Aftermarket Seats
#1
Track Day
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Aftermarket Seats
I am looking to replace my original seats and was wondering if anyone has experience with some of the aftermarket products? (i.e. Sparco, Corbeu, Cerullo, etc.) Which are the best for the money? Do the vinyl models hold up or should I opt for cloth or leather? Easy to install? etc. Thanks for your help!
#2
Technical Specialist
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First, you need to sit in possible seats before choosing one. They all fit differently, like helmets.
I have Recaro SRD's in my 81SC, installed using stock Porsche steel seat brackets. I have a left and right ratchet bracket on the drivers seat, to keep fore and aft movement and provide greater safety. I also have a DAS removeable rollbar, and it and SRD's don't coreside well together (but's that's not the purpose of your query).
I gained a little headroom with the SRD's. Seat, measured just in front of the seat back, to edge of sunroof is 36".
I like the SRD's because they are cloth, which, with the side bolsters, help keep me in the seat while on the track - I don't have to fight staying in/on the leather seat. It also has two holes for the shoulder harness, and an optional hole in the seat for the antisub strap. You also can order them in a few different cloth colors and can specify color of the stitching of the "Recaro" name in the headrest. On mine, I got their standard tan cloth to match my interior, and instead of their default brown "Recaro", I had them use tan stitching, which makes it more subtle.
They also have an adjustable seat back, so I can angle it back for daily driver use, and forward for track usage.
If you decide to go with a Recaro, call around as prices do vary, and be aware that they have had some supply problems recently. I'm told they moved their manufacturing facility, and aren't quite back to speed yet.
I have Recaro SRD's in my 81SC, installed using stock Porsche steel seat brackets. I have a left and right ratchet bracket on the drivers seat, to keep fore and aft movement and provide greater safety. I also have a DAS removeable rollbar, and it and SRD's don't coreside well together (but's that's not the purpose of your query).
I gained a little headroom with the SRD's. Seat, measured just in front of the seat back, to edge of sunroof is 36".
I like the SRD's because they are cloth, which, with the side bolsters, help keep me in the seat while on the track - I don't have to fight staying in/on the leather seat. It also has two holes for the shoulder harness, and an optional hole in the seat for the antisub strap. You also can order them in a few different cloth colors and can specify color of the stitching of the "Recaro" name in the headrest. On mine, I got their standard tan cloth to match my interior, and instead of their default brown "Recaro", I had them use tan stitching, which makes it more subtle.
They also have an adjustable seat back, so I can angle it back for daily driver use, and forward for track usage.
If you decide to go with a Recaro, call around as prices do vary, and be aware that they have had some supply problems recently. I'm told they moved their manufacturing facility, and aren't quite back to speed yet.
#3
In my 77' 930 I find that the factory sport seats are great! They have separate side bolsters to hold you in place unlike the later versions of the factory seats. No holes for a five point harness though. My reccomendation is to find a pair of used, torn, etc. etc. first generation high-back sport seats, send them out and have them reupholstered with new leather and new seat cushions/foam. These were, IMHO the best fitting seats the factory made. As they were not designed to fit everybodys body. Just a hint, the softer the leather the better the hold. And as an added bonus, you get to retain a classic factory look.
Best of Luck,
Pete 77' 930
Best of Luck,
Pete 77' 930
#4
Track Day
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Thanks for your input guys. I really appreciate it. I would love to stick with factory seats but the price of recovering plus leather and foam is outragous! The seats that i currently have are standard leather but are badly are in need of foam inserts. Some of the seams are also pulling apart. I would love if this was a D.I.Y. project but I do not know where to purchase replacement foam, and how to remove/replace the skins. Any ideas? Thanks again.
#5
The website for the place that sells seat skins/leather and seat foam is www.worlduph.com they have everything for interior. As for pricing, you'll have to call them. But I think that they'll sell you the seat covers and foam so that you can install it yourself.
Best of Luck,
Pete 77' 930
Best of Luck,
Pete 77' 930
#6
Track Day
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Thanks for the info. I called them late yesterday. $343/pr for Domestic Vinyl skins, $462/pr for German Vinyl skins, $924/pr. for leather skins. Foam inserts - $245 ea. for upper (back) and $192 ea. for lower (butt). Both seats in Domestic Vinyl - about $1300.00. I think I would be just as well to go with an aftermarket seat at $400 to $700 a pop? Decisions, decisions and the thrill of owning a Porsche!
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#8
I've got a set of very nice recaro SRD's I just pulled out of my 930, tracks, seat belt bracket, and all. The bolsters were too tight for me so I decided to put the factory seats in, You can see them in the pictures below:
email me at steven.c.fletcher@gmail.com if you are interested.
email me at steven.c.fletcher@gmail.com if you are interested.
#9
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Thanks for your input guys. I really appreciate it. I would love to stick with factory seats but the price of recovering plus leather and foam is outragous! The seats that i currently have are standard leather but are badly are in need of foam inserts. Some of the seams are also pulling apart. I would love if this was a D.I.Y. project but I do not know where to purchase replacement foam, and how to remove/replace the skins. Any ideas? Thanks again.
I bought a used set of OEM sport seats in excellent condition for around $800 then dyed them the color I needed. Keep your eyes on the sites that stock used Porsche parts. Seats come up for sale fairly often.
#10
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Leather Recaros in my '82 SC. Very pricey (more than restoring a pair of factory seats), but worth it. I'm 6'3" and the seats give me about an additional .5" head room - doesn't sound like much but it's important.
#12
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That is a major score! I've seen period Sport Seats from the late '70s to early '80s go for $3K/pair, and have heard of them bringing even more than that.
#13
Rennlist Member
How in the HELL did this thread get resurrected?
fletcher0780: If you look, the original posts where the guy was asking about seats was from 2001. I'd bet he's found something by now.....
fletcher0780: If you look, the original posts where the guy was asking about seats was from 2001. I'd bet he's found something by now.....
#14