LiveFromNY

Recently acquired a clean, 86k-mile 1980 and I'm in the processing of making it 100%.

One of the things I know that I want to do is to upgrade the seats. Don't really want to go aftermarket as they're all a little too racey for me. I've been looking at getting a set of gen2 seats which I understand will pretty much bolt in.

I'm having a hard time deciding between GXL and Turbo seats. I don't really care about the leather as any seats I buy will be reupholstered immediately. I'm more concerned about the way the seats feel and the way they look in the car.

From the limited photos I've seen, I'm leaning toward going GXL. I have a set available and I think they'll look great re-done in leather.

To be honest, though, I'm not sure I really know the differences between the GXL and the Turbo seats.

Anyone have an opinion or some advice?

FelixIsGod29X

iTrader: (50)

Its all whatever floats your boat. YOUR CALL!

orion84gsl

iTrader: (5)

The 2nd gen seats are the best out of the 3 gens. The FD seats are really small and don't hold your body very well. The first gen seats are a bit better, but the FC I've been in had great seats in comparison. I'm not sure if there's a difference between the models seats, though if I were you I'd have a look at some GTU's seats. That model is supposedly the stripped down racer of the FC models.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

from the photos i've seen of the car and based on its extensive originality, i would not touch the seats. cover them with a nice quality matching seat cover and enjoy the car for what it is.

LiveFromNY

Oops. It's an '82. Not an '80.

I would keep the original seats but they're just not comfortable. I plan on driving the car so I want a little more creature comfort.

I'll keep the original parts but I'm going to do some nice, custom-upholstered leather seats and door panels. Nothing crazy and definitely done to look period correct. I can always make it stock again if I want but I doubt I ever will.

john ward

iTrader: (7)

The gxl i had was leather and the t2 is cloth. The bolsters are about the same , but i like the cloth seats better. If reupholstery is going to happen regardless then sit in both models cloth and leather and make a choice.

LiveFromNY

Excellent advice. Just need to find them. Haven't seen many RX7's in Austin since I've been here.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

i like the turbo seats better. i actually have both, and the t2 seats sit lower and have better bolsters.

the gxl seats (in the gxl) sit really high.

depends on your build a little too though, i'm 5' 10" and skinny

Hyper4mance2k

iTrader: (40)

GXL seats look better, but the Turbo seats are more comfortable and hold you in better.

j_tso

iTrader: (2)

GXL seats also have adjustable headrests, since you're looking for more comfort.

bad 83

iTrader: (3)

If you can pick up a set of Vert seats, that would be the best of the second gens. They are nicely bolstered, sit low, leather, and have headrest speakers. I had a '90 Vert, and I loved the factory seats.






Sorry, I didn't have any better pics, but you can get the idea.

RotoricanNY

iTrader: (2)

I had GXL seats on my 85, I'll prolly drop them in my 84 as well.

lx_machado

iTrader: (13)

Im with bad 83, I would try the vert seats

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

That "Vert" headrest is big and clumsy, especially in an FB.

Can anybody post pics of the different FC seats to see the differences?

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

I found some..

86' TURBO


86' BASE


86' GXL

lx_machado

iTrader: (13)

The 86' turbo seats look nice.

rksti89

sorry to revive an old thread but i had a 87 base and i'll tell you this. no matter what seats i had...base, GXL and turbo... they all hold you about the same on the body but the Turbo seats hold your *** in a hell of a lot better. although if you want low sitting, base is lowest, turbo is next and GXL sits highest. hope that helps. :]

84stock

iTrader: (5)

I just sold a 89 base, it had the absolutely most comfortable cloth seats I have "ever" sat in!!! I fit in them like a glove!

I know how you feel, I find my 83 seats uncomfortable but i am committed to keeping it original. I have a pair of sweet 85 red cloth seats and my interior is red so I am really tempted though..........

Kentetsu

I put a 3rd gen seat in mine. Installation was a bitch, and they really aren't that comfortable. Fitment within the car is pretty lousey too, with lots of room on each side of the seat because they are so much more narrow.

However, the bolstering holds me in the seat much more firmly than the 1st gen seats ever did.

I plan to try some 2nd gen seats this year if I get a chance.




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Crispin38

iTrader: (3)

I love my 88' GXL seats!

Crispin38

iTrader: (3)

Excuse me, after I've read more of this thread I'm confused of what I even have. They sit lower then stock FB seats, but they're definetly not turbo seats. Or base, they have adjustable headrests.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

separate headrest = gxl. is the drivers side adjustable for tilt?

Crispin38

iTrader: (3)

Adjustable,