Seat Cushion Height 81-89 Seats

shaunmbenson · shaunmbenson's Garage

Hi Gang

I have a beloved 85 with the dreaded 3/4 inch higher seat rails

My question is -- do 81-84 sport seats have a thinner/lower bottom cushion than my 85 6-way power seats?

is that also true for 944 sport seats? Are they identical?

I'd rather stay as stock as possible and also not reweld the rails.

Thanks

Arne2 · Arne2's Garage

I didn't measure mine when I swapped. But in my '84, swapping from comfort seats to sport seats seemed to get me 1/2-3/4" more clearance between head and roof. So I'm guessing they would do similar for your '85.

And yes, it is my understanding that the 944 seats are the same seat.

bkreigsr · 01-23-2016, 08:36 AM

84 and 85 used completely different mounting systems. The 85 used double locker sliders, outboard anchors welded to the seat chassis vs the tunnel, integral welded chassis.
Bill K

shaunmbenson · shaunmbenson's Garage

bkreigsr -- so how does that affect seat height if I use and earlier seat and will it be compatible despite the different system?

Arne2 · Arne2's Garage

Not sure how the seat height is affected, but you would need to adapt to a different type of seatbelt receptacle.

bkreigsr · 01-23-2016, 12:02 PM

I don't know the answer to your question as it involves several variables, and I've personally never tried it.
I can say that I found the stock seat height in my 85 (I'm 5'7") too low for my taste, and when I put in Recaro track seats, I used a 1 1/4" spacer (also from Recaro) for more height.
The overall project was a huge PITA, from the slides and lockers, to inboard seat belt anchors.
Overall - anything is do-able, just how much time and effort are you prepared to devote to a solution?
Bill K

4flyboy · 4flyboy's Garage

Morning Shaun,

I had an '85 sunroof coupe and was dismayed to discover that it had the, 1 year only, higher seat rails. At 6'4" I was a tad claustrophobic and uncomfortable.

I considered the cut and weld option for a microsecond until I realized the complexity, expense and proximity of the gas lines (tunnel) to the seat rails. Apparently a couple of guys have melted their 911's?

I have seem to have a seat fetish because I'm fascinated with our different seat options? Very unscientifically I tried Recaro DC5's and some old Recaro LS's, they were both better but I settled on the 80 - 84 Manual Sport seats which unfortunately are becoming pricey now. I love their comfort on long trips and the 40-50 pounds of weight saving over the later electrics.

The effect was never dramatic, none were the panacea that I was hoping for but I gained maybe a 1/2" and it helped considerably if only psychosomatic.

Hope this helps, otherwise you'l have to take the car to a shop that has experience lowering the seat rails. Be sure your car is insured for replacement value!

Scott

betterair · 01-26-2016, 10:56 AM

Take the sliders out and use brey krause mounts bolted/Fixed to the rail, you only get one seat position ,but you need one,depending on your Seat selection.Fixed back seats also limit access to the rear seats
I am using Sparco Evo seats w BK mounts , w/o sliders ,in a 79 sc. 6'1" w/o helmet .

specialtyoneinc · 01-26-2016, 08:03 PM

I'm 6'4" and also was surprised on the seat position/high rails when I got my 85 sunroof coupe last summer. I got my drivers seat lowered by a upholstery professional. No welding or cutting. They basically shaved the lower seat cushion and lowered the support where the cushion sits. I'm sitting approximately 1.5' lower now. $1000 well spent for me.