Finding the right seating position

[autojack]

OK, I've had my 911 for a few months now, and I think it's time I came out and said it... it's kind of uncomfortable to drive! Maybe if I describe some of my issues people can suggest some things for me to try. It's a 1988 coupe with everything in excellent condition. I'm about 5'9" tall. I have 4 way power seats with manual fore/aft adjustment.

I think my biggest problem is that I've been unable to find a comfortable seating position for working the clutch. My sense is that this is partly because of the way the clutch depresses into the floor, instead of straight back light I'm used to on other cars. It's also a lot heavier than what I'm used to. But I feel like when I move the seat forward enough to press the pedal all the way down, then when I'm off the pedal I have to point my toe way back. If I move the seat back even one notch from there, suddenly I feel like I'm not getting enough leg leverage to press the pedal.

Obviously this is not much of a problem on the highway, but when I'm in traffic or even just driving in town, my left leg gets tired quickly. It's tough to imagine taking this car on any kind of serious road trip!

Do I just need to go to the gym and start doing leg presses?

[crustychief]

my leg used to get tired on my 79 until my cable broke. clutch operating system refresh and now it is like butter.

[DRACO A5OG]

If I may, I am the same height as you. You need to scoot up and sit up right until one of your wrists rest easily on the center of the steering wheel on top. At first, you will feel like it is too close but then you realize you can see all around the car, well exception the very center rear, with tail, forget about it. That is what my back up camera is for . I digress.

Anyways, my AX/DE instructions showed me I was too far back and reclined way too much. This is not a low rider. LOL.

Once I corrected this, she was much easier to drive and less clutch play fatigue even before my recent clutch job with a new pressure plate.

You have a G50, which is supposed to be much lighter feel than us 915 guys. At least my buddy's car it felt that way to me, more like a modern car. Hydraulic vs cabled.

Bonus, or the mirrors, inside the cab is obvious.

For D-side, you want to place your head right on the d-side glass and position the mirror so you can see the side rear's edge. P-side, lean over as much as you can with out getting off the seat and adjust accordingly. At first, you realize you can not see down the road behind you from either side. Do not worry, that is what the center mirror is for. What you want is your ability to see your blind spots when a car/cars come right up on you and hide in the blind spots so you can hit them.

What you have to get use to is, when you see the cars in the side mirrors do not move into the lane, they are right on top of you. Old habit from having mirrors looking down the road for me.

Give the racing seat position a try and let us know how it works out.

[Green6]

I don't know if this will help you, as it's geared more for performance than comfort. Basically what DRACO A50G said. I've been using this position for 40 years. Works for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb9CUaYgklc

Your clutch should not be stiff. You should check into it if it is.

[DRACO A5OG]

Oh yeah, knee must be bent when pedal is fully pressed in. I forgot about that video

[wrxnofx]

Sorry, but you've got it easy. You FIT in your car. I'm 6'6" and I don't fit. I can go about 2 hours max before having to get out and stretch. It's a struggle on every road trip, but I'll take it. You should have no trouble finding a comfortable position.

[autojack]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! My friend has a G50 as well, we've swapped cars and I think my clutch feel is normal for this gearbox. I daily drove manual cars for about 8 years, but then went 6 years with an automatic before I got the 911, so part of it is just getting back to it. It sounds like I might want to raise the rear and lower the front of my seat. I've been focused on the slide forward and back. I'll experiment and report!

[cheekybird]

What Draco said but also be sure your seat is all the way down (lower center of gravity), don't raise knees or rear. Raised seat and close to the wheel = discomfort for me. Then Draco's position will feel best eventually. I am 5'9" as well and you need to get used to sitting up straight and closer to the wheel. I'll take the G50 off your hands if you get tired of it, ;-').

[autojack]

I experimented with seat position more yesterday and I think I've figured it out. First I lowered it all the way - I was surprised how far down it could go. I was already forward enough to have my wrist on the wheel, so I left that alone and drove an hour to work. My left leg felt much better but my right was still sore. I felt like I was a little too far forward, so for the drive home I moved back two notches. Not quite wrist on the wheel position, but after 90 minutes I was still comfortable. Success! Thanks guys.

[DRACO A5OG]

Nice

[T77911S]

i am very close to the steering wheel in my 930. it takes a LOT to muscle this car around and i want the leverage.
I spent a few days in the mountains chasing my brothers around in their porsches and for WEEK my neck, shoulders and upper back hurt to the point I had a headache for several days.

since the Porsche has floor mounted pedals that could take some getting use to but as far as the clutch, don't leave your foot on the pedal.
I have been driving porsches and VW's since I could drive so I guess I am just use to it.

one thing I do when on trips is put my right foot kind of to the side and behind the clutch to stretch it out.

if the bottom of the seat tilts tilt the front up, that will increase distance to the pedals

[Johnzoly]

Took Draco A5OG's advice about a month ago because of what I thought was a clutch that was too firm. Tried his seating advice, it was not the clutch, his advice made all the difference. Thanks Draco.

[Tori]

Boy am i glad someone asked this question. I feel the same way. I'm short at 5'5" i feel like a 10 year old behind the wheel. I'm almost ready to put a clutch pedal extension on. I'll give the video a watch tonite and see if i'm doing anything wrong.

Next we need a video tutorial of the ventilation system. LOL

[fiminod]

It been a while since I read it but according to Vic Elford's book and I'm paraphrasing here...The proper seat distance is determined by depressing the clutch with your right foot. When you can fully depress the clutch to the floor in this manner you have determined the correct and proper distance.

[Cook&Dunning]

I sold my Cayman because I could not get the seatback (not seat back) far enough from the pedals. Far too upright for my liking - I don't like to hunch over the wheel, but I want to sit close enough to depress clutch easily. With the 911 I feel like I have way more adjustment - perhaps all options for seating position - to the detriment of a possible rear seat passenger! (6 ft tall driver)

[echecsqueen]

great thread guys! Thanks - I am going to try these ideas tomorrow.

[deguitars]

I am the same height and don't so much mind the sitting up closer part. My issue is getting to the brake pedal requires lifting my foot up and over to the brake pedal and when I'm sitting close my knee sometimes hits the steering wheel doing that. Mentioned this before, just wondering if anyone has the same issue? Car is an '82 SC. Seems like the brake pedal is SO much higher than the throttle, or even the clutch. I'm going to measure it next time I have a chance.

cheers,
David

[wayne robson]

This made a huge difference for me driving, especially left leg and foot.
This is from a 2004 Toyota corolla .

[DanielDudley]

Push the clutch in with your leg, not your ankle. Rock your ankle slightly to find the engagement point, then let the clutch out with your leg. Don't search for the engagement point with your leg, and don't expect the ankle to do all the work.

You can rest your heel on or close to the floor when you are flexing your ankle to find the engagement point, especially at a stop. Start to engage, then, draw your leg back and flex your knee.

Hope this helps. Most of us have been doing this so long that we never even think about the way we do it. This is how I was taught, many years ago.