rsponholtz

Hi,
I'm a really tall guy (6'8", 36" inseam), and for some strange reason I like small cars. I've been wanting to buy a 911, but I wanted to check with the community on model and seat options. I've sat in a 997 (a 2007 model, I think) and fit ok. Unfortunately I'd probably be looking at an older model due to cost. Do you have a recommendation (model, seat & mount) on the best set up for both legroom and headroom, either for a 996 or an older air-cooled Porsche (my preference)? Any idea how much space I'd gain from a modified setup?

Surely there are lots of NBA players out there driving Porsches - how do they do it? Are there shops that specialize in that kind of thing?

BTW, I currently drive a BMW 3-series sedan and fit fine in it, with the seat all the way down and back.

Any other tall-ies out there who could send me some suggestions?

Thanks,
Ross

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Hi Ross,

Years ago, I had an ex-NFL player (6' 7", 240 lbs) who presented a challenge in getting him comfortable in his '74 911. Fortunately, we prevailed, but not without some effort and creativity.

To what measures are needed really depends on the specific model you will buy.

I'd plan on modifying the seat rails in the car, perhaps different seating, and maybe a different steering wheel to do the job. Non-sunroof cars are a big help as they reduce headroom about an inch.

Norske

I remember, i could not have my seat all the way back in my 1972 or 1971 911's. I think with the newer cars, you may be limited, but with the older ones you could be OK.

JM$0.02.

ivangene

A good fabricator and some $ you will fit

rusnak

We had a question like this from a really tall woman, who just joined the board.

I joked that she should take the driver's seat out, and sit in the rear seat. She didn't think that was very funny.

ivangene

its ok, everytime a woman comes around all the men act like jerks, ya jerk

yumyum1667

My cousin rode with me and he is 6'6 and had no complaints. I did not let him drive though.

blake

My buddy is 6'6" with a 36" inseam and has plenty of head and leg room in his '89 Carrera Targa. He is a bit cramped in a 997, and can't fit without rubbing his head on the roof of a 996. The 993s have a bit more room, and the earlier 911s seem to be fine... Definitely go sit in a few to get a feel.

Good luck.

-Blake

Amber Gramps

At 5' 10" it seems I can't reach my pedals with the seat all the way back. I know for sure I can't push the clutch in when it's back. My inseam is 33" so I'm either confused (shut up ) or the OP will be just fine.



EDIT: My 501's are 33". My Dockers are 29".

SARGEPUG

It's probably the same reason why you see a lot of very tall guys w/ a 5'-0" woman!

Arctic1

I have a 1980 911SC with standard seats (not powered and not the sport type). I am 6' with a 34 - 36 inch inseam. I can not drive the car with the seat all the way back.

I am also 175 lbs and feel like I am firmly planted in the seats. If you are also big around the hips / waste the 911 may not work so well.

I did a 3000 mile road trip and this is the most comfortable car that I have drove. One thing overlooked is that the seat bottom is also rather long and supports the thighs quiete well so you don't get pinch points on the nerves, etc..

I also have a 1997 Mercedes SL320. And it is way less comfrotable than the 911. Seats are meant for fat asses and fat bellies. I find on hard corning I am sliding around on the seat.

Suggest you go test drive a mid-year (1978 - 1988) WITHOUT power seats and see how it feels.

jb

rusnak

Every time height and weight come up, I realize that I'm a lard ***.

syzygy

I'm 6'1" and cannot have the seat all the way back. Some complain of lack of head room with a helmet on, but these are usually in cars with a sun roof. I imagine most any impact bumper car, and likely other air cooled as well, would fit if it had no sun roof, or by lowering the seat which many do for helmet clearance.

The passenger seat is another story. With the lack of leg room, it's pretty crowded.

billyfeet

I'm 6'3" with a 34" inseam, pleanty of leg room, and head room in a Carrera Targa!

Ed Hughes

I'll chime in on the targa. I'm a bit over 6'2", 35" inseam, and by drilling one set of holes in my slides to mount them back about 2", the rearmost seat position allows me to literally have my legs straight. The targa roof will offer you the most headroom, or maybe a sunroof delete coupe, which are rare.