just cant find comfortable seat position
10-10-2003, 10:23 AM
#1
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just cant find comfortable seat position
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.
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.
10-10-2003, 10:53 AM
#2
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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.
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.
10-10-2003, 11:41 AM
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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.
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.
10-10-2003, 01:07 PM
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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.
I have actually taken some measurements to get a new gas pedal bracket fabricated, it would move it 1 1/4 inches forward.
04-15-2007, 02:51 AM
#10
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.
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.
04-15-2007, 03:30 AM
#12
always filling [the c]up
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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 
. Well three settings if you count the other fun 
.
-Cody
. Well three settings if you count the other fun .-Cody
04-15-2007, 03:48 AM
#13
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Originally Posted by Jethro Tull
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!
After a 9 1/2 hour stretch last week I got out fresh as a daisy.
04-15-2007, 04:16 AM
#14
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Originally Posted by MazdaManiac
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.
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.
Hurray for old threads!
04-15-2007, 05:30 AM
#15
...is it over yet?
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Originally Posted by wleonard
I am 5'9 155lbs, but have relatively short legs and long torso and arms.
jk 
04-15-2007, 06:52 AM
#16
space for rent
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Originally Posted by TomAssBender
the best part was that someone, somehow, found this thread only to say he "can't relate"?! wtf?
04-15-2007, 01:18 PM
#19
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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.
04-15-2007, 05:26 PM
#20
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Originally Posted by MazdaManiac
Adjust the seat back until you are holding the wheel at 9 and 3 with a comfortable bend in your elbows.
With your *** 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.
04-15-2007, 05:47 PM
#21
Originally Posted by Plaz
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.
Any autox-er or hpde veteran will concur.
Last edited by New Yorker; 04-16-2007 at 11:43 PM.
04-15-2007, 07:07 PM
#22
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Originally Posted by Plaz
Right... more specifically:
With your *** 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.
With your *** 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.
04-15-2007, 07:30 PM
#23
TEBOW FOR HE15MAN
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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.
04-15-2007, 07:58 PM
#24
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Originally Posted by BleedUNCBlue
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.
