Dwayne

While posting about another 928 model to put in our garage, the conversation took a turn toward headroom, legroom and sunroof or no sunroof. So I'd like to ask a direct question on the forum.

I'm 6'6 and my driving form in the 928 is not exactly ergonomically correct. I wanted to know if anyone has taken measurements or had experience with different seat options as it affects headroom. I've just recently (as of today) learned that there are several factory options: Comfort electric (which we have now, I believe), factory sport, factory manual and even non-factory sport. Anyone experienced any combination of these, taken measurements, for additional headroom???

The type of driving we use the car for would be highway driving of about 150 miles one way (weekend type of drives) as well as some daily driving to work. We don't plan to use the car for track or race. THANKS!

EC928NC

I'm 6'6" as well Duane. My 85's (with sunroof) seats have the dual round adjustment controls on them (I'm not sure what the type of seat this is). I have the seat all the way back and the backrest is up off the rear seat by about 3-4 inches.

I find this position comfortable for all but my neck on long trips. I have to remember to lay my head back on the headrest occasionally to rest my neck muscles. My commute is 100 mi RT. So... it is do-able. If I drove every day instead of about twice a month, my neck muscles probably wouldn't complain at all. Steering wheel is just a bit far away in this position, but within easy reach with one hand, elbow on armrest.

I have planty of room between the door/steering wheel/console for my knees, and about 2 inches of headroom.

Bill Ball

There is a second mount position on the rails to move the seat back further.

Recaro racing seats, like the SRDs I have, will provide 2" more headroom, and they are extremely comfortable for daily driving as well.

Hilton

Thanks Bill for this.. I'd completely forgotten the seat rails have multiple mounting holes on them.

My wife finds the passenger seat a little short on legroom because of the CE panel cover - I might pull the passenger seat out and move it back while I'm waiting on the sprockets that're holding up my timing belt job.

Also on topic - the throttle pedal is adjustable to 3 different positions. Not sure about the clutch and brake pedals.

Richard S

There is also the extended hub steering wheel, moves the position of the wheel closer to you so you don't have to reach so far.

Rich

SeanR

Finally, I can laugh at tall people.

Here is a funny story, at least to me. I'm 5'6" short. We had a track day here for 3rd coast. I get in, helmet on and my head was smashed against the roof. I had to get in the most uncomfortable driving position to drive. Ok, so I'm not laughing, but wanted to share.

Dwayne

Thanks, all, for the tips! Looks like the combination of seat change and steering wheel change should address the problem nicely. I will check into the RECARO seats....

I would like to try and stay factory on the seat, if possible. I heard that factory manual seats may give more headroom, sit lower. Has anyone compared the factory manual vs factory electric??

Podguy

Dwayne,

The early manual seats will give you a bit more room. I find them more comfortable for long drives. However you will lose the multiple adjustments, memory positions, heaters and lumbar support. I still like the older seats better.

You should find setting the seats to the rear position provides more head room that you would first think.

When you remove the seats you will find a plug in the floor for the last seat position. When the seat is mounted further back it is actually lower because the floor slopes back and down. I am just under six feet and find the stock position uncomfortable with my head hitting the headliner. Surprisingly with the seat set in the rear position I have a good couple of inches above my head and do not have to put the set back to get clearance. The car is a lot more comfortable this way.

The dead pedal can adjust as well as the gas pedal. If you have a five speed the tension on the clutch pedal can be increased or decreased by adjusting the return spring pressure. I have seen some that are very heavy and find people complain about the clutch being too stiff when driving in traffic.

Good Luck
Dan the Pod Guy

drnick

the sunroof takes up a lot of room. on my track car i removed the inner roof skin and sunroof completely, my next two 928s had no sunroof. im not sure that there is any difference in seat height with the later model seats but the early model seats without electrics are like sitting on the floor

bernard farquart

I have the old style manual (sport) seats and I find them to be very comfortable. It took me a couple of weeks after I got the car to get them adjusted correctly, you really do have to scoot your self all the way back in the seat for it to fit correctly, no slouching. They are rather like sitting on the floor, but since my last Porsche was a 914, that seemed about right to me.

F451

The SRD is a great seat. I tried one out at our local speed shop and a pair is on my short list, right behind the Corbaue A4's which I "think" will provide a bit more headroom.

F451

I'm sitting basically "on the floor" in an older Sparco Sprint. At 6'6", I love it for driving. Don't love it for getting in and out. Its surpringly comfortabe for a seat that does not have a lot of padding, and confines you to a pretty snug fit.

And it makes a world of difference in how the car feels. Holy cow, it feels way more responsive and fun. I would not have believed the difference if someone told me, until I tried it for myself.

F451

I have some measurements I took of my stock S4 seats, and the Sparco fixed back race seat that I will share when I get a chance. Most folks wouldn't go for a fixed back race seat, but perhaps the figures will help out.

And we haven't talked about shoe size yet on this thread (I think), so we should add that to the variables. I'm a size 12 and I have no problems unless I wear my work boots.

I have taken to wearing my Sketchers that have a thin sole, and the sole curls up on the sides of the shoes. I love them, provides just that much more room. And they are very comfortable. I will even wear them while commuting and bring another pair of more formal shoes for the office when I'm commuting.

Here's a pic:

Dwayne

Dan, I heard about the extra position for the seat but didn't figure that would help solve much....but from what you describe, I need to check this out. I'll take a look and see if I can find the extra mounting position. If I find it and can move the seat, I'll post on the results. THANKS!

Dwayne

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!