This is topic What seat are you ROAD RACERS using?? in forum Road Racing, Auto X & Drifting at Northern California Ford Owners .
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Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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I'm in the market for a new set of racing seats for my car and wanted to hear your guys' suggestions based on experience. I'm looking for a fixed back seat for the driver side and probably a cheaper reclining version for the passenger side. I REALL want the FRPP Sparco Circuit seat but I really dont see myself spending $1000+ on a single seat.
Although my car mostly is primarily used as atrack car nowadays, I still want the seat to be semi-street worthy (comfortable and not too hard to get in and out of).
Are any of you guys running halo-style seats like the Sparco Circuit? Does the halo part make it difficult to see out the side windows?
I'm trying to get something that's cost efficient but good quality...suggestions? ![[patriot]](graemlins/patriot.gif)
Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on
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Kirkey Intermediate Road Race Seat but I do have a removable steering wheel.
[ November 19, 2011, 04:42 AM: Message edited by: SteveL ]
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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quote:
Originally posted by SteveL:
Kirkey Intermediate Road Race Seat but I do have a removable steering wheel.
Steve, how comfortable are those aluminum seats?
Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on
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Very comfortable with the padding and cover installed. I also like the Safecraft seats. Best thing would be to try sitting in different seats next time you're at the track. Besides the brand and model, ask what width they have.
Posted by 4IDFOX (Member # 9921) on
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I will second the kirkey. They are very comfortable. I used to run a Momo and even with the 5 piont i felt like i was falling out of the seat at the apex of turn two at thunderhill.
The halo will be no good on the street.
You could easily change the seat for track days. only takes 15 minutes with a 15 mm wrench. the kirkey is very affordable. depending on who you are running with you will need a seatback brace when you go to a race seat and five piont harness.
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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Steve and Troy, do you guys know any local (bay area) shops that carry Kirkey seats? I'd like to sit in one and see how they fit me.
Also, do you guys know anything about Ultra-Shield aluminum seats? They have a their road racing seat (similar to Kirkey's Intermediate seat) with padding and seat cover for $324.95:
http://www.ultrashieldrace.com/prod.php?id=8
[ November 19, 2011, 11:07 PM: Message edited by: SydeWaySix ]
Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on
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I bought my seat from http://www.ioportracing.com/ in Lafayette. I mentioned Safecraft in Concord but they don't list seats on their website. Try calling them.
I don't think I've ever sat in an UltraShield seat.
[ November 20, 2011, 05:34 AM: Message edited by: SteveL ]
Posted by SF Coupe (Member # 1810) on
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Sparco Evo for me. It's relatively cheap, comfortable, and holds me in the corners just fine.
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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Steve, I didn't realize safecraft was just in concord. I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what they've got to offer.
Tim, I too like the Sparco Evo seats! I thought I found killer deal on CL for a pair of new Evo 2 Plus seats for $400...turns out that theyre replicas though. The seller claims that the quality and fit is on par with authentic sparcos but I'd be worried that they're cheaply china made seats that won't last very long.
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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Question regarding aluminum racing seats: is it required to use a seat-back brace for HPDE or is that just necessary for race applications? Without the brace, is the seat rigid enough to use as-is?
Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on
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I don't know the answer to that one. I installed the brace with the seat.
I think there's little doubt that a back brace makes the mounting stronger and thus safer on aluminum seats. For plastic/composite/carbon fiber, check with the manufacturer. Some say DO NOT DRILL HOLES IN THE BACK OF THE SEAT.
I've also never seen a back brace as a requirement in HDPE (even NASA) but believe they are required for aluminum seats in the race groups.
Posted by straightliner1 (Member # 2679) on
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Recaro Pro Racer XL (fat boy size) - absolutely incredible seat!
http://www.recaro-automotive.com/us/product-areas/motorsport/product/pro-racer-hansr-xl.html
NOT cheap, but I scooped it up cheap on fleabay. If any of you guys want to come try it on for size, just ask. I'm in Modesto.
[ November 21, 2011, 06:06 AM: Message edited by: straightliner1 ]
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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quote:
Originally posted by SteveL:
I don't know the answer to that one. I installed the brace with the seat.
I think there's little doubt that a back brace makes the mounting stronger and thus safer on aluminum seats. For plastic/composite/carbon fiber, check with the manufacturer. Some say DO NOT DRILL HOLES IN THE BACK OF THE SEAT.
I've also never seen a back brace as a requirement in HDPE (even NASA) but believe they are required for aluminum seats in the race groups.
If back braces aren't required for aluminum seats, I am really liking the Ultrashield road race seat for $325 w/ cover. I am going to call Safecraft later today and see what they've got to offer.
quote:
Originally posted by straightliner1:
Recaro Pro Racer XL (fat boy size) - absolutely incredible seat!
http://www.recaro-automotive.com/us/product-areas/motorsport/product/pro-racer-hansr-xl.html
NOT cheap, but I scooped it up cheap on fleabay. If any of you guys want to come try it on for size, just ask. I'm in Modesto.
That's a VERY nice seat Justin! I too need a seat that's "wider" than the standard skinny person seat ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
How much did you end up getting your's for on ebay (if you dont mind me asking)?
Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on
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quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:
Question regarding aluminum racing seats: is it required to use a seat-back brace for HPDE or is that just necessary for race applications? Without the brace, is the seat rigid enough to use as-is?
The back bracing is required for race groups but not HPDE in NASA anyways. The seats are rigid enough without them unless you go with a cheap seat (which I know you won't). I wouldn't worry about a brace Ian
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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quote:
Originally posted by 9cobra7:
quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:
Question regarding aluminum racing seats: is it required to use a seat-back brace for HPDE or is that just necessary for race applications? Without the brace, is the seat rigid enough to use as-is?
The back bracing is required for race groups but not HPDE in NASA anyways. The seats are rigid enough without them unless you go with a cheap seat (which I know you won't). I wouldn't worry about a brace Ian
Thanks Greg! By the way, what seat are you using in the cobra?
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on
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no problems with hunsaker sports 5 point seats on my `89, I don't know if they make them anymore but they were based down the street from MM when I got them (here in socal).
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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FYI...just called up Safecraft and they said that they are no longer in the seat business. I guess I'm left with Kirkey and Ultrashield if I go with aluminum.
Posted by DEVERO2 (Member # 6155) on
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I am running Corbeau A4. I want to sell them and get a fixed back seat since my car is no longer seeing street use.
Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on
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btw I got a Kirkey aluminum seat
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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This is somewhat against my rule of staying away from "cheap" brands, but does anyone have any experience with Corbeau fixed-back seats, ie: Forza, FX1, etc? Their prices are much lower than Sparco, OMP, and Recaro, but i'm sure quality is less as well since they're not even an FIA approved brand. Any feedback on Corbeau?
As a side note, I'm not too concerned about not having FIA approved seats since HPDE does not require it, but I do want quality seats that will last a while and withstand the abuse of racing.
Posted by straightliner1 (Member # 2679) on
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Ian, if it's at all possible (budget wise) get a nice wraparound shell. It makes all the difference!
Posted by acmikee (Member # 5568) on
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don't go cheap on saftey. just because its not required in HPDE. you are still driving on a race track and sh** happens real fast. wear your gloves, shoes and suit. you crash and the car catches fire you will be glad that you had your nomix on. one final thing don't remove your tow points i know not required for HPDE.
Posted by Nastyc6 (Member # 11355) on
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quote:
Originally posted by SteveL:
Kirkey Intermediate Road Race Seat but I do have a removable steering wheel.
I have this seat in my car the seat is actureley comfy
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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For the guys running Kirkey or any other type of aluminum race seats, how did you mount them to the floor? Does Kirkey make mustang-specific mounting brackets? Any adjustable sliders that will allow me to move the seat front/back?
Also, I went to Wine Country Motorsports today and tried out some Sparco, OMP, and Cobra seats. If I go with an off the shelf seat, I seem to have fit best in the Sparco Evo 2, Sparco Pro 2000, and the Cobra Suzuka Pro seats. I was hoping that they'd have some kind of Black Friday special but they said they're not...Anyone know of any of these seats for sale for less than retail price???
Lastly, has anyone ever used MOMO seats, ie: Start 2007 or Super Cup seats? LPI Racing in Livermore has some pretty good deals on these seats (~$350 for the Start 2007's and ~$480 for the Super Cups).
[ November 23, 2011, 01:04 AM: Message edited by: SydeWaySix ]
Posted by 4IDFOX (Member # 9921) on
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I have a momo that i ran for a while and was a good seat. I whent back to the kirkey as i liked the way it holds me in the car better. I do not know the model of the momo but it is an fia seat. I had a corbeau forza before the momo and hated it. They do not have much padding and it wore sore spots in my back. In the end I went back to the seat i started with in my first track car that i bought because it was cheap and turns out to be the one that works the best for me the kirkey.
Get in touch with ken at ioport he can help you with brackets and the seat. They are in Lafayette
Posted by straightliner1 (Member # 2679) on
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Ian, depending on how tall you are, plan on fabricating some seat brackets. The stock Recaro sliders put the 00 Cobra R's I have way too high in the car so that my helmet hits the headliner. With my Recaro shell, I took out the sliders, and fabricated some mounts directly to the floor. Dropped me WAY lower. I can barely see over the cowl of the car and I'm 6'1" tall.
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by 4IDFOX:
I have a momo that i ran for a while and was a good seat. I whent back to the kirkey as i liked the way it holds me in the car better. I do not know the model of the momo but it is an fia seat. I had a corbeau forza before the momo and hated it. They do not have much padding and it wore sore spots in my back. In the end I went back to the seat i started with in my first track car that i bought because it was cheap and turns out to be the one that works the best for me the kirkey.
Get in touch with ken at ioport he can help you with brackets and the seat. They are in Lafayette
Troy...I thought over the idea of getting a Corbeau and quickly realized NOT TO DO IT. I read a lot of negative feedback on them and they're not FIA approved so who knows how safe I'd really be in one. Comnig from high-dollar Recaro's, I'd be damned if I replace them with some cheapo $300 seats ![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
As for the MOMO's, I like they're look and the price seems right. I'm going to try and head to LPI Racing after work to try them out.
I still haven't visited Ioport to try out the Kirkey's. I really should go and see what the hype is about ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
He said he has a few in stock so if/when I go there, i may end up taking one home with me (which is kind of why I've been trying other ones out first so I can save the "best" for last).
BTW...did you receive my text? I sent you the M.O.
quote:
Originally posted by straightliner1:
Ian, depending on how tall you are, plan on fabricating some seat brackets. The stock Recaro sliders put the 00 Cobra R's I have way too high in the car so that my helmet hits the headliner. With my Recaro shell, I took out the sliders, and fabricated some mounts directly to the floor. Dropped me WAY lower. I can barely see over the cowl of the car and I'm 6'1" tall.
Justin...I actually fit fine in my car with the Cobra R's mounted on the stock recaro sliders. I wasnt too high and had no issues when wearing my helmet. I'm also short (5'7-ish) so that helps too i guess
I know how you're an advocate for halo style seats ...I found a killer deal on a used Sparco Circuit Pro and I'm suppsoed to meet with the guy at lunch today. If it fits me I'm taking it! i just wish it were the FRPP one with eth Ford Racing logo on it ![[dance]](graemlins/dance.gif)
Posted by straightliner1 (Member # 2679) on
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My buddy has 2 of those FR500 Sparco seats. I personally do not like them. I feel too cramped up. Maybe it's my lanky 6'+ ass tho?
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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quote:
Originally posted by straightliner1:
My buddy has 2 of those FR500 Sparco seats. I personally do not like them. I feel too cramped up. Maybe it's my lanky 6'+ ass tho?
Do you feel too cramped because the seat is for slim people, or because the design of the bolster/halo?
***I just got back from checking out the used Sparco Circuit Pro. It was pretty worn and didnt fit very good. Sucks, because I was hoping I'd like it and finally have a seat
[ November 23, 2011, 11:57 AM: Message edited by: SydeWaySix ]
Posted by straightliner1 (Member # 2679) on
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The seat used to be WAY narrow for me (I used to be a 40" waist), but I dropped 60 lbs, which puts me in a 34" waist and his seat now fits, but it's tight. Tight but doable. The issue is the room below the halo for my shoulders. It's not nearly tall enough for my body type. If you're interested I'm sure he'd let you try it on (again - Modesto). Let me know?
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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quote:
Originally posted by straightliner1:
The seat used to be WAY narrow for me (I used to be a 40" waist), but I dropped 60 lbs, which puts me in a 34" waist and his seat now fits, but it's tight. Tight but doable. The issue is the room below the halo for my shoulders. It's not nearly tall enough for my body type. If you're interested I'm sure he'd let you try it on (again - Modesto). Let me know?
Ok, I got ya. if they're a tight fit for you at a 34" waist, it'll be tight for me as well. After trying a few different halo seats, I think I've concluded that I cant and shouldnt go this route since my car is still a street car. Not being able to see out the sides just isnt safe for street use.
Back to the Kirkeys....I finally made my way to Ioport Racing and BS'ed with Ken for a good hour or so. Real good guy and knows his shit when it comes to safety. He basically had me sold on a full containment road race seat because of the stories he told me, but we both realized that since my car was a dual purpose vehicle (street & track) it'd be best to get the Intermediate Road Race seat (for now).
I'm still undecided between the Sparco Evo 2's and the Kirkey...at this point it kind of depends on which seat will be easier to mount into my car.
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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So I finally decided on a seat...I just placed an order for an Ultrashield Rally Sport aluminum race seat. It is identical to the Kirkey Intermediate seat except with a smaller price tag. I found a killer deal on here for $331 shipped: http://www.racedaysafety.com/ultra-shield-rally-sport-seat.html
I did a lot of research on how to mount aluminum seats on corral, svtp, and corner-carvers and I think I'm going to try and mount the seat onto the stock mustang slider/bracket. With a little drilling and fab'ing, it will work according to others who have done it before).
I also plan to secure the seat with a seat back brace from ioport. Hopefully I get the 4-pt roll bar from MM installed soon.
its all I'll post pics once done. thansk for everyone's feedback and help!
Now I need a "cheaper" passenger seat if anyone has something for sale
Posted by BIzKitBrAIn (Member # 4018) on
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Sorry I'm late to this party ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
I have the Safecraft with a wider one for my wideness ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
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Yo bizkit where you been man?!?! Haven't seen you here in a while lol!
I tried looking into safecraft seats but they're no longer in the seat business. Sucks, because they're local so it'd be nice to go there and try them out.
How're your seats mounted? Adjustable sliders or fixed into the floor? Did you custom fab anything?
Posted by BIzKitBrAIn (Member # 4018) on
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quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:
Yo bizkit where you been man?!?! Haven't seen you here in a while lol!
I tried looking into safecraft seats but they're no longer in the seat business. Sucks, because they're local so it'd be nice to go there and try them out.
How're your seats mounted? Adjustable sliders or fixed into the floor? Did you custom fab anything?
Bummer about Safecraft.
I've been outta work again so I've been put to work on house projects and such.
The previous owner came up with the setup. They are fixed, box tubing acting as rails that has flat tabs in the front to use the OEM seat mounting point. The tubes extend all the way to the bulkhead where a flat mount with tabs was put on the end for bolting to the bulkhead. the seat rails sit little higher than the Griggs frame kit allowing mounting points on either side for halon system and accusump.
front mount
Rear mount (bulkhead/halon bottle)
Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by BIzKitBrAIn:
quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:
Yo bizkit where you been man?!?! Haven't seen you here in a while lol!
I tried looking into safecraft seats but they're no longer in the seat business. Sucks, because they're local so it'd be nice to go there and try them out.
How're your seats mounted? Adjustable sliders or fixed into the floor? Did you custom fab anything?
Bummer about Safecraft.
I've been outta work again so I've been put to work on house projects and such.
The previous owner came up with the setup. They are fixed, box tubing acting as rails that has flat tabs in the front to use the OEM seat mounting point. The tubes extend all the way to the bulkhead where a flat mount with tabs was put on the end for bolting to the bulkhead. the seat rails sit little higher than the Griggs frame kit allowing mounting points on either side for halon system and accusump.
front mount
Rear mount (bulkhead/halon bottle)
Looks like some major fabbing went into that mount. I'm looking for something a bit easier . Dude, you've GOTTA sell me that car! that thing looks like it'd be so damn fun to drive on the track!
Posted by BIzKitBrAIn (Member # 4018) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:
quote:
Originally posted by BIzKitBrAIn:
quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:
Yo bizkit where you been man?!?! Haven't seen you here in a while lol!
I tried looking into safecraft seats but they're no longer in the seat business. Sucks, because they're local so it'd be nice to go there and try them out.
How're your seats mounted? Adjustable sliders or fixed into the floor? Did you custom fab anything?
Bummer about Safecraft.
I've been outta work again so I've been put to work on house projects and such.
The previous owner came up with the setup. They are fixed, box tubing acting as rails that has flat tabs in the front to use the OEM seat mounting point. The tubes extend all the way to the bulkhead where a flat mount with tabs was put on the end for bolting to the bulkhead. the seat rails sit little higher than the Griggs frame kit allowing mounting points on either side for halon system and accusump.
front mount
Rear mount (bulkhead/halon bottle)
Looks like some major fabbing went into that mount. I'm looking for something a bit easier . Dude, you've GOTTA sell me that car! that thing looks like it'd be so damn fun to drive on the track!
That may be a possibility (PM me what your thinking) as we are having a hell of a time financially savings is almost gone, I don;t want to sell it but I may have too. Let me talk to the wife and I'll get back to you.
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