racing seats, FIA or not?

[e30_325es]

I'm investigating racing seats for my e30. I'm seeing some that are FIA approved and some that are not, with the approved seats being almost double the price of unapproved ones. When would I need an approved seat and when would an unapproved seat make me ineligable to race (track and autox)?

Example:

Sparco evo 2 plus: FIA Homologated to 8855-1999 standard http://www.ogracing.com/catalog/2-Ca...VO-2-PLUS-SEAT

Sparco Speed: NOT Fia homologated for competition use http://www.ogracing.com/catalog/2-Ca...RCO-SPEED-SEAT

[FJ40]

comparing those seats is like comparing apples to oranges, take a look at the sparco sprint, it is an fia homologated speed afaik. the evo 2 is a much nicer fiberglass seat.

also, it depends on the sanctioning body, but most places don't require fia approved seats. your best bet is to check the rules of who you plan on competing with.

[jrighter]

For wheel to wheel racing (Spec E30, etc) you will need an FIA seat. For HPDE, track days and autox you will not.

[Dave]

wrong wrong wrong

[JGood]

IIRC, you just need a seat back brace on non-FIA or 5+ year old FIA...

[jrighter]

Hmmm... Good to know, I can shop a little cheaper now

[JGood]

Hmmm... Good to know, I can shop a little cheaper now

Check the rules for the class you are running, don't take my word for it. I could be wrong.

[SkinnyVT]

Yes, the short of it is; check the rules for any club that you might be running with: NASA, SCCA, BMWCCA, etc. Then go sit in a bunch of seats to find out which one fits your body. You sound like you only want to do this once so you might as well do it the right way.

[e30_325es]

Thank you very much for the input guys!

Dave: what is so wrong?

[Tim Flat4]

Dave: what is so wrong?

For wheel to wheel racing (Spec E30, etc) you will need an FIA seat.

[jrighter]

Straight from the Spec E30 rules. I'm shocked.... At least I can use my current race seat if I wanna. I think I'll still get an FIA seat eventually.

9.3.13.1. Driver and passenger seat may be replaced with any race seat, unless specified in

these regulations.

Check the rules for the class you are running, don't take my word for it. I could be wrong.

[JGood]

Straight from the Spec E30 rules. I'm shocked.... At least I can use my current race seat if I wanna. I think I'll still get an FIA seat eventually.

9.3.13.1. Driver and passenger seat may be replaced with any race seat, unless specified in

these regulations.

From what I understand, the Spece30 Regs overrule the NASA CCR in the case of a conflict, but is this really a conflict?

15.6.22 Seat Back Support
A seatback support must be made to hold the seat from going back in the event of a
crash. A plate should be used to distribute the load. No bolts, corners, or sharp objects
should be placed in such a manner that could lead to a possible puncture of the driver in
a high impact crash. Proper design and installation is crucial to safety and it is
recommended that the driver employ the services of a professional race car builder for
this, as well as all other vehicle safety items. An exception may be made for those seats
homologated to, and mounted in accordance with, FIA 8855-1999 standards. Those
seats that qualify for the aforementioned exception must conform to the entire FIA 8855-
1999 set of regulations. This includes a mandatory seat replacement, or use of a seat
back brace, for any seat more than five (5) years old. Please reference the FIA
regulations. http://www.fia.com/

[SkinnyVT]

JGood, that is only in reference to the seat back brace. It is stating that if a seat is FIA certified then it does not require a back brace. Below is the NASA rule for seats, note that the specific racing series may still require an FIA seat (although Spec E30 does not).

15.16.1 Racing Seat
Some series require an approved racing seat. It is strongly recommend that a racing
seat be installed in all vehicles. A racing seat is of solid design; not “tube and cloth”
designs commonly found in passenger cars. It can be very difficult to properly brace a
“tube and cloth” type seat and the vehicle may not pass technical inspection.
Additionally, the cloth or material on a “stock” seat is typically not flame retardant.
Therefore, the proper installation of a racing seat is strongly recommended.

[JGood]

Ahhh, yeah I thought he was under the impression a non-FIA seat is OK to use without a back brace. You'll have to excuse me, I'm a little slow in the mornings...

[Massive Lee]

Ahhh, yeah I thought he was under the impression a non-FIA seat is OK to use without a back brace. You'll have to excuse me, I'm a little slow in the mornings...

I wouldn't use any seat with a back brace if it was not designed for that. BMWCCA Club Racing indeed requires outdated FIA seats to have a back brace. But it has concerned many drivers, and I am not even sure the rule still applies.