leather seats vs vinyl

[mikepward]

Finalizing my build list and the leather upgrade is biting into my coyote budg#?t (see I and even say the word).

Does anyone care to share their opinions on the leather vs the vinyl FFR seats?

[Jeff Kleiner]

My opinion: having seen and sat in both I would not spring for the upgrade.

Jeff

[michael everson]

The vinyl looks so good that its hard to tell the difference.
mike

[edwardb]

I've had both and agree. It's hard if not impossible to tell them apart by appearance. Perhaps the leather is more comfortable in the long run because it breathes better than the vinyl? I guess I'll find out since my new build has them and I'll be using them for the first time soon. But I've spent thousands of miles in the vinyl version and never had any issues with them. If the budget is tight and your heart isn't set on leather, go with the vinyl as others have suggested.

[Avalanche325]

I am generally a leather seat snob. However, I gave this one a lot of thought, but ended up with vinyl. Here are some of those thoughts:

The vinyl looks and feels very good. If you were looking at my car and I told you the seats were leather, you would believe me.
Leather seats don't really breath that much. As soon as leather is colored and processed, part of which is stain proofing (i.e. filling the pores), it really knocks the breathability out of them. edwardb. it would be interesting to see if you feel a difference.
You WILL get caught in the rain some day. I have had several of those days. One was over 3 gallons vacuumed out of the carpet.
The seats are subjected to direct sun, heat and cold constantly.
If you live in Florida like me, you will climb out of the car a soaked sweaty mess. Not good for leather. Vinyl doesn't care.

[mikepward]

Thanks guys. I too am a leather snob in my daily drivers. I usually try to spec out the big motor and later and no other options, but of course vehicle manufactures only put in the factory leather with $3k of electronic and convenience upgrades.

I am going to go with your advice and go with vinyl. You guys just liberated enough funds with that decision to get me one morosso oil pan closer to a coyote

[GoDadGo]

Thanks guys. I too am a leather snob in my daily drivers. I usually try to spec out the big motor and later and no other options, but of course vehicle manufactures only put in the factory leather with $3k of electronic and convenience upgrades.

I am going to go with your advice and go with vinyl. You guys just liberated enough funds with that decision to get me one morosso oil pan closer to a coyote

Noooooooooo, Save The Leather!

I totally get the budget (aka: Da Dark Side Chevy Guy) plus you can always add the leather seats at a later date if you choose to do so.

Have A Great Build!

[Avalanche325]

This is one rare day around here. It is not often that we save you money.

Have you seen the Wilwood brakes???? Just sayin'.......