need help deciding between LWB and 18-way sport seats
11-09-2015, 04:11 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
need help deciding between LWB and 18-way sport seats
i'm trying to decide between lightweight carbon fibre buckets and 18-way sports seats for my boxster spyder build.
does anyone have any long term experience with LWB from your GT cars? I'm curious about how the seats wear. there was a post on the 981 subforum with a pic of the LWB's in a 981 spyder launch car making the rounds at car shows and press events. the left lower bolsters were visibly worn and foam seemed crushed. there was also mention of wear on the shoulder cushions.
it would be great to see pics of seats after a few years to guage the durability of the leather and cushioning.
does anyone have any long term experience with LWB from your GT cars? I'm curious about how the seats wear. there was a post on the 981 subforum with a pic of the LWB's in a 981 spyder launch car making the rounds at car shows and press events. the left lower bolsters were visibly worn and foam seemed crushed. there was also mention of wear on the shoulder cushions.
it would be great to see pics of seats after a few years to guage the durability of the leather and cushioning.
11-09-2015, 09:39 AM
#2
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my carbon seats have 30K miles on them, and are virtually as new. Maybe magazine road testers are careless with the rivets on their jean back pockets.
All the best....
All the best....
11-09-2015, 01:48 PM
#3
Instructor
First of all -- you're probably looking for the GT4 or 991 GT3 forum. The 997s came with sport buckets, which are different than the carbon buckets that are in your photo.
That said, I've looked at a number of 997 buckets that seem absolutely torn up -- stretched leather (as in your photo), frayed stitching, etc. I think a lot of it has to do with how you get in and out. If you put all your weight on the bolster and slide over it, your seats are going to have a bad time. If you drop your butt in and lift your thigh over the bolster, the leather will be spared.
I also throw a microfiber cloth over the bolster to prevent wear, but that's just me.
That said, I've looked at a number of 997 buckets that seem absolutely torn up -- stretched leather (as in your photo), frayed stitching, etc. I think a lot of it has to do with how you get in and out. If you put all your weight on the bolster and slide over it, your seats are going to have a bad time. If you drop your butt in and lift your thigh over the bolster, the leather will be spared.
I also throw a microfiber cloth over the bolster to prevent wear, but that's just me.
11-10-2015, 12:43 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
LWB LWB LWB!
11-11-2015, 01:18 PM
#6
I have the 18 way in my turbo and LWB in my GT3, and am amazed how comfortable the LWB's are. I don't know how they do it, but they are extremely comfortable and just feel really connected to the car. Definitely go for LWB.
11-11-2015, 07:34 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
+1!!! although our LWBs are different from those in the GT4's and 991 GT3s
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11-13-2015, 11:39 AM
#8
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I just spend a fair amount of time in my friend's GT4 with LWB's - and I am 6' and 220lbs, and found them very very comfortable - but definitely the major wear area will be the lower bolster as you get out of the car. Its depends on how big and flexible you are, but to get out, and not touch the bolster, you need to be a gymnast.. 
. You can use other methods, like a cloth or even purchase a sleeve which wil stop abrading that area.
Also, when you are in the LWB's, I suspect if driving in hotter weather, these seats may be quite warm given they hug with no air space. However, they REALLY connect your butt to the car, and allows all the sensations from the chassis to be felt.
On another friends GT3 RS, he has the alcantara inserts in his seats, and after 35,000 miles, the fabric is pilling really badly on the bottom and rears. It's possible to have this shaved but it's likely he will need to get it replaced which is unexpected at that mileage. I think for the Spyder alcantara is used on both types of seats (?) so just be prepared for possible maintenance. You have to actively upkeep and clean to keep it factory fresh. Full leather is more forgiving. The same goes for steering wheels and shifters - very cool to have them in alcantara when new, but a pain in the long term, and smooth leather would be a better choice.
Cheers,
Mike
. You can use other methods, like a cloth or even purchase a sleeve which wil stop abrading that area. Also, when you are in the LWB's, I suspect if driving in hotter weather, these seats may be quite warm given they hug with no air space. However, they REALLY connect your butt to the car, and allows all the sensations from the chassis to be felt.
On another friends GT3 RS, he has the alcantara inserts in his seats, and after 35,000 miles, the fabric is pilling really badly on the bottom and rears. It's possible to have this shaved but it's likely he will need to get it replaced which is unexpected at that mileage. I think for the Spyder alcantara is used on both types of seats (?) so just be prepared for possible maintenance. You have to actively upkeep and clean to keep it factory fresh. Full leather is more forgiving. The same goes for steering wheels and shifters - very cool to have them in alcantara when new, but a pain in the long term, and smooth leather would be a better choice.
Cheers,
Mike
11-14-2015, 02:07 AM
#9
The Rebel
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Of course your decision should be based on several factors; 1. what is your intended use and; 2. if answer 1 tragically doesn't include track time, keep or purchase the soft 18-way adjustable.
11-14-2015, 09:28 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
18 way very comfortable but... I got a second faster on the LWB...
For serious driving LWB
For serious driving LWB
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Zeus993 (10-01-2019)
07-07-2018, 06:37 PM
#12
Super ancient thread but if you’re actually debating carbon seats vs 18 way, something is wrong. These are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum! I can see the 4 way Sport seats being cross-shopped against the carbon; but the 18 way against the carbon? It’s like cross shopping a Cadillac with a Lotus.
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Zeus993 (10-01-2019)
07-07-2018, 07:42 PM
#13
Drifting
I've had both. First time I had no choice on 18 ways. Second time, I was only going to buy a car with LWB's. They are plenty comfortable, look the business and will help on resale. All of that said, they have to fit you.
10-01-2019, 10:57 AM
#15
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I've got them on my Gen-1 987.2 Spyder and love them with one caveate - when the top is off. When the top is up, the roofline in the Spyder is so low it makes it super difficult to get up and over and down into them without rubbing across the side bolster. This being said, not sure what the scene is with the 981 / 718 Spyders and roof height etc... For that car, with the top off, the seat is PERFECT.
In my Carrera T, I struggled back and forth on this and in the end ordered 4WSS+ and love them for everyday driving. They seemed to have deepened them and they give incredible support and are actually somewhat difficult to get up and over and down into.
What's your plan for the Spyder? Everyday? Sunny evenings and weekends?
In my Carrera T, I struggled back and forth on this and in the end ordered 4WSS+ and love them for everyday driving. They seemed to have deepened them and they give incredible support and are actually somewhat difficult to get up and over and down into.
What's your plan for the Spyder? Everyday? Sunny evenings and weekends?