Yea I know...big deal, but I have the power seats (GT) and I have tried just about every combination of seat forward, back, up down tilt fore and aft....

I am 5'9 155lbs, but have relatively short legs and long torso and arms. In order to reach the clutch to the floor, I get to close for comfort at the steering wheel and then kick back to the point I feel like Im having to lean forward.

Frustrating to be what is usually a couple week period with new cars to find just the right combination.

I just cant seem to dial this 8 in yet.

Have you tried adjusting the steering wheel position? I have a similar build to yours (longer torso and arms, legs not quite long enough) and struggled to find a comfy seating position that didn't have me right on top of the steering wheel. Although I don't have the power seats, I found that by lowering the seat as far down as it will go, lowering the wheel a bit, and reclining the seatback just a notch more than I normally would, I got to where I was able to just hang my wrists over the top of the wheel without much bend in my elbows and still depress the clutch to the floor if I "tippy-toed" it.

Honestly, in normal driving I never push the clutch in all the way; the engagement point is high enough that it's fully disengaged at about 2/3 of the way down. That allows me to slide the seat back another notch.

Once you find the seat position "sweet spot", you'll appreciate how truly comfortable and supporting the 8's seats are. Long drives are a pleasure, and your derriere won't slide around even in hard cornering. ;)

I am about the same size and proportions as you, and I initially noticed the same thing on my test drive - I positioned myself about the right distance from the steering wheel and then found I could not depress the clutch fully.

I just moved the seat closer and reclined the seat back a little further and everything was fine (I like a fairly reclined driving position). Does that not work for you?

I also had the steering wheel up almost as high as it would go - I find that feels more natural if you are leaning back more, as you no longer feel the need to crouch over it.

you just got to give it time to wear in and feel right

This one of my only complaints about the 8. What it needs is a telescopic wheel adjustment.

I have actually taken some measurements to get a new gas pedal bracket fabricated, it would move it 1 1/4 inches forward.

Can't relate, folks. My 2007 RX-8 fits me like a glove...like it was designed just for me. 5'-11', 210 lbs., athletic (thickish build). Hope you can get it dialed-in!

Hey, uuhhhh.....you do realize that this thread is almost four years old. Anyway, carry on....

I have the same problem. No matter how I adjust things I can't get comfortable when I drive an RX-8. Hurray for really old posts!

wow... this is a wow moment right here..

Run the seat most of the way back, lower the cushion completely (front and back), lean the back as far forward as it will go and adjust the wheel so that the horn pad is aimed at your collar bone.
Then, sit down and aim your left toes at the clutch and start the seat forward. Keep going until you have the clutch depressed completely by your toe with your left foot slightly extended.
Now, play with the front bolster adjustment until it starts to lift your knee.
Adjust the seat back until you are holding the wheel at 9 and 3 with a comfortable bend in your elbows.
If you feel too low, raise the back of the cushion until you are at the right height and then re-adjust the knee bolster.
Expand the lumbar support until it just starts to push on you and it should be all good.
If you are still uncomfortable, then you have been driving in the wrong position for a long time and need to get used to this.
Then, check the age of the original post and hit yourself in the forehead.

the best part was that someone, somehow, found this thread only to say he "can't relate"?! wtf?

I'm also 5'9" 155lbs and have found myself very comfortable? I have two diff "settings." One's for daily driving, the other is for when I'm gonna have some fun :wiggle: . Well three settings if you count the other fun :cool:.

-Cody

Can't relate, folks. My 2007 RX-8 fits me like a glove...like it was designed just for me. 5'-11', 210 lbs., athletic (thickish build). Hope you can get it dialed-in!

I am about an inch taller than you and about 5lb heavier.
After a 9 1/2 hour stretch last week I got out fresh as a daisy.

Run the seat most of the way back, lower the cushion completely (front and back), lean the back as far forward as it will go and adjust the wheel so that the horn pad is aimed at your collar bone.
Then, sit down and aim your left toes at the clutch and start the seat forward. Keep going until you have the clutch depressed completely by your toe with your left foot slightly extended.
Now, play with the front bolster adjustment until it starts to lift your knee.
Adjust the seat back until you are holding the wheel at 9 and 3 with a comfortable bend in your elbows.
If you feel too low, raise the back of the cushion until you are at the right height and then re-adjust the knee bolster.
Expand the lumbar support until it just starts to push on you and it should be all good.
If you are still uncomfortable, then you have been driving in the wrong position for a long time and need to get used to this.
Then, check the age of the original post and hit yourself in the forehead.

I've got to try that. My only other problem is running out of head room so I have to slouch and duck for bumps. Have heard a rumor about of a thread about aftermarket seats that are lower then stock AND are daily driver COMFORTABLE.... haven't found it yet though. :dunno:

Hurray for old threads! :fruit:

I am 5'9 155lbs, but have relatively short legs and long torso and arms.

Maybe if you freaks weren't shaped like Baboons you wouldn't have an issue with finding the perfect driving position. Do you think you would be more comfortable on a minibike riding around in a circle at a carnival? :hahano: jk :rollingla

the best part was that someone, somehow, found this thread only to say he "can't relate"?! wtf?
no, the best part is MM's new avatar.

Make sure the front of the seat isn't too high or getting out of the car could smack the jewels.

:eek:

no, the best part is MM's new avatar.

+1!!!

At least you have the GT that offers the greatest flexibility in driving position. Just keep fiddling with the positions and you'll find one to like.

Adjust the seat back until you are holding the wheel at 9 and 3 with a comfortable bend in your elbows.


Right... more specifically:

With your ass firmly pushed back into the "L" angle of the seat, and both your shoulders flat against the back of the seat, either arm should be able to extend to where the crook of your wrist is on top of the wheel, with your hand draping down behind the wheel.

Most people don't sit this close, and it's a little strange getting used to it... but once you do, you appreciate the freedom of motion, comfort, and control this position provides. It is the correct seating position, and ensures that in an emergency situation you'll be able to turn the wheel in either direction as much as you have to in the shortest possible period of time.

Any autox-er or hpde veteran will concur.

Most people don't sit this close, and it's a little strange getting used to it... but once you do, you appreciate the freedom of motion, comfort, and control this position provides. It is the correct seating position, and ensures that in an emergency situation you'll be able to turn the wheel in either direction as much as you have to in the shortest possible period of time.

Any autox-er or hpde veteran will concur.Absolutely correct. Not only do most people sit too far away, they continue to do it even after being shown the preferred position! I once carefully explained to someone—in a helpful, non-condescending tone—how to do this (even showing how it's an advantage in an emergency situation) and they stubbornly refused to even try moving their seat up, insisting it's "subjective" and they like it better that way. I hate people like that—if someone showed me something helpful I'd be thankful.

Right... more specifically:

With your ass firmly pushed back into the "L" angle of the seat, and both your shoulders flat against the back of the seat, either arm should be able to extend to where the crook of your wrist is on top of the wheel, with your hand draping down behind the wheel.

Most people don't sit this close, and it's a little strange getting used to it... but once you do, you appreciate the freedom of motion, comfort, and control this position provides. It is the correct seating position, and ensures that in an emergency situation you'll be able to turn the wheel in either direction as much as you have to in the shortest possible period of time.

Any autox-er or hpde veteran will concur.

Agreed, which is precisely why I could never own an RX-8. Whenever I get the seat where I want it my legs are hitting the steering wheel.

I am 5'10 and I lean the seat waaay back so I can wear my hat backwards and not have it hit the seat. Then, I have the seat to where I can push the clutch all the way in, but my leg is fully extended. I have the seat all the way down to the floor and it works out quite well for me.

I am 5'10 and I lean the seat waaay back so I can wear my hat backwards and not have it hit the seat. Then, I have the seat to where I can push the clutch all the way in, but my leg is fully extended. I have the seat all the way down to the floor and it works out quite well for me.

Are you in the Icey Hot Stuntaz?

it took me a while for me to get in that comfortable seat in that car ... im 6'1 so im a tall guy in a small car

I like to hang one foot out the window... it helps me relax.

I hate it when people drive with their seatback so far it could be a LaZboy.

I hate it when people drive with their seatback so far it could be a LaZboy.

They're representing foo!

Oh, go throw some people into a convenient pile of creates.