JoeW

The latest car that I'm checking out is fitted with Recaro SPGs. I fit, but barely (no pun, guaranteed! )

Since I can't really spend a lot of time in the seats (cuz I don't own the car), there's a chance that I won't be able to get comfortable. Now, before someone suggests a diet, please understand that the problem would have to do with the hip bones and the sort of stuff only drastic and life-altering surgery would change ---

So: to pick up an extra half inch or a bit more in a racing seat, can side padding be removed without compromising the support and functionality of the seat? Anybody tried this? TIA, J

joey bagadonuts

This is a diagram of the Speedseter seat which is very similar. It looks like there's some thin padding (parts 4 and 5) which fit under the cover (part 7). I have Recaros and there's some padding there but maybe 1/4" on each side. Hope that helps.

JoeW

Thanks, Joey. Yes, that is helpful. But with only a total of 1/2" or a smidge more to work with, I'd probably be better of to ebay the seats if I can't use them, then use the proceeds to help buy the XL or something.

Unless someone has another idea? J

robmug

The seat shell is the limiting factor - there isn't really enough padding in race seats at the sides to make a difference. If you're a tight fit, you would be compressing the foam to within a few mm of the sides anyway.

Most seat manufacturers do a wider fitting these days. I'd suggest getting a similarly styled new seat and ordering it from the factory with the trim to match the original.

Tom W

I don't think you'll find any way to get the extra room from the SPGs. The tight fit was why I just pulled the SPGs that came in my car and installed Pole Postions.

JoeW

Thanks, guys. Tom, how much extra room is there with the Pole Positions? Do you recall? Do you know of a good source/price for them? J

Tom W

Pole positions are about 1 inch wider. It feels like more than you would think. You can get exact dimensions from the Recaro web site. I bought them from Bob Brooks (RennTT). Check with Bob (a Rennlist Sponsor) on pricing. You may not have to pay the 8.x% tax I did (but then I didn't have to pay shipping).

I installed them yesterday along with my Rennline pedal set. I'm happy and, most importantly, my wife is happy with the fit. Now I won't have to prep the 993 for each autocross event as we can share the 964.

JoeW

I'll be in touch with RennTeam. Thanks. Like all of us, the seat is only as comfortable as the person sitting next to us! J

Edit: Tom, I checked the sponsor list and don't see RennTT. Can you give me a link? Thankx, J

ian c - u.k

www.motordrive.com
these guys make top seats , various widths off the shelf , or can do a custom moulding .
based in uk though !!

Jeff 993TT

I just got the recaro pole positions too.. ( also from RennTT motorsports ). I'll have them installed this week, hopefully!

Even though I can fit in SPG's, I opted for the wider seat so that I can actually drive my car to track events in more comfort.

JoeW

Still can't find RennTT. Feeling a bit stupid, but it's usually justified --- Can one of you please give those of us who are a bit challenged a link? Thankee. J

JoeW

VERY interesting! Thanks, Ian. I think I'll ask them what it takes to ship to US. Are they fairly lightweight? Is the quality up to that of the (US) name brands, do you know? J

Ruairidh

Hey Joe - If I'm not mistaken RennTT is Viperbob (aka Bob Brooks or bob@rentt.com) if you go to the 993 board you'll find he is one of the most regular and helpful contributors and he has a business supplying parts (I've no affiliation or connection, but he has been helpful and responsive to my enquiries).

ian c - u.k

they used to supply all the top uk based rally teams , lost touch in the last few years , so i dont know who they supply these days .

please bear in mind that the last time i looked , all the top wrc teams where based in the uk , as are f1 teams etc.

so quality won't be an issue !!
likewise weight !!!

please don't take my { out-dated ) word for it though !!

if , when you have done your research , you decide to go with these , let me know if there is any problem with shipping to usa .
if needs be i can buy them as a uk customer , and send them over to you

Tom W

Joe, as was pointed out, RennTT is Bob Brooks (viperbob). He does not have his web site up and running yet, so you will not find a link to a site.

He has very good pricing and those of us in SF can spend a Saturday or Sunday at Bob's house installing the stuff we buy and socializing. 'Old Guy' even drove his 993tt up from LA for some fun and enhancement.