Let’s dive into the world of racing seats. Have you ever felt like your car’s stock seats just don’t cut it anymore? Especially when you’re pushing your car to the limits?
Well, you’re not alone, I’m suffering also. I’m here to help you choose the perfect racing seats for your ride.
Testing the Waters at the Local Shop
First things first, I visited my local motorsports shop, let’s not name the shop. They have an impressive selection of racing seats. It’s a good practice to visit a store like this because they can provide valuable guidance and let you physically test the seats.
Now, why the switch to racing seats? Well, my stock seats lacked the side support I needed for drifting, and I was tired of being tossed around like a ragdoll. Racing seats with their snug fit and side bolsters were the solution I was looking for.
Materials in the seat
When selecting your racing seat, you’ll encounter two primary materials: aluminum and composite (often fiberglass, carbon fiber, or Kevlar).
Aluminum seats are usually more affordable, lightweight, and compatible with various harness types. However, they require a back brace for added safety, and not all are FIA-certified.
On the other hand, composite seats are pricier and slightly heavier but generally lighter than stock seats. They don’t need a back brace. They can accommodate different harness types, and many are FIA-certified.
FIA certification is essential for ensuring safety.
Getting the Right Fit
Now comes the fun part. Finding a seat that fits you like a glove. You need both comfort and safety. You want an accurate fit that doesn’t compromise comfort. You can sit in various seats and feel the difference. The goal is to find a seat that holds you firmly but comfortably.
Also, consider the height of the harness pass-through. It should align with your shoulder to ensure the harness sits correctly. If you’re using a head and neck restraint, remember that it adds height, so account for that when selecting a seat.
Measuring your body
If you can’t visit a store, no worries. You can measure your own body and your stock seat to ensure a good fit. Measure from your butt to your shoulders and the width of your hips. Compare these measurements with the seat specifications provided by the manufacturer.
Fitting in Your Ride
It’s essential to ensure that your chosen racing seat fits in your car. Test fitting is key. I had removed my passenger seat at home to be certain the seats I picked would fit. If you can’t go to a shop, measure the width from the center console to the door card and the base of the seat to get the dimensions you need.
Mounting Hardware Matters
When you purchase a racing seat, remember it’s just the seat itself. You’ll need additional mounting hardware, including a floor mount, side mounts, and a hardware kit with nuts, bolts, and washers. The floor bracket should match your car’s model.
After extensive testing and consideration, you can select your desired seats.
A huge shoutout to the people working in my local workshop. They made the whole process much smoother.
So, there you have it, everything you need to know about picking the best racing seats for your car. Remember, safety and comfort should always be your top priorities.
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