bigsky

I would like some input on upgrading to GT3 seats. My 02 996tt X50 has the stock seats(w/ seat heaters). I am thinking about purchasing the GT3 seats. My understanding is that the GT3 seats reclining/passage is fixed and can not be ordered with seat heaters.This would mean the rear seat would be difficult to access( I don't plan on any passengers in the back but it is nice to occasionally put a large package back there). I could live without the seat heaters( but, they are nice on those very cold days). Most of my driving is on the road, around town, weekend drives, drives between cities(approximately 150 miles of interstate) and very rare driver education course. I would like to eventually increase the DE type events but honestly most of the use is on the roads.Do I need that much more support in my fairly casual w/ some spirited driving?Are ther other seats I should consider? If I install the GT3 seats are there any issues with the computor and seat belt error lights? Can the standard seat belts fit the apperatures in the seat and still connect okay and keep me in place? If I install GT3 seats should I pull out the rear seats to loose weight? Any other issues I am missing or possible problems I might encounter?With this in mind I would welcome your input as to which seats you think might serve my purpose the best.
PS I probably would keep the stock seat belts for now(if possible) and later upgrade to a restraint harness.Thanks in advance for your input.The best price I found is $2750/ pair in leather (color to match). My car is arctic silver with graphite leather interior, I was thinking if I purchased these seats that eventualy I would need to add 5 point restraint
Thanks much in advance for your thoughts. This is not meant to be a slam to the wonerful GT2 owners out there, the 996tt owners with sport seats, the 996 owners who have shoe horned in a V8, the potential hitchikers that I could no longer fit in the back or any one else who might be offended by this post for example the local ranchers who by all rights, should have had the first right to provide the leather covering for the seats driven on the roads they support (you see where I am going with this in trying to keep the integrity of the thread)
Thanks much in advance for your comments

Rob

ruey220

i just picked up my car with new GT3 seats, and I must say it was a wise choice. They fit snug into the car, do not have any problems mounting as they are factory porsche.

The only problem is that it is designed for 5 point seatbelts and you will have trouble reaching on either side of the seat to get stuff from the back...such as seatbelt on your left side/ putting stuff in back seat, etc.

Otherwise, they server their purpose very well, while maintaining very good comfort.

The airbag sensor can be transferred from the other stock seat so you don't have a problem there.

cobra06

Seat heat pads can be purchased here:
<a href="http://www.rameinc.com/seat_heaters.htm" target="_blank">RAME seat heaters</a> about $30.00

I couldn't figure out how to use the stock switches, so used the supplied two position switch mounted in the center console.

Getting in the back is next to impossible, I squeeze between the two seats.

They are one of the nicest additions you can make to the interior of the car in my opinion. You can't beat having them at the track, and their appearance really sets the interior apart.

drjim

I have them also and the main thing is to make sure your body fits nicely in them. They fit me pretty well with just a hint of tightness along my hip area, but I'm 6' and 205 lbs. I actually was able to squeeze myself partially in the back to reach the back window area, but you can forget about using the back seat for anyone and possibly some light storage.

Jim

Deanger

Well let me say this: The seats are awesome HOWEVER you cannot underestimate what they will do to your abillity to access the rear of the car. I suggest you spend a month WITHOUT using the rear seat for anything you cannot get past your present seats without tilting them forward.

I've seen someone put in ONE GT3 seat for the driver and leave the other one. it looked strange but was a very practical answer I must admit.

If I used the car they way you have described I would probably wait until I HAD to have them, or at least certainly after you've spent some time honestly assesing what the lack of seat mobility will really mean.

HBdirtbag

Have you given any thoughts into looking into something made by Recaro or Bride that will give you the same support but that recline to give you the acces s to the back seat.

And also, make sure to sit in the seats first, i've seen to many people spend good money on racing seats and when they recieve them they realize they don't fit or they don't like them.

Deanger

Great advice. Wish I'd thought of that.

Sun Ra

I installed one driver's GT3 seat as Deaner describes above. I can not drive w/o a racing seat; i can not stand sliding around in a regular seat, it's dangerous and slows you down.

Form follows function:

1] I only need one seat for me, since my son rides in the porsche child seat AND i use the back for my suit jacket hanging.
2] IT IS A COMPLETE PAIN IN THE *** to use the back with 2 non-folding seats.
3] how it looks is in the eye of the beholder

go back on the site; you will find older threads where we discussed this issue. Thank you for your PC disclaimers and your sense of humour!!!

Pete.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by watt:
3] how it looks is in the eye of the beholder
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><img src="http://home.pacbell.net/psf0/GT3seat.jpg" alt=" - " />

My kids need to be in their Porsche car seat, in a normal seat, at highest setting, to see over the dash.

cobra06

The GT3 seat is made by Recaro. After looking at the others, its easy to see why Porche decided to go with this particular seat.

bigsky

Thanks for all of your good advice. I knew you would be able to advise on things I did not think about. I have 2 little girls and like to give them rides(1 at a time) in "daddy's race car" I use the Porsche seat with airbag defeat. I sometimes put things in the back and would probably miss not being able to do this. As I do not need the GT3 seats yet, I will do as you suggest and pretend for a while that the seats do not articulate and see how much of a pain it is. I will also strongly consider 1 seat (thanks for the picture Pete) and also look into other Recaro seats. You gave me a lot to think about.
PS My little girls call my car "daddy's race car" but by comparison to all of the great cars in this forum my car is pretty ordinary. Please do not tell my girls
Thanks again
Rob

Sun Ra

Right on Pete.

HBdirtbag

Always glad to hear we can help