Originally Posted by Leecw

I had the same issue in my 2CS - I am certain it is due to the difference in the seat cushion due to having the ventilated seats (part of the Premium Plus pack)
After about 80 miles of driving my lower back is really sore - since purchasing the following: Amazon.com: GSeat - Orthopedic Memory Foam and Gel Seat Cushion for Back Pain and Sciatica Relief: Health & Personal Care the pain goes away. The seat pad folds nicely in half and can be stored behind the seat.

Originally Posted by Dewinator

I developed crippling lower back pain splitting driving duties between my Boxster with base seats and a Nissan, the 991 with 14-ways saved me and I'm all better now since I can adjust the lumbar up and down (as far out as it goes) to get right in there and give me support where I need it.

Originally Posted by siitech

Congratulations on the beautiful car!

i had a similar low back pain a few years ago from my then new Audi S4 driver's seat, my back would feel hurt after only about 20 minutes of drive. I searched for solution, to make a long story short, I eventually found that what needed fixing was my back but not the seat. Althought at the time I seemed to be doing ok with my BMW seat on long drives, the Audi seat aggrevated and revealed a problem I did not pay attention to, it was not serious, instead of spine, the pain was mostly from ultra tight muscle in my lower back area. I went through several Chiraprators and doctors, benifited most from acupucture treaments, and by doing streching excercises, and I am getting a lot better now. I no longer bothered by the Audi seat for any short drives, and I took several 2 days trips in the car without too much stress.

I know everybody is different, but from my experince it maybe wise to have a check up on your back before modifying your seat. At least try to exercise, stretch, and relax your back. And of course, pay attention to tension on your lower back muscle, try different adjustment and seating position to prevent your muscle from acting up. On the other hand, your back problem maybe very different from mine, so just a suggestion from my experience.

By the way, in my case I found the 14 way driver's seat in the 991 is much more comfortable than the S4's.

Originally Posted by Dewinator

To piggyback on the exercise thing, I used to do leg day like once a week. Now I do squats and quads Mon + Fri, deads + hammies Weds and calves on Tue + Thurs. Getting stronger has really helped everything stabilize I think, in combination with having lumbar support.

Originally Posted by tgcrun

Even with 4 wheel drive, make sure you get a good set of winter tires when you move to the east coast. My wife has them on her 997 4S, and she drives it to work no matter what the weather. My 991 4S with summer tires stays in the garage when it snows.

Originally Posted by Bents

You explained the issue exactly as I see it, in terms of the divot at the rear and that part not being adjustable. I am sorry to say that I haven't found a solution and it has impacted my ability to "bond" with the car as you describe. I keep meaning to try cushion of some kind (may try the GSeat one recommended here) because I stubbornly can't get my mind around having to do this at my age and in a car like this. Please do let me know if shimming the seat rails helps. I've never had an issue with any other car seat.

Originally Posted by BradWelch

Beautiful car, sorry you are hitting the back pain issue.

I haven't had any issue with my 991 yet, but I am a short, tubby bastard and I have never had any major back issues across a bunch of different cars with varying degrees of adjustable seats.

In fact the only issue I have had across those cars was when I bought my M3 with its very customizable seats - it caused me a bit of discomfort until I spent a bunch of time tweaking all the lower back bits and pieces.

Was actually worried about having less customizablity on the GTS seats but haven't had any issues with them so far and I have been on some multi-hour drives. No major cross country jaunts yet.

Sorry that this, doesn't help you with your situation, but like I said at the start - nice 911!