Seats for a daily driver DE/Auto-x car?

[Brew]

Just picked up a VSR rollbar this afternoon, and I'd like to run 5 or 6 point harnesses for driving schools and autocross.

Ideally, since this car is still a daily driver, I'd like to have something that reclines, but the only seats I can find that are compatible with 5-points are the Recaro Speeds. They're a bit out of my price range, though. Are there any other similar seats that are cheaper?

I'd also consider fixed back seats, but are they safe to use with factory 3-point seat belts?

[155///MPH]

Its decision time. Seats get pricey no matter which route you go.

Whatever you find, be nice to your boyz and get a six point harness.

JP

[m42technic]

The Cobra Imola II is a pretty outstanding value IMHO. Carbon-kevlar and FIA approved for $529.

Just dont cheap out on a seat...

[e34john]

I'm in the boat as you, kinda I'm still barless. But I decided on going fixed back. It seems a whole lot safer, especially if I get rear ended on the street. I'll just have to find a new place to sleep whenever I skip a class. It seems like I will spend a grand on seat no matter what, its like my car's value doubles every time I do a mod.

[Jean]

Explain please why a fixed back seat is safer ? Under what condition ?

I'll be replacing seats in my car in the future also but not sure if they'll be fixed or reclining seats (like corbeau a4 for example).

[m42technic]

Explain please why a fixed back seat is safer ? Under what condition ?

I'll be replacing seats in my car in the future also but not sure if they'll be fixed or reclining seats (like corbeau a4 for example).

The recline mechanisms on reclinable seats dont tend to stay very rigid under high g-force [read: crash] conditions.

[Jean]

Gotcha. but are fixed back seats in a "street car" safe ? What's a good and bad combination when you have variables such as (cage or no cage, stock belts or aftermarket harness), in case of roll over for example ?

[Mtriple]

Recaro SRD's, dont even give it another thought....

[Brew]

The Cobra Imola II is a pretty outstanding value IMHO. Carbon-kevlar and FIA approved for $529.

Just dont cheap out on a seat...

I'm definitely considering those. I'd like to sit in a few different seats before I bite the bullet though.

The big "but" is can you safely run factory seat belts with a fixed-back seat?

[jlevie]

While it is possible to use the factory harness with a racing shell that supports the use of 5-6 point harnesses, I think you'll find that there's a problem with the buckle. You'll either have to find a way to mount the receptacle end so that it poke through the hole in the seat or each time you put on the belt you'll have to feed the free end thorugh the hole. I tried that when I slapped a Sparco Evo in my 5er and decided it wasn't a workable solution. So I just used the 5 point harness all the time I had the seat in the car (9 months). Properly positioned the Evo and harness was as comfortable as the stock seat.

Corbeau FX1 seats are pretty reasonable (~$300/ea) and are compatible with a 5-6 point harness. With a roll bar in the car the rear seats should be considered as off-limts as far as passengers are concerned (saftey issues). So the only reason I can see for having reclining seats would be to make it easier to use the rear seat for cargo. And keep in mind that you could swap in the seats and harnesses just for track events.

[joshh]

Just picked up a VSR rollbar this afternoon, and I'd like to run 5 or 6 point harnesses for driving schools and autocross.

Ideally, since this car is still a daily driver, I'd like to have something that reclines, but the only seats I can find that are compatible with 5-points are the Recaro Speeds. They're a bit out of my price range, though. Are there any other similar seats that are cheaper?

I'd also consider fixed back seats, but are they safe to use with factory 3-point seat belts?

If this roll bar has a harness bar you wont be able to use reclinable seats anyways. Just wanted to point that out...I've seen others forget this.

[backtrail69]

Recaro SRD's, dont even give it another thought....

+1 My friend has 2 sets one in each of his cars...AMAZING seats.

[e34john]

Gotcha. but are fixed back seats in a "street car" safe ? What's a good and bad combination when you have variables such as (cage or no cage, stock belts or aftermarket harness), in case of roll over for example ?

I think stock seats are ment to break during roll overs so you don't get your head crushed in. But if you have a roll bar/cage you won't really worry about it. I'm just worried about a reclining seats breaking at the pivot, if Im at a stop light and get rear ended by a suburban or something and my seat breaks that bar for the racing harness behind me can do some damage.

[E-rich]

recaros if you have the dough. otherwise..you cant go wrong with a sparco sprint. 300 new. i run one in my car. little aggressive for a daily but you'll love it during track or "spirited" driving.

[e30bimmerdude]

I am currently running Corbeau forzas.... a bit uncomfortable for longer drives, but you dont even realize your ass is dead when you are having fun, and they are cheap...$220!