zojas

so how is the driving position, with moonroof and helmet?

from what I can tell (gotta go back with my helmet) I believe I could sit in a normal upright driving position with my helmet on, but when I autocross I like to sit up a little more and a little closer than normal, and I don't think I can do that with a helmet on with the moonroof.

but then again, I currently drive a mustang GT, so maybe the 8 has better visibility (the front nose seems smaller)

Jasper_the_2nd

I went to watch my first Solo II last weekend, and definately want to try it.
But I'm having a problem finding a helmet that will fit into the car.
I've got a Canadian GT (so the leather seat) and no moonroof.
In my normal driving position I've got about a hand's thickness of clearance (maybe an inch), but that is with the seat as low as I can get the mechanism to go.
I tried a standard full face motorcycle helmet last night, and it was firmly embedded in the roof liner and I couldn't quite sit up straight. I could probably go down a size or so on the helmet (I was trying to find one I could actually get my Ti glasses on with, but they always flex too much when I try to push them in) since I had an XXXL on, but I'm not sure how much that will give me.
If anyone knows of any makes of helmets that might be a little flatter on top, or knows a way to get the power seat to go down a little more (without breaking it! ) or has any other suggestions, let me know. Solo II looks like way to much fun. I'd hate to have to take the buyback just to be able to do it.

Speed Racer

I can't think of a specific brand or model of helmet that would be smaller than others so I can only offer you info about what I do to fit in the car when I wear my helmet, first off I have to change my seating position to keep my helmet off of the roof. I make sure that the rear of the power seat is lowered as far as it will go and then I tilt the seat back until I can get a finger between the roof and my helmet. That position makes the reach to the wheel a little longer than I like so I slide the seat forward but leave enough room for my knees to clear the steering column. Hey, it is not perfect but it does get the job done.

PUR NRG

For autocrossing you can use an open face helmet. It's easier to use with sunglasses, tends to fit a wider range of noggins and gives a better field of view.
________
HERBAL VAPORIZERS REVIEWS

slavearm

Hey guys... I am only 5'9"-5'10", but with a helmet on, I cannot seem to get into a position where my head is not touching the roof. Just in case you were wondering this sucks. I have the GT package (ok now I wish I didn't those extra 2 inches would be nice). I have the seat all the way down, and yet still have a slight brush with the ceiling and the helmet.

Anyone got any clever ideas for this? I think if I lose about 20 lbs, I might lose a couple mm's off my butt and have a better chance of keeping my head of the ceiling. Any other ideas, or someone in the OC area looking for a workout partner?

Slavearm

Speed Racer

Try reclining the seat back. This will give you more headroom but it makes for a long reach to the steering wheel. It is not the most comfortable position but it gets the job done.

PUR NRG

This has been discussed many times. Do a search for "headroom helmet" and you'll find lots of posts.
________
Ipad guides

zoom44

well as you age you will get shorter- wait a few years?

zoom44

looking at the "similar posts" at the botom of this page a i see 2 threads in the last week with similar questions that have had few or no answers. im going to merge this one and those - maybe we can help them all?

also moving this to competition maybe you'll get more responses than in the appearance section

expo1

I also find sitting in a GT equipped 8 with a helmet not very comfortable (5’8” long torso). Adjusting the seat for the best pedal / wheel placement doesn’t work with a Helmet, it’s hits the left side of the moon roof frame when you make the slightest turn of your head to the left. I measured from the base of the seat to roof and it was 35.25. I thought that getting an aftermarket race seat would give me more headroom. I purchased one of these AXE 2 seats common on Ebay for about $130.00. Since I would only use them for a couple of days at the track the “cheapness” of it did not bother me. One thing to keep in mind with aftermarket seats is that YOU WILL NEED A CUSTOM BRACKET to connect the sliders of the seat to the OEM bolt holes of the RX-8. No matter what they say “universal sliders” WILL NOT bolt to the OEM holes. So far I was only able to find one company that makes bolt in RX-8 seat brackets, Wedge Engineering http://store.racing-seats-covers.com/weensebaforf1.html They make brackets for Sparco, Recaro, APC, Momo, Corbeau, and 3A brand seats. The Sparco bracket was the closest match to the bolt pattern of the AXE 2 seat but I still had to take it to a welder and have the holes on one side filled in so I could drill custom holes. After doing all that and installing the seat I now have 33” of headroom! Yep less that the OEM seat. I didn’t do anything wrong, I guess that non power seats are at a certain height and there is nothing I can change about this set up to lower it. I think the seat looks fine and it does feel comfortable. I can use the stock seatbelt and the only “problem” is the air bag light is on because the system can’t find the ones in the drivers seat. But with a Helmet it’s worse.
I think this would happen to ANY after market seat installed with sliders and a bracket using the OEM holes. The only way a racing seat would gain you more headroom is if you custom made a non adjustable bracket and bolted the seat right to the floor. There is nothing wrong with the seat so I can’t return it so I have to just live with it for looks.

Imp

Sadly, for weekend warriors in auto-x, changing the seat isn't an option.

goforwand

Your son doesn't look too pleased with your decision on the yellow seat :D

expo1

He would rather wash it! Or Drive it!

Ophitoxaemia

1. tilt the seat back back (usual method)

2. dont wear underwear (gives .5 mm more head room- saves weight too!)

i fit and im 5'10" with the sunroof. helmets vary in outer size quite a bit too- a different type or brand might help.

james

rlfletch

Being 6' with long torso I sometimes wish I had gotten no sunroof myself. I tilt the seat way back. This does force me to use the "Italian shuffle" style of steering (Both hands towards the bottom of the steering wheel, shuffling the wheel through them). Not bad, just different. Don't ever drive an EVO, though, with it's miles of headroom. You might think of trading.

Dark8

I have just gotten used to the idea that the headliner is just another brace pont for your body. 6'2" with a long torso.

TORacing

6'1" can't fit in with my helmet and to uncomfortable to lean back the seat enough and be able to drive correctly so the couple of times I have raced the 8 I just didn't wear one. Of course it was just a 1/8 mi run for road coarse and autox this is not an option.