Q's: Track seats for street/track car?

Jim Richards · 01-24-2007, 07:21 AM

My car is used on both the street and track. I would like to consider replacing my vintage style buckets with a pair of modern track seats. Since I drive on the street, drive to the track (6+ hours), and may even go on long trips, I'd like to find seats that are reasonably comfortable.

Background on my car: Early 911 coupe, 5 point harnesses, roll bar with the cross piece to attach belts to, no HANS-type device, yet, but eventually I expect that I'll buy one.

My questions are:

1) Am I crazy to think I can do both with the same seats?

2) Would you suggest seats that might possibly fit my needs?

I would love to narrow down the universe of track seats out there so I can start doing the butt test on them. Thanks in advance for your help.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

Jim, I don't remember off hand what seats he is using but search for Jack Olsens answer to this. He addressed this in BB2 and with the addition of a removable armrest is able to drive comfortably to the track and on it even for long distances.

I definitely think it is doable.

Tom '74 911 · 01-24-2007, 08:31 AM

Hi Jim -
After much internal mental debate I threw down for a pair of Recaro Pole Positions last fall. They replaced my stock seats. My car is my daily driver during the non snow months and while more of a PITA to get in and out of than the stock seats, they're not too bad. I think they have lower sides than the SPGs for instance. My very first drive in them was a 5hr. stint to my "local" track. I was a bit worried that I'd be crippled when I got there but man, they are soooo comfy. They ROCK. On the track - they're perfect (for my current level at least). The only hesitation I have had is when I have passengers - for instance I took a partner to lunch and he barely fit. I think they make a wider version as well that would cover bigger guys (and gals). Hope that helps.

Tom

edit - I think BB2 has Recaro Pole Positions - in leather of course!

Jack Olsen · 01-24-2007, 10:16 AM

I've been very happy with mine, which are the Recaro PPG Pole Positions. The Pole Position is a wider version of the PPG seat. The slightly wider seats are nice even though I'm only 5'11" and 160 pounds. (I got the Recaros in leather, which doesn't look vintage, but doesn't look like a typical cloth race seat, either.)

For me, Reno is over 8 hours away; Thunderhill is 7; Laguna Seca is 6.

Here's what I've learned: At least for me, elbow support is important. I have two cheap J.C. Whitney armrests that just slip in on either side for the long drives. The fact that I'm not having to support the weight of my arms for the whole drive means I get no neck pain, which used to happen. Also, it helps to rock the seat to the furthest-back position. This way the seat is supporting me along a wider stretch, from my thighs all the way to my back and shoulders -- I'm not just sitting on the seat, I'm sort of cradled in it. This distributes the load and helps a lot. Finally, I wear the soft earplug-type headphones with an iPod and the radar detector's sound mixed in to the same audio feed. This was a lot of work to get right, but the reduction in that dull noise also does a lot to reduce fatigue on long drives.

DByers · 01-24-2007, 11:16 AM

Jim,
I have some period looking seats that I use for both the daily driving and track driving. I also have two race seats I will be using once I get my roll bar installed to take advantage of a 5pt set up. For me Ill change out the seats. Takes all of 3 minutes per seat as I keep the rails and everything with the seat and use a cordless drill to get er done. It does mean investing in an extra set of seats, but I was going to have to buy them any way, so no biggy. I just like the look of the non-race seats for non-track events in an early targa. Coupes I think can get away with a non period look easier. Plus that way my wife can still drive Stay Puff.

74goldtarga · 01-24-2007, 03:12 PM

I have Corbeau FX1 pro (driver) and FX1 (passenger - slightly wider). They are fiberglass and reasonably comfortable, I am tall and had to mount them on the floor so they are not adjustable but are basically a custom set-up for me. Definitely keep your stock seat belts if possible in addition to the 5 or 6 points if you plan to drive the car on the street, this is really the only mistake I made and I plan to bolt the female end through the transmission tunnel this spring. I drove back and forth to the track this way and was fine, not quite as comfortable as the stock seats on the street but I was held in better on the track and could concentrate on driving. The Corbeau seats look great in the car and have nice covers, now I don't get bruises from holding my left leg against the armrest during right handers.

Jim Richards · 01-24-2007, 05:26 PM

Thanks guys!

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

Dan, I'll be doing the same thing with my black car now that it's been decided that she'll be my track plaything. Considering Jack and I are about equal in size, build, and weight, I'll most likely end up going with the Pole Position's myself. The price looks good too.

Jim Richards · 01-25-2007, 02:41 AM

Dan, I'm considering about doing the same thing (swapping seats back and forth). Hopefully, this isn't too much of a PIA.

Jack, Tom, do you use stock 3-pt seat belts with your Recaro PP's on the street?

Thanks.

Tom '74 911 · 01-25-2007, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim Richards
Dan, I'm considering about doing the same thing (swapping seats back and forth). Hopefully, this isn't too much of a PIA.

Jack, Tom, do you use stock 3-pt seat belts with your Recaro PP's on the street?

Thanks.

Swapping seats back & forth really isn't too big of a deal actually. If my Recaros weren't so comfortable (more so than the stock seats to me!), I'd swap back my stock seats in between events - I have thought about doing that w/the passenger side as they're a bit more user friendly to the uninitiated and it's a tough fit w/a car seat & the Recaros, so my kids don't get rides :-(

I do use the stock 3-pt belts too. It's maybe not the optimum, but it works, I've got it routed thru the side hole next to the door and then go over the top of the inside bolster to click in.

Hope that helps,
Tom

charleskieffner · 01-25-2007, 05:16 AM

i'm 6'3 200# and on long trips i have the pole positions all the way back on slider. for the track move it up about 3 clicks and they are perfect. recaro makes some very nice seats. night day difference over OEM 6 way adj seats.

Cdnone1 · 01-25-2007, 08:40 AM

Jack, is the thread we can see a pic of your car with the arm rests? I remember seeing one a long time ago.
Thanks
Steve

pantera · 01-25-2007, 11:43 AM

I've had the SPG as a drivers seat on my DE/Street car. At 5 9" 160lbs I found the high bolsters to be a real pita. Recently switched over to the Pole Postion and have been pretty happy getting in/out with the lower side bolsters. I too have liked the extra room the seat provides. Will probably put the SPG back in when at the track just because I have it.

Dan

Jim Richards · 01-25-2007, 11:49 AM

Dan, I'm about the same size as you. Good information.

pantera · 01-25-2007, 11:59 AM

Jim, forgot to mention I put some additional padding under the bottom seat pad. Without it my bony rear sort of sank into the seat a little too much. Worked perfect.

Dan

Jim Richards · 01-25-2007, 12:21 PM

patkeefe · 01-26-2007, 05:59 PM

Jim:
I have Recaro SE seats in the SC. They are good at both. I had to have an upholsterer put in a hole for the crotch straps. They have good support, and they will bolt right up to the factory sliders. Just shim 'em up if necessary with some washers. Comfy, and hold you in pretty well at the track (even off the track!)
Pat

VFR750 · 01-26-2007, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 74goldtarga
I have Corbeau FX1 pro (driver) and FX1 (passenger - slightly wider). They are fiberglass and reasonably comfortable, I am tall and had to mount them on the floor so they are not adjustable but are basically a custom set-up for me. Definitely keep your stock seat belts if possible in addition to the 5 or 6 points if you plan to drive the car on the street, this is really the only mistake I made and I plan to bolt the female end through the transmission tunnel this spring. I drove back and forth to the track this way and was fine, not quite as comfortable as the stock seats on the street but I was held in better on the track and could concentrate on driving. The Corbeau seats look great in the car and have nice covers, now I don't get bruises from holding my left leg against the armrest during right handers.

Seems like a personal question, but how big are you? The FX-1 Pro is a narrow version of the FX-1. I'm curious to know how they fit, and why. I'm 5'9" and ~155 lbs. A good fit for the FX-1 pro??

Jack Olsen · 01-26-2007, 06:23 PM

Some coffee, a book on tape, and I'm good to go.

Garen · Garen's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by 74goldtarga
I have Corbeau FX1 pro (driver) and FX1 (passenger - slightly wider). They are fiberglass and reasonably comfortable, I am tall and had to mount them on the floor so they are not adjustable but are basically a custom set-up for me. Definitely keep your stock seat belts if possible in addition to the 5 or 6 points if you plan to drive the car on the street, this is really the only mistake I made and I plan to bolt the female end through the transmission tunnel this spring. I drove back and forth to the track this way and was fine, not quite as comfortable as the stock seats on the street but I was held in better on the track and could concentrate on driving. The Corbeau seats look great in the car and have nice covers, now I don't get bruises from holding my left leg against the armrest during right handers.

How do you like the Corbeau fit and finish, are they well made in your opinion? I've been going back and forth between the FX1 pro and the Sparco TEC. Can you please post a pic or two, if possible? Many thanks, Garen.