Race seat

**AR4me** · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2005, 11:06 PM

So, which race seat do you have in your track car?

I have been looking a little, and it seems that Cobra makes some seats with cabon-fiber/kevlar shell at a price at which the typical brand names only provide fiber glass. My understanding is that the carbon-fiber/kevlar seats are much stronger than fiber glass and also lighter.

Re. the Cobra, I'm thinking of the Suzuka as an example. Check out a link from 75evo: www.subesports.com

Any thoughts?

Jes

**ECARRILLO** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-2005, 11:40 PM

I use a Sparco seat and it seams very robust. I would guess any major brand like Cobra, Recaro or Corbeau will be a good choice.

Remember the seat braces and or brackets are also very important as well as the seat belts.

I am now looking into getting a seat brace to have "extra" security in case of a rear impact.

Good luck,

alfanut79 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-08-2005, 12:16 AM

I agree with previous messages. Make sure you get a seat that fits you as well as one that is mounted solidly. It's all very well to get a carbon fibre seat but if it's not supported properly then it's all over! I can tell you a seat that flexes when it shouldn't is quite unnerving. Make sure you also look at steering wheel position...make the wheel come to you not the other way around. We fitted a 3 inch spacer to the column on my track car and this makes the racing position so much more comfortable!

Harness fit...get 3 inch if you haven't already and make sure it's 5 point....

I'll stop being a mother now!! :-) Goodluck finding a seat. I'm fond of mine...black with hot pink swirls on the back! Nice!

Ciao' 4 now

AlfaRacingChick

BigSwede · #4 (**permalink**) 01-08-2005, 03:29 AM

Get the seat that fit you the best (unless it's VERY expensive), make sure all the gear is FIA approved and you are good to go. This usually means 6 points 3" belts.

Bruce Colby · #5 (**permalink**) 01-08-2005, 10:16 AM

Jes,

Before you spend your hard earned $ on a seat, spend some time at the track talking with people about what they have, and what they like and dislike about it, etc. Also, try sitting in a few seats to get an idea what they feel like; race seats aren't very adjustable once they've been properly mounted. You're certainly welcome to sit in mine and I'm sure most people would let you try theirs as well.

**AR4me** · #6 (**permalink**) 01-08-2005, 11:24 AM

Sounds good Bruce. I did try some at a race store. The Cobra felt nice and snug - they have a wider version of all seats, but too wide for me. Too bad this weekend got cancelled, but I'll take you up on the offer in February.

So, is the extra safety of cabon-fiber/kevlar worth the extra $, or is the difference in terms of safety really minimal, e.g. compared to a fiber glass seat?

With a very strong carbon-fiber/kevlar seat, do people still put in the seat back braces?

Jes

Bruce Colby · #7 (**permalink**) 01-08-2005, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AR4me

So, is the extra safety of cabon-fiber/kevlar worth the extra $, or is the difference in terms of safety really minimal, e.g. compared to a fiber glass seat?

With a very strong carbon-fiber/kevlar seat, do people still put in the seat back braces?

Jes

Shaun C · #8 (**permalink**) 01-10-2005, 07:57 AM

SABELT also make FIA approved seats. Bought a fairly inexpensive one (based on and needs and means) and am quite happy (and it's FIA approved). After having more experienced drivers sit in my seat they commented on the nice shoulder support - something you probably won't realise is there/not there until you're out on the track.

Fortis 621 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-10-2005, 02:50 PM

I have the Suzuka seat in my race car. The seat is snug at first but after couple of laps, it feels really comfortable. I believe the seat is only kevlar. The carbon-fiber version is three times more. Like you, I did a lot of research before purchasing my seat. Kevlar is stronger than fiberglass but since all reputable seats pass the FIA requirement, they are all very safe and the selection criterion ultimately boils down to your personal preference. My friends love their Sparco seats. I love my Cobra. The weight difference is not really an issue. One or two pounds can easily be made up by skipping lunch and going to bathroom before the start of a race. Purchase a seat you feel comfortable in. If you are brand sensitive, buy a brand you always wanted.

For the Alfa GTV6 race car I’m currently building, I am going to go for the Sparco seat (Evo or Pro2000). I’m just trying to go for that all Italian scheme…

Good luck.

S. Colin Chung
______________________
88 M3 race car with Cobra
84 GTV6 race car with Sparco (soon to be completed… )

JohnT · #10 (**permalink**) 02-13-2005, 11:25 AM

I have Corbeau Forza seats in my GTV6 track car. I like them for a few reasons. First, they offer good support and they are a good upright angle for me. I like a more upright position. Also, the Forzas are narrower than other seats, so they offer more lateral support for people with narrower builds.
Secondly, they are very afforbable. I think I spent about $600 for two of them when all as said and done.
Fitment is the most important thing. There was a really good article in European car several years back that did a comparison between several popular brands. It helped in my decision. Ultimately, being able to actually sit in the seat was the most help.

-JT

BigSwede · #11 (**permalink**) 02-14-2005, 12:32 AM

You should check up on the FIA approvals, Some Corbeau and Cobras have lost their approvals from FIA, may not be noticed during the tech inspection but insurance demands may be another story...