Let's talk about seats for the Track

[thstone]

Originally Posted by maytag

Question:
When you took the plunge to put a fixed position racing seat in your street boxster, did you also do a roll cage? And did it remain your street boxster?
I'm wondering how a racing seat will get along on the street.

No, I installed racing seats and harnesses without a roll cage. I used the stock 3-pt belts when I drove on the street and the 6-pt harness when I was on the track. Otherwise the car was stock (see photo).

The only problem with a racing seat on the street is that you have to lift your butt up to get over the tall side when you get in/out. Also, it might take a little practice to get the seat belt into the stock seat belt receptacle (which is between the tall seat side and the center console. Otherwise, it worked great and was comfortable for even 6 hour drives.

This seat was installed using the stock slider and a Brey-Krause seat mount (adapter).

The harnesses hadn't been installed yet when this photo was taken:

[maytag]

Originally Posted by thstone

No, I installed racing seats and harnesses without a roll cage. I used the stock 3-pt belts when I drove on the street and the 6-pt harness when I was on the track. Otherwise the car was stock (see photo).

The only problem with a racing seat on the street is that you have to lift your butt up to get over the tall side when you get in/out. Also, it might take a little practice to get the seat belt into the stock seat belt receptacle (which is between the tall seat side and the center console. Otherwise, it worked great and was comfortable for even 6 hour drives.

This seat was installed using the stock slider and a Brey-Krause seat mount (adapter).

The harnesses hadn't been installed yet when this photo was taken:

Nice!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[MaxD]

Originally Posted by thstone

This seat was installed using the stock slider and a Brey-Krause seat mount (adapter).

With the stock or any aftermarket slider the seat may be a bit high for some and you may not pass the "broomstick test" with the stock roll bar.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by MaxD

With the stock or any aftermarket slider the seat may be a bit high for some and you may not pass the "broomstick test" with the stock roll bar.

Yes, this can be a problem for taller drivers (I am pretty average in height at 5'10"). The easy first step is to modify the mounting holes in the BK mount to lower the seat. That can probably buy an inch or so.

Of course, there is only so much adjustment that can be gained from off the shelf components, so if you're as tall as a sasquatch, then you might need to delete the slider entirely or create a custom mounting solution.

[NewArt]

Originally Posted by thstone

Yes, this can be a problem for taller drivers (I am pretty average in height at 5'10"). The easy first step is to modify the mounting holes in the BK mount to lower the seat. That can probably buy an inch or so.

Of course, there is only so much adjustment that can be gained from off the shelf components, so if you're as tall as a sasquatch, then you might need to delete the slider entirely or create a custom mounting solution.

And, of course, there’s always the Brey-Krause roll bar extension which adds a couple of inches of clearance. The top, hard or soft, closes over it with no problem.

[McSpooney]

My seat experience:
I’m a bout 5’10”, but a very high waist. When I shopped around for seats I went to my local race shop and sat in all the seats I could. Arrived at sparco rev 2s. What I didn’t realize at the time was that the rev 2 is a super tall seat, but I got a pretty nice deal from rallymerchandise.eu.

Got second hand Brey Krause brackets and tried to mount. The width of the seat put it right against the center console. The height with sliders had it protruding above the roll bar. Brey Krause sells brackets with sub strap to replace the stock sliders... I ended up having to use them to hard mount. The adjustment range with these brackets is too far between increments... could never get the exact right distance from the pedals, but found a spot that is almost perfect.

Got a schroth profi 2x2 harness of ebay a few months later and rev 2 head and neck restraint. People don’t tell you when you get a seat for track duty, but it’s kind of a slippery slope. You get the seat. Feel awesome. Figure it’s easy to throw in a harness. Then realize to use the harness on track, you should use head and neck restraint.

If you keep track of how much this probably cost... and consider I did both seats, I’m somewhere near 2k all in. That said... absolutely love this setup. Track seats are a must. Harness helps a lot too. Rev 2s are too damn tall for me, but width wise, my 33 in waist is actually also too small... but it still grips so good and is pretty comfortable when not on track. I clip and Unclip in the harness when I get to track events, just leaving in the top straps behind my seat when I’m not at the track. Love the setup. Would recommend.

As others mentioned, it is not easy getting in and out of the car, especially with stock steering wheel, but you learn the technique. I still use my 3 pt when I’m not at the track. It’s weird though because I strap through the seat on the outboard side, over the seat on the inboard side. Velcro to keep the buckle in the right spot. Still requires a special technique to buckle properly. Anyway, hoping my experience helps someone.