Race seats

[paul_3rdgen]

I’m finally taking the plunge and replacing my seats with race seats.  I’m looking for a seat that works with a 5 point harness, but is still somewhat comfortable and looks good in the car.  I’ve been dancing around this for a while but it’s time as the more I track it, the more I’m loving it, and I feel I can’t drive to potential in the stock seats.  I’m 6ft tall and 34” waist, I’d really love to sit in these seats Before buying but it’s not so easy as Ontario is on lockdown and not many places stock the seats.

Choices so far:

Recaro pole positions in leather with alcantara centers


Sparco qrt-performance, leather with alcantara centres

 
Cobra Suzuka pro gt, material choice isn’t an option


Tillet b5, in carbon


Opinions wanted! And help choosing also needed.


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[tai-lun]

I am similar height/waist and was in the same boat trying to figure out seats. I unfortunately was under a time constraint moving the car around so I ended up with a seat that is a tighter fit.

Pole Position - What I would have picked for comfort, size, price but I could not wait in my case. Track focus>look comfort, they look cool in Jersey red (unavailable from Recaro going on 2 years now) but black is okay but boring/ugly. Leather is nicer but to me (no AC) stupid for a track seat, side support is medium but tolerable for a street driven car.
Cobra Suzuka - Can be customized to match your FD interior, premium feel with almost OEM look I think. Less side support, but still enough for a street car to not look like a contortionist getting in/out. Comfortable and fits FD with lots of fabric options - it can get expensive quick.
Sparco qrt - Functional, if that is the only goal then function>price/look. If I went this route, the seat would be off to be re-upholstery shop first chance even if in leather. Good side support, will be a bit tight. I find it ugly as hell but that could be just me.
Tillet b5 - Your pockets seem to be overflowing with cash mcdollars, looks cool with all the style points. Pretty lacking in side support, enjoy sliding every corner like a stock seat.

I setup a sheet to compare dimensions including harness heights, they are not all the same. If I was going to change seats again... which I hopefully wont have to do again, I'd consider them in the order above. From what I remember about your build, the Cobra would be my choice but calling them to get it customized would be the way to do it. Alcantara center, custom matched stitching, harness hardware and there is leather and padding options. Their website sucks to show options.

Hope that helps.

[paul_3rdgen]

Very thorough!  Thank you! 


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[paul_3rdgen]

Adding 1 more to the list. Omp ars-r




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[tai-lun]

Looks like a good alternative to the Sparco, sometimes you can get a good local deal from race shops I find on OMP. Materials are very function oriented so might need a trip to the reupholster shop. Yellow and black not for everyone.

[paul_3rdgen]

There’s an omp dealer close by, I’ll see if I can go sit in one and get a good price. 

Now, both seats, or just one?   I’m thinking both. 


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[wickedrx7]

What is the main goal for the car these days?  Daily/Track mix?  I assume you are planning on leaving this in and not swapping for track days. 

Reason for the above questions is you have to think about side bolster height.  The higher the side bolster, the harder it is to get in an out of the car.  The 7 is already not the easiest car to get in/out of, add a high side bolster and it becomes somewhat painful. 

I was sold on the Cobra Imola but never puled the trigger.  Now I am hopeful that Sakebomb actually makes this happen.  This would be an awesome street/track setup - https://www.rx7club.com/group-buy-product-dev-fd-rx-7-269/sakebomb-garage-recaro-pole-position-seat-kit-rails-race-version-rz-seats-1122766/

[paul_3rdgen]

This will definitely be a street/track mix.  I’ve been following that sakebomb thread for a long time, can’t wait anymore.  I do like the Recaro pole positions but I need to sit in one to commit.  Also I don’t mind solid mounting them, and if sakebomb ever finishes, I will get there tilt sliders. 

Your right about the side bolsters, and I’m debating removing my door bars on my cage for the reasons you mentioned.   I don’t really need them anymore as I stopped drag racing and only go to lapping days. 


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[tai-lun]

There’s an omp dealer close by, I’ll see if I can go sit in one and get a good price. 

Now, both seats, or just one?   I’m thinking both. 


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I went with a single seat (solid mount) with my FD as I am more track focused with the car and I don't want to be switching out the seat as mentioned. Like you I couldn't wait for the Sakebomb Garage thread, which is too bad as it was looking promising to start for a good setup. From when I was in the same boat deciding on seats, below was what I was thinking myself.

Both Seats:
Pole Position
Cobra Suzuka
Tillet b5

Single Seat
Sparco QRT-R
OMP ARS-R

[Esser]

Recaro pole positions are not tall people friendly. Max height is about 5'9-5'10. Shoulder straps will be too low.

I'm going to get B5's as my next seat.

[paul_3rdgen]

What size are you for reference?  It’s easier to reference seat selection with people size. 


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[Dyesuperman]

I have the Tillet B5 in my car and while it looks like you might slide around, you don’t. I autocross with mine and don’t move at all. I drive the car often as well. Multiple 1.5 hour drives and no soreness

[Exidous]

I've been looking for a seat for quite some time as well. I'm 6'3" and 34-36" on the waist but the bone in my hip joint is the issue. I've attempted to sit in a few "regular" seats and it was not pleasant and/or possible. It's the damned child birthing hips. Ha

I'm looking for a wider fixed with very low leg bolsters. Fixed only because I'm certain reclining just isn't an option with a slightly wider seat.

I'd put my height and weight at the limit of the FD. Comfortable though. Need more headroom though. Stock seat still.

[paul_3rdgen]

I was on the phone with the local omp dealer, he’s a wealth of knowledge and has been racing fir 25 years and happens to be a mazda guy himself. So the best advice he gave me was so not purchase a seat till you sit in it. 

He’s suggesting that I get either the omp champ R or the ars-r.   But I’m waiting till February 11th when our lockdown is possibly over so I can go sit in some seats.   These two seats accommodate 34-36” waist.


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[digitalsolo]

FWIW RaceTech has some comfy seats.   I’ve trial fit a few of them at PRI and liked them a lot.

I’m 6’2” and 185 lbs with a 32” waist and fairly slim build for reference.    I have giant legs though, so I hate seats that overly constrain much below my hips.