Aftermarket "racing" seat prices

[bmwpower]

If you attend a BMWCCA event, you are required to supply your passenger (the instructor) the same level of security and support as the driver.

Also, for $699 you can get the real deal Recaro SPG.

Hmm.... for some reason the place I was referring to doesn't list that seat. I will have to ask them to see if they have it in stock for when I go up there.

<edit>

Just realized the Recaro SPG is the Recaro Profi.
Where did you get the price of $699?

Most of the clubs suggest that you should provide "similar level" of safety for the instructor as you do for yourself. I think that is wise. You are actually limited as a driver if you are in low bolster factory seats with the factory seat belts. You move around a lot and it is a strain and slows you down.

With a good seat and harness, you are more relaxed and secure. You can concentrate on going fast better so you go faster. Faster is more dangerous. Plus, if your instructor is flinging around the cabin, holding on for all they are worth, they aren't going to be worth as much as an instructor for you.

I had one instructor tell me that I really needed to get a harness system because he was worn out after riding with me. :)

So, get what you need for your seat, and then try to find something reasonable for the passenger's side. Maybe a used seat from somebody else, or a cheaper seat that is less comfortable, but perfectly serviceable.

Might as well just get the same kind for the passenger I guess if that is the case unless the difference in price is great. I'd have to take into account different mounting, etc. Might be worth it to have the same seat in the long run.

Now if I could find a nice set used....I'd be set.

[Hallen]

Well, something like the Sparco Speed 5 should be fine. It is only about $300. It does accept side mounts. You may find that the mounts are going to run close to $300 per seat if you also get the sliders. So, unless you really want two of the same seats, you can find a perfectly good, safe and usable seat for for a good price (unless the $700 was for two seats).

[bmwpower]

Well, something like the Sparco Speed 5 should be fine. It is only about $300. It does accept side mounts. You may find that the mounts are going to run close to $300 per seat if you also get the sliders. So, unless you really want two of the same seats, you can find a perfectly good, safe and usable seat for for a good price (unless the $700 was for two seats).

Forgot about the mounts. I hope it doesn't cost $300 per seat. More research....

[SkinnyVT]

Yea, I've been reading up on seats more and it seems like the Racetech seats are touted as being a good solution for people with back problems (like me). The only problem is I haven't found a local place that stocks them.

If you are in northern Jersey then a trip to HMS in Boston might not be out of the question. If you are in southern Jersey, VAC Motorsports in Philly carries them (not sure if they have them all on display).

[bmwpower]

I will check out VAC. I'm near them - I didn't realize they sold them...duh.

These seats any good? Momo Acropolis VTR

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170291954016

[kishg]

I will check out VAC. I'm near them - I didn't realize they sold them...duh.

These seats any good? Momo Acropolis VTR

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=170291954016

FIA expiration would concern me.. and I would fix mount them, no sliders.

[bmwpower]

FIA expiration would concern me.. and I would fix mount them, no sliders.

Yea, I would side/fix mount them. Guy wanted $800 for the set (he had 2). I though that was too much, but $600 seemed more reasonable. Just not sure about "old" seats. Especially since I don't know the history. And yes, long expired FIA.

Hope Lee gets back to me with where he found that $699 Recaro deal... the cheapest I can find them for is $799.

[Massive Lee]

H bmwpowr

$799 is indeed the regular selling price for SPGs. Not much more than all the Sparcos or Momos. SPGs sometimes go for $749usd. I remember seeing a huge sale at $699usd at the end of the season, probably for moving inventory during the dead season, probably at cost. European retail price for the SPGs ai about 800 euros. Which mens that even at $799 in the US, there's not much profit left.

My Sparco Evo has just expired and I will put an order this Spring for an SPG for my 2002 racecar, after I finish the new rollcage.

[Erick]

Not sure if it's been said, because it's been 5 pages.

But if you're looking to buy a new racing seat, and you are not looking for FIA approved budget, go with the Buddy Club seat. Hands down the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on that my ass can afford.

At $330, it really is a bargain for what you're getting. Holds you in VERY tight. I <3 mine, although the getting in and out process takes some getting used to, so perhaps for daily use, some might not like it.

[bmwpower]

I will check out the Buddy Club seat...thanks.

I guess what I really want, and should be prime importance for me due to my previous injury, is a seat that is safe. Are the FIA seats MORE safe than a non FIA approved seat?

[SkinnyVT]

But if you're looking to buy a new racing seat, and you are not looking for FIA approved budget, go with the Buddy Club seat. Hands down the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on that my ass can afford.

Not to knock your suggestion but I don't really get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I can't find out what material the shell is made out of. Every website I have looked at (including the Buddy Club Racing site) lists it as "The shell is made with a light weight material developed for the high stress of circuit racing". We need to remember that the seat is part of a safety system; harnesses and a cage do no good if your seat snaps in half or the mounts pull out.

[Massive Lee]

Not all seats are equal, and usually you get what you pay for. Rigidity, comfort, fit, safety and durability don't always come with $300 seats. Corbeau's FX seats are an exemple of what seems like a great deal, but that just don't deliver.

[Erick]

Not to knock your suggestion but I don't really get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I can't find out what material the shell is made out of. Every website I have looked at (including the Buddy Club Racing site) lists it as "The shell is made with a light weight material developed for the high stress of circuit racing". We need to remember that the seat is part of a safety system; harnesses and a cage do no good if your seat snaps in half or the mounts pull out.

Every company has a fancy way of saying "fiberglass".

[Erick]

Not all seats are equal, and usually you get what you pay for. Rigidity, comfort, fit, safety and durability don't always come with $300 seats. Corbeau's FX seats are an exemple of what seems like a great deal, but that just don't deliver.

I'd venture to say that for the $300, the one that closest comes to achieving all of those listed above would be the Buddy Club. Although I dont think I can speak for the seat's durability as it's only been a year.

[bmwpower]

Answering my own question regarding FIA approved seats...

Good read:

http://www.fiainstitute.com/documents/driver_guide.pdf

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/6CC535B9F4ADFF76C12574430035205F/$FILE/Competition_seat.pdf