and that is a very poor substitute for kevlar. If you are going to use a modern style full shell style seat demand kevlar. It will take repeated hits and not tear apart. For the price of the Sparco you can get a choice of Cobra seats and they don't import anything but kevlar or carbon fiber.
For me personally I use a Cobra Suzuka in the GT width. I can do 3+ hour stint without hurting my back. (Which is saying something!)

[shaunmbenson]

Thanks guys.
I appreciate the responses
I honestly wasn't thinking a ton about safety insofar as I assumed whatever I had would be as good as stock and that's what I'm running now. But maybe I need to rethink that