Tall driver question

[WRX Dave]

I have the unfortunate condition of being a tall guy who likes small cars (6'-4", 34" inseam, 40" seated height). I pre-ordered an 818, only to need to cancel after unsuccessfully trying to sit in one in person. I've always loved the Challenge Car, but my concern is having the roll bar high enough. Can anyone do me a favor and measure from their seat to the top of the rollbar?

[mhoward1]

From the floor to the top of the Rollbar in my MK III is 44"

From the seat of my ultrashield is 40.5"

[STiPWRD]

Dave, did the 818 you sat in have the Boyd gas tank or aftermarket seats? Either of these mods can significantly increase your sitting space. I'm 2 inches shorter than you and have the same inseam and with a few of these mods, the 818 can be quite comfortable.

[David Hodgkins]

You should get in touch with Brando. He is your size and currently thrashing his 818R for fun and glory:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?12442-Brando-s-Newbie-818R-Build-Thread
:)

[WRX Dave]

From the floor to the top of the Rollbar in my MK III is 44"

From the seat of my ultrashield is 40.5"

Thanks, is your seat as low as it can be mounted? The top of my helmet is 41" above the seat.

I've tried the regular 818 with aftermarket seats on the floor and my head was above the rollbar without a helmet. It didn't sound like the 818R was going to be tall enough.

[mhoward1]

Thanks, is your seat as low as it can be mounted? The top of my helmet is 41" above the seat.

I've tried the regular 818 with aftermarket seats on the floor and my head was above the rollbar without a helmet. It didn't sound like the 818R was going to be tall enough.

No, My seat is on the double lock Motorsport sliders. So you could probably gain a full inch if floor mounted.

[David Hodgkins]

Thanks, is your seat as low as it can be mounted? The top of my helmet is 41" above the seat.

I've tried the regular 818 with aftermarket seats on the floor and my head was above the rollbar without a helmet. It didn't sound like the 818R was going to be tall enough.

I think a call to FFR is in order. I believe the R roll bar is ~2" higher than the S. FFR should be able to tell you the exact number...

:)

[FFRSpec72]

Thanks, is your seat as low as it can be mounted? The top of my helmet is 41" above the seat.

I've tried the regular 818 with aftermarket seats on the floor and my head was above the rollbar without a helmet. It didn't sound like the 818R was going to be tall enough.

All depends on how far you push the seat back and at what incline you can get, I'm 6' and I have pushed my seat back another 4.5" than stock and I have about 2" clearance then going from rear hoop to front hoop (broomstick test), I have a challenge car also and it has about the same clearance, the cages are almost identical in dimensions.

[WRX Dave]

I run a lot of layback on my seats. I'll try to get some numbers from FFR, but it sounds like I'll really need to find a car nearby and just try sitting in it.