Any interest in Modifying Power seats to allow more headroom
03-07-2011, 11:58 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Any interest in Modifying Power seats to allow more headroom
Was talking to the guy I am working with learning car upholstery today. We started to think about ways to modify the later S4 seats to allow enough headroom for helmet even with a sunroof. I am thinking that changing some of the pillow design in the seat bottom we can get another 1 1/4" or so.
My question is this....would there be any interest in this design if we kept the original concept of the long pillows but not quite as recessed as stock? This modification would effect the cushion and cover...not the seat frame itself.
My question is this....would there be any interest in this design if we kept the original concept of the long pillows but not quite as recessed as stock? This modification would effect the cushion and cover...not the seat frame itself.
Last edited by Dean_Fuller; 03-08-2011 at 01:21 AM.
03-08-2011, 09:32 AM
#3
Rennlist Member
Dean,
If you do many track events, you'll get to the point where a 5/6 point harness is both needed by the driver and required by PCA. Then, the seats MUST have the slots for passing the shoulder belts through the seat, not around the outside edge. Thus, you'll probably be a lot better off in the long run getting a set of Recaro seats and installing them in the car. The OE comfort seat certainly doesn't give enough driver support for even semi-serious track driving, and the sport seat is not much better (I've used both). The Recaro SRD's that I bought used (excellent condition) about 4 years ago make a WORLD of difference in support, and they are comfortable for the 250-400 miles I drive to the track events I attend (and return as well!).
Save the "modification" $ and put them toward the Recaro's, which give about 1 1/2 to 2" more head room as well as MUCH greater containment.
Gary Knox
If you do many track events, you'll get to the point where a 5/6 point harness is both needed by the driver and required by PCA. Then, the seats MUST have the slots for passing the shoulder belts through the seat, not around the outside edge. Thus, you'll probably be a lot better off in the long run getting a set of Recaro seats and installing them in the car. The OE comfort seat certainly doesn't give enough driver support for even semi-serious track driving, and the sport seat is not much better (I've used both). The Recaro SRD's that I bought used (excellent condition) about 4 years ago make a WORLD of difference in support, and they are comfortable for the 250-400 miles I drive to the track events I attend (and return as well!).
Save the "modification" $ and put them toward the Recaro's, which give about 1 1/2 to 2" more head room as well as MUCH greater containment.
Gary Knox
03-08-2011, 11:36 AM
#4
Drifting
Thread Starter
Good point on the harness...but what about the driver who is over 6'-3 or so and needs more headroom with their every day driver? I have a sad set of s4 seats I'm starting on and was thinking on a new concept that will not look out of place with the rear seats but yet will sit a tad lower for taller drivers.
03-08-2011, 11:46 AM
#5
Nordschleife Master
When I pulled my seats there were some blocks (pillow blocks?) under the rails. Not sure if the seats can be just bolted down again without them.
I stuck in some 924 seats. They bolted right up, look OK and are a bit lower. Lighter, too, as they are fully manual.
I stuck in some 924 seats. They bolted right up, look OK and are a bit lower. Lighter, too, as they are fully manual.
03-08-2011, 02:30 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
Dean,
If I recall correctly (Paul Champagne can probably verify), I think the 911 seats (and probably the 944 seats) are not as thickly padded, and provide more headroom. I had a set of 911 sport seats in my '88 for a while (used them mostly for track driving, but sometimes for street as well). They were manual for and aft as well as backrest recline, but had power up and down for the front and rear of the seat cushion itself. I think I had more headroom with those than I had with my comfort OE 928 seats.
Gary--
If I recall correctly (Paul Champagne can probably verify), I think the 911 seats (and probably the 944 seats) are not as thickly padded, and provide more headroom. I had a set of 911 sport seats in my '88 for a while (used them mostly for track driving, but sometimes for street as well). They were manual for and aft as well as backrest recline, but had power up and down for the front and rear of the seat cushion itself. I think I had more headroom with those than I had with my comfort OE 928 seats.
Gary--
