Headroom for Tall Folks and Seat Options
12-17-2007, 11:06 PM
#16
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I wear something similar
I wear a size 13, but since mine is an auto, I don't have to worry about shuffling them back and forth.
I wear a size 13, but since mine is an auto, I don't have to worry about shuffling them back and forth.
12-17-2007, 11:07 PM
#17
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If I have to go non-factory, I think the SRD (or the Corbaue A4's) are fine candidates - I would have to do a fit check first, of course. THANKS for the info!
12-17-2007, 11:10 PM
#18
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Paul,
I'm thinking I need at least 2" drop in the seat. Do you think the "old style manual (sport)" seats you have would accomplish this over the standard comfort style electric seat?? I like the idea of staying factory, if possible. Of course, my next question would be (assuming these do the trick), How hard is it to find some of these seats?? Just curious. THANKS!
I'm thinking I need at least 2" drop in the seat. Do you think the "old style manual (sport)" seats you have would accomplish this over the standard comfort style electric seat?? I like the idea of staying factory, if possible. Of course, my next question would be (assuming these do the trick), How hard is it to find some of these seats?? Just curious. THANKS!
I don't know how much of a drop from the electric seat you would get, since I only have the manual seats, I have heard they were very rare, but I found them in the car I ended up with, and I like them. I would guess that they would be really cheap if I tried to sell them, but very expensive if I tried to buy them.
12-18-2007, 12:31 AM
#20
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At track days my seat is reclined soooooo much - it's like laid back Mac ,Diamond in the back. I put the seat up pretty far, as to see over the hood, and reach the wheel, but my helmet is still plastered on the ceiling. This is not the ideal position by any means, and I'm very uncomfortable, until underway- where I "forget" about it since I'm so immersed in driving. I'll check out the Recaros. Even 2" would be better than using the Lazy- Boy position I have to adopt- It SuX! I'm only 6' tall, too
12-18-2007, 11:27 PM
#21
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DE's or auto-x's are tough. I find I have to sit on the seat for about 10 minutes to squash it down a little before I stop hitting the roof with my helmet, but more room would be preferrable.
I like those SRD's... hmmm.
My 914 will never get done. I keep throwing cash at the 928!
I like those SRD's... hmmm.
My 914 will never get done. I keep throwing cash at the 928!
12-19-2007, 12:22 AM
#22
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Paul,
I'm thinking I need at least 2" drop in the seat. Do you think the "old style manual (sport)" seats you have would accomplish this over the standard comfort style electric seat?? I like the idea of staying factory, if possible. Of course, my next question would be (assuming these do the trick), How hard is it to find some of these seats?? Just curious. THANKS!
I'm thinking I need at least 2" drop in the seat. Do you think the "old style manual (sport)" seats you have would accomplish this over the standard comfort style electric seat?? I like the idea of staying factory, if possible. Of course, my next question would be (assuming these do the trick), How hard is it to find some of these seats?? Just curious. THANKS!
I am only 6'4" but I too had problems with the headroom with the power seats. I switched to manual control seats and probably did gain two inches or close to it. You are no longer sitting on the motors and it makes a big difference. I made that change and everything was fine. good luck
12-24-2007, 09:59 PM
#24
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I couldn't take it anymore, and swapped the extended hub SW from my other '86 (it's black, and I've been waiting for a burgundy I'm getting from Shane). What a difference that extra inch makes. 
My knees don't hit the SW, and I can again move the seat back far enough that my head doesn't hit without slouching.
One thing I want to try is raising the front of the seat ~1" with an angled spacer, which would support the length of the rails. Right now, the front is max high, and the rear is max low, but I think I could sit closer if my legs were supported better, by having the front be higher.
My knees don't hit the SW, and I can again move the seat back far enough that my head doesn't hit without slouching.
One thing I want to try is raising the front of the seat ~1" with an angled spacer, which would support the length of the rails. Right now, the front is max high, and the rear is max low, but I think I could sit closer if my legs were supported better, by having the front be higher.
12-31-2007, 02:54 AM
#25
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Some data points from my '88 S4. These measurements are rough, but close enough. Note that all measures where taken from the middle of the seats, and not from the bolsters. For the purposes of the measures, just pretend the bolsters are not there. The Sparco is a more or less flat seat (except for the sides that hold you in), so I just represented it as flat rectangles.
The difference in the available headroom may not seem like much - an additional 1-1/4", but it is substantial. Especially when you consider that I'm sitting much more upright in the Sparco, which is much more comfortable. Plus I'm also able to reach the steering wheel and shifter MUCH more easily. Its a night and day difference.
For daily driving, the Sparco fixed back seat is a pain in the ***, so I'll be looking into getting a "sport" seat that reclines. Something like the Recaro SRD, or the Corbaue A4. A seat like that would give additional headroom as well as maintain the ease of ingress and egress.
On the other hand, the Sparco would be awesome for track days. Its actually a lot of fun to drive around in, once you're in it.
Here's a pic of the Sparco just for reference:
The difference in the available headroom may not seem like much - an additional 1-1/4", but it is substantial. Especially when you consider that I'm sitting much more upright in the Sparco, which is much more comfortable. Plus I'm also able to reach the steering wheel and shifter MUCH more easily. Its a night and day difference.
For daily driving, the Sparco fixed back seat is a pain in the ***, so I'll be looking into getting a "sport" seat that reclines. Something like the Recaro SRD, or the Corbaue A4. A seat like that would give additional headroom as well as maintain the ease of ingress and egress.
On the other hand, the Sparco would be awesome for track days. Its actually a lot of fun to drive around in, once you're in it.
Here's a pic of the Sparco just for reference:
12-31-2007, 10:07 AM
#26
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Yes, but it can change the angle of the pedal too much. You can also move the left foot rest back a bit if you can find the hole (watch out, though, Porsche uses different threads on each of the 3 screws).
IMHO, the adjustments are worse for shorter people. I'm currently looking for a blocks of light but strong plastic to screw onto my gas pedal and foot rest. I don't like driving with my elbows bent 160*.
IMHO, the adjustments are worse for shorter people. I'm currently looking for a blocks of light but strong plastic to screw onto my gas pedal and foot rest. I don't like driving with my elbows bent 160*.
12-31-2007, 10:36 AM
#27
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Telescope
Paul,
I'm thinking I need at least 2" drop in the seat. Do you think the "old style manual (sport)" seats you have would accomplish this over the standard comfort style electric seat?? I like the idea of staying factory, if possible. Of course, my next question would be (assuming these do the trick), How hard is it to find some of these seats?? Just curious. THANKS!
I'm thinking I need at least 2" drop in the seat. Do you think the "old style manual (sport)" seats you have would accomplish this over the standard comfort style electric seat?? I like the idea of staying factory, if possible. Of course, my next question would be (assuming these do the trick), How hard is it to find some of these seats?? Just curious. THANKS!
I am 6'6". I bought a non-sunroof car because I heard they had more headroom. When I test drove it I was not impressed but I figured I could deal with it. After 2 months (DUH!) I "noticed" I had 1-1/2" spacer tubes under my seat that not only lifted them up but were drilled to move them forward. After removing them I am very comfortable. I have manual seats and I have them in the rear mounting holes. I would be willing to bet that I do not have the extended steering wheel. I have to find out more about this!!!
Pretty funny. I was trying to telescope it out an inch or so just the other day.
12-31-2007, 11:23 AM
#28
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Some data points from my '88 S4. These measurements are rough, but close enough. Note that all measures where taken from the middle of the seats, and not from the bolsters. For the purposes of the measures, just pretend the bolsters are not there. The Sparco is a more or less flat seat (except for the sides that hold you in), so I just represented it as flat rectangles.
The difference in the available headroom may not seem like much - an additional 1-1/4", but it is substantial. Especially when you consider that I'm sitting much more upright in the Sparco, which is much more comfortable. Plus I'm also able to reach the steering wheel and shifter MUCH more easily. Its a night and day difference.
For daily driving, the Sparco fixed back seat is a pain in the ***, so I'll be looking into getting a "sport" seat that reclines. Something like the Recaro SRD, or the Corbaue A4. A seat like that would give additional headroom as well as maintain the ease of ingress and egress.
On the other hand, the Sparco would be awesome for track days. Its actually a lot of fun to drive around in, once you're in it.
Here's a pic of the Sparco just for reference:
The difference in the available headroom may not seem like much - an additional 1-1/4", but it is substantial. Especially when you consider that I'm sitting much more upright in the Sparco, which is much more comfortable. Plus I'm also able to reach the steering wheel and shifter MUCH more easily. Its a night and day difference.
For daily driving, the Sparco fixed back seat is a pain in the ***, so I'll be looking into getting a "sport" seat that reclines. Something like the Recaro SRD, or the Corbaue A4. A seat like that would give additional headroom as well as maintain the ease of ingress and egress.
On the other hand, the Sparco would be awesome for track days. Its actually a lot of fun to drive around in, once you're in it.
Here's a pic of the Sparco just for reference:
THANKS for the measurements and drawings....NICE!!
12-31-2007, 11:31 AM
#29
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Dwayne,
I am 6'6". I bought a non-sunroof car because I heard they had more headroom. When I test drove it I was not impressed but I figured I could deal with it. After 2 months (DUH!) I "noticed" I had 1-1/2" spacer tubes under my seat that not only lifted them up but were drilled to move them forward. After removing them I am very comfortable. I have manual seats and I have them in the rear mounting holes. I would be willing to bet that I do not have the extended steering wheel. I have to find out more about this!!! Pretty funny. I was trying to telescope it out an inch or so just the other day.
I am 6'6". I bought a non-sunroof car because I heard they had more headroom. When I test drove it I was not impressed but I figured I could deal with it. After 2 months (DUH!) I "noticed" I had 1-1/2" spacer tubes under my seat that not only lifted them up but were drilled to move them forward. After removing them I am very comfortable. I have manual seats and I have them in the rear mounting holes. I would be willing to bet that I do not have the extended steering wheel. I have to find out more about this!!!
Pretty funny. I was trying to telescope it out an inch or so just the other day.Sounds like manual seats and no sunroof are comfortable for 6'6". That's good info. Unfortunately, I have neither. I think I'll have to stay with the sunroof but the manual seats are definitely doable (or non-factory seats). Today or tomorrow, I'm going to check the rear mounting holes and see where I'm at. THANKS!
12-31-2007, 02:53 PM
#30
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Dan,
Sounds like manual seats and no sunroof are comfortable for 6'6". That's good info. Unfortunately, I have neither. I think I'll have to stay with the sunroof but the manual seats are definitely doable (or non-factory seats). Today or tomorrow, I'm going to check the rear mounting holes and see where I'm at. THANKS!
Sounds like manual seats and no sunroof are comfortable for 6'6". That's good info. Unfortunately, I have neither. I think I'll have to stay with the sunroof but the manual seats are definitely doable (or non-factory seats). Today or tomorrow, I'm going to check the rear mounting holes and see where I'm at. THANKS!
Please advise of your findings re. these mounting holes and of any improvement they may offer.
Also @ 6'6", there is good headroom with my current 16v and previous S4, both with sunroof delete and factory seats.
This may open the possibilities for future acquisitions .....
