I've been using the 996 GT-3 Euro seats (with alcantara inserts) in my 997 GT-3 at the track. They are so comfortable, however, that I haven't switched back to the OEM for around town. Getting in and out is a bit of a PINTA (literally), but once you're in there - they fit like a glove. My question is this: have any of you taken the OEM Euro seats on a LONG drive? I'm planning a trek from North Carolina to Chicago next week and plan to swap back to the OEM seats (unless someone can talk me out of it.)

Thanks for the input!

 

They're just OK on long drives (150+ miles). I find them completely lacking in lumbar support, and I don't like how the shoulder wings push my shoulders out so that my arms are only comfortable when they're extended toward the steering wheel. I'm actually really looking forward to putting the 997 back to stock (non-sport manual seats) so I can use the car as a daily driver.

They'd absolutely not be my choice of seats for any kind of distance driving, but everyone's physique is different. On track though, they're great.

 

Yeah, I've sort of come to the same conclusion about the lumbar support. I'm afraid my thighs might complain about the tight squeeze after more than a couple of hours as well.

Thanks for the 0.02!

 

I find them way more comfortable than anything else I've ever sat in. My 996 RS with the buckets is my daily driver. And every year I drive cross country in them, ten hours each way and I love them. Strange to hear some find them lacking in lumbar support as I can feel them supporting my back all the way down my spine. I'm 5'9", which is a bit short for them. So I have put a small folded towel under the bottom cushion which raises me maybe a half inch, and that makes all the difference to how my torso fits in the seat. They're perfect.

Road Trip Story: Click here

 

I have a question for those of you using 996 buckets in a 997. I recently drove a 997 GT3 with 997 buckets, fully expecting to love them as much as I love the 996 buckets. And I did, except for the fact that the seatbelt receptacle sits inside the seat, rather than outside like on the 996. After a while I found the belt buckle was really bothering me as the seats are pretty tight. It's got to be a design screw-up having those buckles inside rather than out. It seems to me there is insufficient space between the 997 seat and the console to have the buckle outside like on the 996.

I'm considering buying a 997 GT3 and fitting it with 996 buckets. So my question is, on a 997 car with 996 seats, is the buckle inside or outside the seat? Thanks.

 

I am five ten and 175 lbs. Euro seats are comfortable for 10 hour drives.

 

you can route the female buckle in in or outside of the bucket seat on either buckets.

 

>> you can route the female buckle in in or outside of the bucket seat on either buckets.

Excellent news. Thanks for the info. Any idea why they come routed inside from the factory?

 

my GUESS is that the belts are safer when the buckle in inside.
when inside, your lap belt sits right on your lap. when buckle is outside, you lap belt rides OVER the thigh bolster, so there's a gap b/n lap belt and your lap, so you may slide a bit.

now this is only my GUESS, take it with grain of salt.

 

installed mine outside...cannot imagine trying to stuff my rear into that Euro skinny seat with the buckle in there as well....at least my butt fits; now I gotta figure out how to make the back wider....sheeesh; how narrow are you Euro dudes?

 

Well, I swapped out the Euro 996 seats for the OEM (standard sport seats) for the trip, and I have to wonder if it was the right choice. I just seem to fit better in the Euro seats, and the lateral support just makes the driving experience all the more enjoyable. I'll drive the back way to work tomorrow and try and extrapolate the experience. I may just swap em back before I head to Chi-town on Tuesday.

 

BTW,

I have the receptacle on the outside - much better that way.

 

Always tinkering. . .

Have fun on your trip and don't forget to take some pictures of the smile on your brother's face when he takes her out for a drive.

 

Thanks Chris! Yeah, neither of my brothers has even seen the car yet. Steve will probably have to go change shorts after he drives it...

 

Have ordered the Alcanterra inserts for my 996 GT3 seats to install in my 997GT3,and was wondering what that would look like so if you have pics that you coukd post that would be great.