THSCC Forums

I'm looking for a seat that's comfortable enough to sit in during 10 hour drives to events, supportive enough for track & autox use, and lighter than stock 2001 2.5RS seats (~ 45 lbs each). Don't know if I want to do the rigid seat, because it seems like it would compromise the ability to use the stock seat belt. (would it?)

I have 2002 WRX seats in the street RS, and they fit me very well (but they're very heavy, so I don't want to buy another set for the race car).

I don't want to spend a million dollars on these, either - which is why I've been looking at the Corbeaus. Any opinions?

Thanks.

Kevin,

Joel Heywood has Corbeaus in his Mustang that are rigid and used his stock belts autocrossing. The seats are relatively comfortable, but I've only sat in them for a short amount of time. Maybe Joel will chime in about what they are like after driving to Roebling Road.

_________________
Todd Breakey
STS 42 - 1992 Sunburst Miata
Dammit!
"You souldn't play leap frog with a porcupine. You might get hurt." - Eliza

I can't remember if fixed-back seats are legal in STS yet, so this may not be useful to you at all...

I have the Corbeau Forza's in the Miata, and while a good seat for competive use on a budget, they are not good for a daily driver or long trips. I have made the drive to and from Roebling (~10 hrs round trip) in them, and it wasn't that bad, but it wasn't that good either. They are 5/6 pt harness friendly, pretty light, and decently bolstered. The fabric is not that sturdy, and tends to fade quite a bit if the car isn't garaged. For my next fun car, I'll likely step up to some Sparcos or Momos if I have the coin...

See if you can get a copy of the Sport Compact Car issue from a few months back with the big seat review - very useful. They hated the Forza.

_________________
Tom Freeman
'98 M3/4/5 | '93 Spec3 325i | '12 TSX sport wagon | '03 Tahoe
Team Silver Bullets '91 240SX

Yeah you have to have a reclining seat for STS, but not for STX.

Have money burning a hole in your pocket?? Cause lightweight reclining seats will not be cheap.

_________________
91 Jetta GLI STS/DSP 111
85 Porsche 944 ASP 11
http://www.blackforestindustries.com

Try again... Any seat, that weighs over 15# (including the hardware if welded, otherwise not) is legal. - AB

_________________
'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

The STS/STX seat rule has been subject to about 30 revisions this year. AFAIK at the moment the only limitation is that the seat weighs over 15 lb (I'm unclear if this is with or without the bracket) and that it's fully upholstered. This got clarified to show that the standard Kirkey/Sparco/Corbeau shell-type seat is legal in ST*. Who knows what will happen next year as no one seems happy with the way it's written now.

On topic: Kent Davis has Corbeaus in the rally car. They are painful by the end of the day. They are particularly painful during big hits, where the steel tubing feels like it's going to break your back. I would _highly_ recommend something a bit better than them.

--Kevin H.

edit: D'oh! Aaron beat me to it.

_________________
2003 WRX (again!)

Ok this is what I was gong by;

17.2. BODY WORK
Pedal kits and other interior cosmetic accessories may be added.
Any fully padded and upholstered front seats with reclining seat backs, rear seats may not be removed.
Removal of factory trim (rub strips, emblems)

I didn't know there had been revisions to this this year/

_________________
91 Jetta GLI STS/DSP 111
85 Porsche 944 ASP 11
http://www.blackforestindustries.com

I think they ditched the reclining part because they were afraid someone could just take a regular non-reclining version, cut it in half, bolt on some hinges to make it legal. Probably would not have been very safe.

_________________
Richard Casto
1972 Porsche 914
2013 Honda Fit Sport
2015 Honda Fit EX
http://motorsport.zyyz.com
Money can't buy happiness, but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than a Kia.

Adam - you need to keep up with the fastracks to know what's going on. They're available on the scca website somewhere, and are listed in the Sports Car magazine you get as an SCCA member.

Thanks for the replies, guys - keep em coming.

I've had Forza's in my GTi for about a year now... they're okay for the money, but I will definitely be getting some Sparcos later down the road. In my opinion, seats are one of the most important things in your car, especially if you race. If you're uncomfortable, you're limited on what you can do in the car, and its probably not safe. If you're going to buy some new aftermarket seats, skip all the cheap stuff and go straight to something made well thats comfortable (which unfortunately means big $$$.) Otherwise, at least you know the stock seats are somewhat safe..

I have the Forza II's in my Talon, they are the "big boy" version of the Forzas. They have WAY more padding than everyone elses Forza's.

With a seat cushion, they arent THAT bad but I would never say comfortable. See me at Laurinburg and you can jump in them and see what you think.

_________________
02 Focus SVT
STF 9

My drivers seat is the Corbeau FX1 and I wouldnt buy one if you are planning to take long trips. It might be better if I find a pillow to sit on but the fiberglass shelled seats dont have alot of give in them. I drove to Roebling sitting in that seat with no ac, no radio and no sound deadner. Not a trip I am going to repeat anytime soon.

_________________
2004 Ranger Edge
2003 Buell XB9R
2004 Trek 4900
2004 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Disc
2004 Lemond Reno

Thats dedication....

_________________
02 Focus SVT
STF 9

I just put FX1 seats in the BMW. I wouldn't recommend these for anything but a trailer queen. However, they are FANTASTIC on the track and autocross. I continuously think there is something wrong with my hubs, wheels, and tires because I can feel everything through the 5mm thick padding.

My legs fell asleep the one time I drove > 30 minutes in them on the street. I guess I disagree about the "make sure your race seats are comfortable" bit mentioned above. Cushioning comfort kind of goes against why to put in seats in the first place. I guess we should differentiate between luxury/sitting comfort and "proper fit" comfort.

If I had to drive it to events I would have shopped for comfortable light reclining street seats that have good road feel. FWIW. Also, if I wasn't cheap I would have gone with Sparco Evo II rather than the FX1. The Evo II does sit better on me, both for fit and comfort. But I wasn't ready to spend that much.

_________________
Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

Or just plan stupid maybe?

_________________
2004 Ranger Edge
2003 Buell XB9R
2004 Trek 4900
2004 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Disc
2004 Lemond Reno