Help With Seat Selection

[CP82AERO]

Hi--brand new here, and just ordered a full kit today. I'm looking for suggestions on seats, whether its' the FFR options or aftermarket. I need good bolstering for some intended track use, however, also comfortable enough with enough lumbar support so that a passenger and I can journey a few hundred miles without discomfort. As my order stands I have the Vintage Aluminum Lowback Seats; they have plenty of side bolstering but look pretty thin on the padding/lumbar. How are the basic/no addl' cost black vinyl seats? Other considerations are that they can't be so high that my head is above the roll bar (I'm 5'10), and also it would be nice to have headrest support against whiplash--although I know there are headrests that can be mounted on the roll bar.
Thanks for any help!

[Gordon Levy]

I really like the lowback aluminum seat, I find it very comfortable. I am a bit bigger than you. I also find the kirkey highback intermediate seat works really well. The width is important when choosing these seats. at 5'10, depending on your build you may want a narrower seat than what ffr sends.

[CraigS]

I agree w/ Gordon. The low back are OK but I'd much rather have the roadrace version. In the low backs side loading is all against your hips and ribs. Fine for normal driving but not the best in an accident. The roadrace seat adds the shoulder wings and headrest. I never wrecked my FFR but had an Ultrashield seat much like the Kirkey RR. In hard cornering you lean against the wings with your shoulder which I find really nice. Don't worry about padding. The RR has a very good molded pad under your butt. The back padding is minimal but you will be surprised how comfortable it is. Adding a little more, or adding a piece for more lumbar, is very easy since the fabric cover attaches w/ snaps. The only additional padding I added to mine was for lumbar. BTW go far a cloth cover not the vinyl.

[walt mckenna]

Hi--brand new here, and just ordered a full kit today. I'm looking for suggestions on seats, whether its' the FFR options or aftermarket. I need good bolstering for some intended track use, however, also comfortable enough with enough lumbar support so that a passenger and I can journey a few hundred miles without discomfort. As my order stands I have the Vintage Aluminum Lowback Seats; they have plenty of side bolstering but look pretty thin on the padding/lumbar. How are the basic/no addl' cost black vinyl seats? Other considerations are that they can't be so high that my head is above the roll bar (I'm 5'10), and also it would be nice to have headrest support against whiplash--although I know there are headrests that can be mounted on the roll bar.
Thanks for any help!

My Corbeau A4's have been supportive and comfortable for the track and long cruises. I am 5'9" and 160# and these fit me perfectly. My seats are mounted square with the chassis, as low as I could get them and laid back at a 13 degree angle. Since most applications are not adjustable, spend plenty of time fitting and trying until you get it just right for you (other's that you let drive the car might suggest a different adjustment, but it's your car and needs to fit you).

[rich grsc]

My Corbeau A4's have been supportive and comfortable for the track and long cruises. I am 5'9" and 160# and these fit me perfectly. My seats are mounted square with the chassis, as low as I could get them and laid back at a 13 degree angle. Since most applications are not adjustable, spend plenty of time fitting and trying until you get it just right for you (other's that you let drive the car might suggest a different adjustment, but it's your car and needs to fit you).
When my FFR seats have finished turning purple, I'm getting the Corbeau A4's. A friend used them and they look good and are comfy.

[Rdone585]

Here is another vote for the Kirkey high backs. As Gordon and Craig have said, they are surprisingly comfortable and for track use you will be glad to have the support they provide. I'm 5'10" under 200 and they fit me great. I've had another person that is 230ish and taller sit in it and they are doable with him but were a little snug in the thighs until we made adjustments. The nice thing is these are aluminum seats so you can bend them and make minor adjustments for a better fit.

[CraigS]

...The nice thing is these are aluminum seats so you can bend them and make minor adjustments for a better fit.
That is a great point. I measured as best as I could and ended up w/ a seat too tight at the hips. My floor jack and some chunks of 2x4 to the rescue. Widened the bottom an inch = perfect. You need to make up a 3ft or so lever but the wings can be made narrower or wider also. Can't do this w/ fiberglass.

[CP82AERO]

Great stuff--all of you--thanks! I'm looking forward to actually contributing on the forum once I have done more than just place a deposit for a kit!

[jrcuz]

'I've got a set of the Kirkey High Back's I'll sell. I went with the Classic seats. The Kirkey seats I have installed the Kirkey seat brackets for mounting to the floor and drilled holes in the lower rear inside to run the wiring for seat heaters (not included). I'm willing to sell them for $650. I can't ship them (no box) if you are able to pick them up that would be good.