OUt-of-Date FIA seat [Archive] - Nissan Road Racing Forums

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2Fass240us

01-09-2008, 06:46 PM

I'm looking at the Recaro Pole Position, and need another FIA seat for the passenger side to satisfy the whole HPDE "instructor seat/harness are as good as the driver's" thing.

Talked to the cage guy today, and he mentioned I could buy an out-of-date FIA seat and run a temporary backbrace. This would be as safe as my side and save me several hundred dollars.

BTW, I'm also open to a used driver's seat, as long as it's only a year or so old.

veilside180sx

01-09-2008, 07:21 PM

Why don't you just buy a Momo Start, they are FIA approved and only $300 new.

McCoy

01-09-2008, 08:35 PM

X2 for a momo start. The newest one's built even come with both bottom mount and side mounts options.

Check every few days on Ebay. I got my pair of Evo L's with AL sidemounts for $750 shipped, they were never installed and both were built in 05.

2Fass240us

01-10-2008, 07:39 AM

Good advice, particularly considering I am having trouble finding out-of-date seats.

Any thoughts on the seat width to accomodate fatter instructors? :D

veilside180sx

01-10-2008, 08:06 AM

Fatter...is a little more difficult. I'm 6'- 200 lbs (34-35 waist) and I can fit in the Start, but you probably couldn't be any bigger and get into it.

Wide and cheap you usually wind up with a crappy Corbeau or something. I'm not a fan of steel tubing type seats. i like glass/carbon/kevlar shells.

2Fass240us

01-10-2008, 10:19 AM

Fatter...is a little more difficult. I'm 6'- 200 lbs (34-35 waist) and I can fit in the Start, but you probably couldn't be any bigger and get into it.
I am your size, so that is really good info.

I am having trouble figuring out where to butt-test seats. We don't have that many performance shops compared to even a year ago, and I don't think the NASCAR/circle-track-type companies have anything like what I'm looking for.

Wide and cheap you usually wind up with a crappy Corbeau or something. I'm not a fan of steel tubing type seats. i like glass/carbon/kevlar shells.
Last night I found this seat (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBTOX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=320204614468&_trksid=p3984.cTODAY.m238.lVI) on eGay. Auction ends tomorrow, starts at $350 with 0 bids, and the guy is "local." I thought about emailing him after the auction is over and offering him $250 to come pick it up. I wouldn't pay much more than that since, as you said, I can get a Start new for $300.

-Andy

McCoy

01-10-2008, 10:57 AM

Andy, for the Evo L and XL, I'm 190lbs and have a 34" waist and I have some room to spare in the Evo L. I'd say the XL would have enough room for most bigger guys.

Might want to check the overall widths from the L to XL. The L fits, but it snug in the S13... of course you don't have any interior pieces to worry about so you might be fine.

2Fass240us

01-10-2008, 11:09 AM

Andy, for the Evo L and XL, I'm 190lbs and have a 34" waist and I have some room to spare in the Evo L. I'd say the XL would have enough room for most bigger guys.
Good info, thanks.

Might want to check the overall widths from the L to XL. The L fits, but it snug in the S13... of course you don't have any interior pieces to worry about so you might be fine.
Yeah, plus I'm not using rails. The cage fabricator will weld in pieces for the side tabs to attach to, so I should be able to move the seat inboard or outboard based on its width, right?

-Andy

Wiisass

01-13-2008, 12:50 AM

Are the Evo2's the same size as the L or the XL. I fit them in a customer's car while I was doing the cage and it was a tight fit. It was a vert, so that made it even worse. The seat is wide, so there isn't a lot of room. But if it's just for the passenger side, moving the seat forward will make things easier. As long as whoever is building the cage for you bends the door bars out, it will fit.

Or you could always just say, no fat instructors or passengers allowed. They'll slow you down anyway.

McCoy

01-13-2008, 10:12 AM

Tim, the Evo2 = Evo L and Evo3 = Evo XL. They changed the naming up sometime, mine says Evo L on the cloth and Evo2 on the sticker

The seats are tight with the interior but managable. With no interior there is more room to work with.

ckcadavona

01-13-2008, 06:34 PM

2Fass240us

01-15-2008, 07:06 AM

FYI, I sat in Momo Start's today at an autoX and they felt pretty good. Seems like they'd be a little too harsh for a daily driver but I think I could manage it with a little padding. They were a little tricky to get out of but I'm sure it's something anyone can get use to. (32" waist, 155Lbs)
You are a good deal smaller than I am, so it sounds like that seat's out. I am 6'0", 190 pounds (currently, working to drop 10-ish), have a 35" waist and 32" inseam.

I bought this on eGay Friday and picked it up Sunday while my wife and I were at the outlets:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/2Fass240us/Project_240/Cage/PassSeat_01.jpg
This is the aforementioned seat, and is in pretty good shape minus a small tear on the back. It will be the passenger seat, and I am going to play around with it on the passenger side today to see how tight it is. As Monty mentioned, I think the lack of interior in my car will help a lot.

-Andy

McCoy

01-15-2008, 08:28 AM

Nice find... what did you get it for finally?

I've yet to sit in an Evo3 (XL), how does it fit... sitting in it on the floor that is? I think were about the same size (around that is) and the Evo2 is nice and snug fit.

Edit...

Pulling up the Sparco seat specs, it funny to see the overall size differences between the 1, 2, and 3. I know the Evo2 is a much better fit than the Evo, as I have had both, but seeing the numbers again I do realize the fitment at my shoulders and in the back is still the same, which is a near perfect fit for me. I also see why they made a Evo2 Plus, since the Evo2 only went wider at the butt and not really anywhere else compared to the Evo3.

The width at the shoulders shouldn't be of to much of an issue, Andy. I still have 1/2" to my interior pieces.

Seat....Overall Width (Base)....Overall Width (shoulders)....Center Cushion width

Evo................20.5"...........................23.9" .............................15"
Evo2..............20.8"...........................23.6" ..............................15"
Evo3..............22.8" ..........................25.6"...............................17.3"

2Fass240us

01-15-2008, 09:25 AM

Nice find... what did you get it for finally?
Some asshat made me bid up to $375. I need to figure out if these sliders are universal, at which point I can eGay them for $60 all day. This would bring the net price to $315, which is a great deal IMO.

I've yet to sit in an Evo3 (XL), how does it fit... sitting in it on the floor that is? I think were about the same size (around that is) and the Evo2 is nice and snug fit.
It feels farking huge on me, but not as huge as the Recaro SPG XL. Not tight enough in the ass area. Height-wise, it's close to small. The shoulder holes will work since the harnesses will have a slight down-angle, but might not otherwise.

Pulling up the Sparco seat specs, it funny to see the overall size differences between the 1, 2, and 3. I know the Evo2 is a much better fit than the Evo, as I have had both, but seeing the numbers again I do realize the fitment at my shoulders and in the back is still the same, which is a near perfect fit for me. I also see why they made a Evo2 Plus, since the Evo2 only went wider at the butt and not really anywhere else compared to the Evo3.

Seat....Overall Width (Base)....Overall Width (shoulders)....Center Cushion width

Evo................20.5"...........................23.9" .............................15"
Evo2..............20.8"...........................23.6" ..............................15"
Evo3..............22.8" ..........................25.6"...............................17.3"
I actually have those pulled up right now! I was surprised at the differences, or lack thereof, between the Evo and Evo2. On paper, they should fit the same! This is the main reason I will not buy a driver's seat without sitting in it first, much like my helmet. Thank Jeebus Simpson has a store locally!

McCoy

01-15-2008, 09:39 AM

Some asshat made me bid up to $375. I need to figure out if these sliders are universal, at which point I can eGay them for $60 all day. This would bring the net price to $315, which is a great deal IMO.
Still not bad for the price... you entering the 'Monty' price range for seats. I paid $750 for the pair of mine shipped and sold the AL sidemounts for $150 back on ebay, so $300 per seat :).

It feels farking huge on me, but not as huge as the Recaro SPG XL. Not tight enough in the ass area. Height-wise, it's close to small. The shoulder holes will work since the harnesses will have a slight down-angle, but might not otherwise.
Have you taken the seat pad out and sat in the seat yet, I find mine gets much more snug once that pad is out... which is needed if I'm to wear a helmet and sit in my car at the same time.

You might be able to find a way to add some padding in the seat to make it a snugger fit down low, just a thought.

I actually have those pulled up right now! I was surprised at the differences, or lack thereof, between the Evo and Evo2. On paper, they should fit the same!
The specs don't do the Evo2 justice. I do have at least an 1" or more in the thigh/butt area to work with now. Where the Evo was so tight that I couldn't even move my thighs without flexing the seat, the Evo2 has enough room for me to move around, but still is supportive.

The back/shoulder area is where the Evo2 did not grow, which surprised me... oh well, didn't really have a problem there before, so I won't complain.

The only issue with the Evo3 will probably be mounting it, mine was a somewhat tight fit with custom mounts, at least fabricating the mounts with the seat in the car that is :).

This is the main reason I will not buy a driver's seat without sitting in it first, much like my helmet. Thank Jeebus Simpson has a store locally!
Yep, I was lucky enough to have a friend show up to the track with a new track car (Z06 with Evo2 seats in it). I sat in his car and fell in love with the seats right then. When I got home from the track day, I saw my seats on ebay with a buy-it-now price on them and clicked on it :D

2Fass240us

01-15-2008, 10:26 AM

Still not bad for the price... you entering the 'Monty' price range for seats. I paid $750 for the pair of mine shipped and sold the AL sidemounts for $150 back on ebay, so $300 per seat :).
When I got home from the track day, I saw my seats on ebay with a buy-it-now price on them and clicked on it :D
Did I mention that I hate you? I can't find chit for used Sparco seats online.

Have you taken the seat pad out and sat in the seat yet, I find mine gets much more snug once that pad is out... which is needed if I'm to wear a helmet and sit in my car at the same time.

You might be able to find a way to add some padding in the seat to make it a snugger fit down low, just a thought.
Yes, I've taken the pads out, but I would need something else there. It simply isn't comfortable, and that's sitting still on a carpet floor.

The specs don't do the Evo2 justice. I do have at least an 1" or more in the thigh/butt area to work with now. Where the Evo was so tight that I couldn't even move my thighs without flexing the seat, the Evo2 has enough room for me to move around, but still is supportive.

The back/shoulder area is where the Evo2 did not grow, which surprised me... oh well, didn't really have a problem there before, so I won't complain.
I finally paid attention to the Evo2 Plus just now:
The Evo 2 Plus seat is the natural evolution of the Evo seat in the large size. The new seat has been redesigned, placing all the measurements in proportion. Taller and, consequently, wider, better positions of the seatbelt slots at the driver's shoulder level, more rigid main shell, and space for the HANS collar. An improved seat, a further step forward for the great Evo project; the only seat with three sizes.
The Sparco Evo 2 Plus Competition Seat replaces the venerable Sparco Evo L. The Evo 2 Plus seat has the same comfortable width as before, but by increasing the height by a full inch, the head rest and harness guide holes now fit more properly for taller drivers. A recess has also been shaped into the seat's rigid fiberglass frame for Hans Device compatibility.
I liken the Evo2+ to the Recaro SPG. Assuming free shipping on the Evo2+, the Recaro is $10 cheaper through a local shop, but I'd have to pay tax on it, which is $53.93. :eek: So it looks like the Evo2+ is the current leader!

McCoy

01-15-2008, 10:41 AM

Yep, the Evo2+ is a good option if purchasing new. From looking at the specs they even found a way to reduce the overal width, compared to the Evo2, which is a good thing. Also the addition of Hans compatibility is a plus.

As for pulling the lower pad and discomfort. I've done back-back track days (600+ track miles) with no lower pad and you don't feel it, trust me. On the street, I'd agree that you would probably notice it, but on track all your senses are focused towards the road in front of you and you typically don't notice anything else.

2Fass240us

01-15-2008, 11:35 AM

2Fass240us

01-15-2008, 05:19 PM

After calling a half-dozen places today looking for the Evo2+ and not finding it, I called Sparco. Turns out they're on national backorder and the guy's best guess is that I'd get it late March. Unfortunately, this is too late. Just for grins, I called OGRacing and they have 18 in stock! Not wanting to put any more thought into the decision, I pulled the trigger on this (http://www.ogracing.com/catalog/2-Car/37-Seats/175-Sparco/182-Competition-Seats/item-1353-SPARCO-EVO-2-PLUS-SEAT).

McCoy

01-15-2008, 07:10 PM

Nice find... I did notice that the evo3 is the shortest seat of the three that we've been talking about, as Richard suggested guess they made the seat for short fat guys :D

Blair

01-16-2008, 05:15 AM

Nice find... I did notice that the evo3 is the shortest seat of the three that we've been talking about, as Richard suggested guess they made the seat for short fat guys :D

And they don't make one for skinny regular guys now. :mad:

McCoy

01-16-2008, 08:25 AM

And they don't make one for skinny regular guys now. :mad:
which one is that :confused:. They still make the Evo and Evo2.

spool_sample

01-16-2008, 02:26 PM

which one is that :confused:. They still make the Evo and Evo2.

The Rev... Evos are a little bit bigger. When you're 5'11" and 135lbs like me, you need tiny seats. :p

Rev's are pretty much a perfect fit for me. The next closest is probably a Bride Zeta III or Recaro SPG, going by size charts. Evos are a little bit big.

2Fass240us

01-17-2008, 08:07 AM

The Rev... Evos are a little bit bigger. When you're 5'11" and 135lbs like me, you need tiny seats. :p
Maybe you need to get fatter. :)

Are you able to put on any size w/muscle mass? As I was exercising my back and legs last night, I was thinking about how much easier your body deals with accidents if you have better muscle tone.

2Fass240us

01-17-2008, 08:09 AM

I realized late yesterday that I forgot to ask about the date stamp and whether or not they took any membership discounts (SCCA & BMWCCA for me). I guess I was just so stoked they actually had them, that I completely forgot. On the upside though, I don't think the Evo2+ has been out that long, and should get turned over quickly based on what the Sparco guy said (meaning they likely wouldn't have any old ones unless everyone else calling knew better than me).

It's due to arrive at my parents' shop tomorrow, so I'll know soon enough I suppose. Take a lesson from me though.

spool_sample

01-17-2008, 10:21 AM

Maybe you need to get fatter. :)

Are you able to put on any size w/muscle mass? As I was exercising my back and legs last night, I was thinking about how much easier your body deals with accidents if you have better muscle tone.

I don't have a lot of muscle mass, but really I have an insane metabolism. In high school, I weighed 145lbs tops, and that's when I was working fast food and was eating two double cheeseburgers four or five days out of the week. :p I do need to start actually exercising, though.

Still, there are seats out there designed for tiny Japanese people, and those work just fine for me.

2Fass240us

01-19-2008, 11:48 AM

Received the driver's seat yesterday:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/2Fass240us/Project_240/Cage/BothSeats01.jpg
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/2Fass240us/Project_240/Cage/BothSeats02.jpg
Czech the height difference. The Evo2+ is a "taller" version of the Evo2, and it fits me like a glove.

Toddler approved:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/2Fass240us/Project_240/Cage/BabySeat01.jpg
This is one of the best toys I nevar bought him. :)