GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

I'm looking to mount a racing seat for the driver's side only, but not looking forward to long journeys in such a seat.

So, my thought is, for long drives, mount the race seat on the passenger side, and leave the OEM driver's seat in.

Then, when I arrive at my destination, switch the seats. Sounds like a hassle but it will be worth it to me.

Yes, I know the seats themselves are different left-to-right. I don't care about that - while the OEM driver's seat is mounted on the passenger side, I won't have any passengers - it's just there to satisfy the SCCA STX rule set.

So, the question I believe is this: Is the mounting of the driver's seat and the passgenger's seat the same? I have the cloth interior, if that matters.

TIA.

Rotr8

iTrader: (2)

Not as far as I know,,, its not only a matter of the egonomics being assymetical, the oe and for that matter aftermarket seat rails are assymetric as well, the mounting points will not mate up...

Alexb

iTrader: (1)

Even if it could, the controls would be on the wrong side.

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

Thanks. Mounting points is what I am interested. Like I said, for the few days the seats would be switched, nobody would sit in the passenger side, so ergonomics don't matter.

But, if the mounting points are different, this plan won't work.

h-khunterkiller

if its only for the SCCA STX rule set, zip tie it. just dont get into an accident, even then the ties might hold

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

Wish that were true. From Solo II rulest, 14.2 B:

The seat... must be attached using the OE body mounting holes/studs. Additional
mounting points may be added

expo1

The Mounting points ARE different. I swap out seats for track events and know this for a fact. You do however have some options.

Put some extra padding in the race seat for the drive there ( what I do ).

If you don't need to have a passenger seat remove it and leave it home. Place the race seat on the floor next to you while you drive to the track. Then remove the drivers seat in the paddock. If you do need to bring someone they can sit in the back.

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

Thanks. But I do need two seats that must weigh at least 25 lbs each (including hardware).

Back to hunterkiller's remark, I suppose I could zip-tie the driver's seat to the passenger sliders. That seems to meet the rule requirement, but I'd need to make sure that would pass inspection (and not rip loose at +1g, LOL).

Moderie/MT

order some new mounting that has the mounting points for the driver side and bolt it in on the passanger side so when swapping your seats they will fit on both sides

h-khunterkiller

what if you use some kind of adhesive like silicon, strip the bolt or use just the heads so they just go in for the look (plus the zips, i really dont see 6 zip breaking if they have no play) then have a separete set of bolt for the swap to actually screw in
ps im just putting ideas out there that may spark your mind for an actual solution, maybe one of this may work

I8U

iTrader: (1)

George, what kind of "race" seat are you gonna install? I have driven for well over 8hrs straight in a Sparco EVO seat...with the right seat pads installed I was more comfortable than in my stock seat.

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

H-K, I appreciate the ideas - that's what I was looking for.

I8U - the Sparco Evo seat is one that I am considering. Most likely the Evo-2, since I found the standard EVO a bit tight when I sat in both last weekend at the Packwood Pro.

So, that is good feedback. I'll be making two back-to-back 10 hour days to drive from Portland, OR to Lincoln, NE for the Solo II National Championship. I do have certain neck issues that come about if I am too upright, however, which is why I like the idea of retaining a reclining seat for the long road trip.

I'm also considering the Recaro Pole Position, since I've heard it's a little more reclined than the Evo. MemoryFab has also caught my eye, as has Bride, although Bride is $$$.

Do you have experience with any other seats/brands?

carbonRX8

iTrader: (1)

Bride Gias fit great, are comfortable and have a reclining mech. Plus the Lomax rails are teh only non-custom rails that will give you 2 inches of headroom.

I rode for 4 hours this Sunday and am no worse for wear.


I will say that I am not confortable with the whole ziptie affair.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

You would have to come up with some kind of adaptors, and it wouldn't be at all easy or worthwhile IMO, because the seat mount points/tabs are totally totally different between the driver and passenger sides

mscamp02

iTrader: (3)

why not just keep the driver side seat in a garage or storage and switch them out for long trips

Rotr8

iTrader: (2)

Again the actual seat itself is assymetric, if you have the drivers and passengers side out of your car looking at them you will know what Im talking about,,,
So lets say you made an adaptor that allowed you to switch the two, you get in and sit down and notice that your not quit in the same position as you once were, may even be so subtle that you will not notice. But over time you will notice that more and more you are becomeing uncomfortable with the minor stress you are feeling in certain muscles, you may even become used to it,,, but either way it would look silly and really would get you no where....

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

Thanks. What I was going to do is mount the stock drivers seat in the driver's position for long trips, and find some way to keep the (driver's) Bride seat mounted on the passenger side such that it wouldn't rattle loose. I'd never have a passenger on such a trip, and I'd always have a dirver's seat in the driver's position.

But, in the end, I made the drive from Portland to Lincoln using the Bride the whole way. Not ideal, but not all that bad, either.

Next year, it looks like I'll have a tow vehicle, which is an even better situation.

[edit] and to Team's point, I'd be autocrossing with that driver's seat mounted to the passenger side, so it would have to be a secure mounting, even if there was nobody sitting in it.