2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Ordered these "racing" seats - anyone familiar?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 7, 2004 | 01:39 AM
  #1  
busy13b's Avatar
Thread Starter
Om Namah Shivaya
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Ordered these "racing" seats - anyone familiar?




From what I understand, these are supposed to be very close replicas of the mega$ Bride Brix II's. They appeared to be pretty good quality, and come in a grippy fake alcantara material, and at only $199 each, [which includes shipping], I figured why not... So I ordered an all-grey pair to put in my newly purchased 'vert.

I ordered directly from http://www.tommotorsport.com/ and was able to pay via PayPal. The next day, a rep from the shop even called me to confirm my order, so it seems like they heve great customer service.


I'm just curious if anyone else has these seats, or has any experience with them...

Last edited by busy13b; Nov 7, 2004 at 01:42 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2004 | 02:13 AM
  #2  
VietFC's Avatar
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
those are some crazy knockoffs and use of that product may be fatal to your health in case of an accident or something. They haven't been tested for impact resistance or breakage. As they say, you get what you pay for. Good luck with the seats.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2004 | 02:28 AM
  #3  
OC_'s Avatar
OC_
I'm bastardizing my car!
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
From: Naperville, IL.
Mega buck seats are made of carbon fiber and kevlar, these are probably just steal framed seats. Youll be fine.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2004 | 02:44 AM
  #4  
BklynRX7's Avatar
King of the Loop
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 1
From: brooklyn, New York
Exclamation

I dont have any experience with them but I wouldnt worry about the safety issue. As long as they arent totally crap they should be as safe as stock. I just ordered some imitation mazdaspeed seats myself. I have been in a wreck where the cars stock drivers seat twisted to the point of pinning my legs (sitting behind the driver) so nothings perfect. Sure the real thing is probably better but not everyone has 800-1000 dollars to spend on seats. I wouldnt skimp on belts though. Decent steel for seats frames and mounts wont vary much but webbing and stitching can vary greatly between a factory and a sweatshop.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2004 | 04:15 AM
  #5  
-TAL-'s Avatar
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 0
From: Brampton
I know a friend who bought a set locally cheap and then sold them a couple of months later.

They are Very very hard - padding is really cheap
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2004 | 08:54 AM
  #6  
drago86's Avatar
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 0
From: California, Bay Area
report on confort and weight when you get them,.. i love the little rotor shaped adjustment ****...
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2004 | 10:27 AM
  #7  
busy13b's Avatar
Thread Starter
Om Namah Shivaya
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Originally Posted by -TAL-
I know a friend who bought a set locally cheap and then sold them a couple of months later.

They are Very very hard - padding is really cheap

That's kinda disappointing to hear, but that was the type of feedback I'm looking for, thanks!
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2004 | 10:30 AM
  #8  
busy13b's Avatar
Thread Starter
Om Namah Shivaya
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Originally Posted by drago86
report on confort and weight when you get them,.. i love the little rotor shaped adjustment ****...
I will most definately do a write-up on them once they get here and I can fab up some kind of mounting bracket.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2004 | 10:54 AM
  #9  
Evil Aviator's Avatar
Rotorhead
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 9,136
Likes: 39
From: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Originally Posted by VietFC
those are some crazy knockoffs and use of that product may be fatal to your health in case of an accident or something. They haven't been tested for impact resistance or breakage. As they say, you get what you pay for. Good luck with the seats.
^ I agree. Then again, I view seats as a safety feature rather than bling.

Actual racing seats do not recline. Even the real Bride Brix II seats are not legal for racing because seats that recline will break on severe impact, and break your spine in the process. However, sport seats that recline are fine for street driving and low-risk events like autocross.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2004 | 11:07 AM
  #10  
busy13b's Avatar
Thread Starter
Om Namah Shivaya
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Not only do actual racing seats not recline, but are made of composite materials and are designed to keep the body planted. I put quotes in the tite of this thread for a reason.

In no way, shape or form are the seats going to be put through any form of motorsport competition. These are simply going to be an inexpensive alternative to the delapidated, destroyed factory seats that are the car now.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2004 | 02:08 PM
  #11  
vipers's Avatar
IIMMM BBAAACCKKK!!
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,904
Likes: 1
From: redlands, cali
my boss just purchased from them for our shop vehicle... the quality is cheap, but they looked great, and were pretty comfertable! so, if your on a tight budget, go for it! if you can save some $$$$$$$$, and get some better ones... thats the way to go! but they were fine, so dont worry too much
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 02:45 AM
  #12  
busy13b's Avatar
Thread Starter
Om Namah Shivaya
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
It's been awhile, but I thought I'd post a small review and a few pics:


- They are pretty lightweight seats, definately a few pounds lighter then the stock leather 'vert seats.

- The alcantara material is grippy but seems pretty thin. Not too sure how the seats will wear over time.

- Very comfortable to sit in. Very agressive bolstering in the side and legs. I have a 33'' waist, and I'd say these are the ideal width for my torso.


I'm still working on a bracket solution, but I did test fit the seats and they will fit fine - no rubbing issues with the bolsters or anything like that.



Size comaprison with stock seat:


Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 02:46 AM
  #13  
busy13b's Avatar
Thread Starter
Om Namah Shivaya
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Original:






Quick test fit:


Last edited by busy13b; Apr 6, 2005 at 02:54 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 02:57 AM
  #14  
RotaryEvolution's Avatar
Sharp Claws
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (30)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 50
From: Central Florida
they look nice but daaaamn.... don't miss the seat when sitting down or you may never have children again!
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 02:58 AM
  #15  
busy13b's Avatar
Thread Starter
Om Namah Shivaya
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
And the lucky recipient after a quick bath today:







Last edited by busy13b; Apr 6, 2005 at 03:02 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 03:00 AM
  #16  
busy13b's Avatar
Thread Starter
Om Namah Shivaya
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Originally Posted by Karack
they look nice but daaaamn.... don't miss the seat when sitting down or you may never have children again!

LOL... Yes, there is a bit of a "step-over" you must do
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 07:45 AM
  #17  
RETed's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 26,664
Likes: 23
From: n
"You get what you pay for."
I pity you getting into an accident and finding the seat failing and possibly killing you.
If you think your life is worth the $199 for a cheap seat, then that's your decision.

Personally, I would pay for MOMO, Sparco, Koenig, or Recaro.
Racing seats are like helmets - how much is your life worth to you?

These cheap knock-off's have been popular recently, and a lot of vendors claim they are real Brides (dumbasses) on eBay.

"If the deal is too good to be true, it is."

And before you start going off about real seats costing too much, there are cheap MOMO and Sparco seats under $400 easily - try do a web search.


-Ted
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 08:24 AM
  #18  
emac's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: MA/NJ
corbeau forza's can be had for about $220 shipped from a few shops online. FIA certified. Can't do much better than that.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 08:32 AM
  #19  
KNONFS's Avatar
B O R I C U A
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 36
From: VA
Originally Posted by RETed
"You get what you pay for."
I pity you getting into an accident and finding the seat failing and possibly killing you.
If you think your life is worth the $199 for a cheap seat, then that's your decision.

Personally, I would pay for MOMO, Sparco, Koenig, or Recaro.
Racing seats are like helmets - how much is your life worth to you?

These cheap knock-off's have been popular recently, and a lot of vendors claim they are real Brides (dumbasses) on eBay.

"If the deal is too good to be true, it is."

And before you start going off about real seats costing too much, there are cheap MOMO and Sparco seats under $400 easily - try do a web search.


-Ted
He had a good point though...

If he is not racing the car at all, those cheap knock offs aren't bad as a stock replacement for a daily driven car. For any sort of racing, I agree with you!
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 11:45 AM
  #20  
busy13b's Avatar
Thread Starter
Om Namah Shivaya
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Originally Posted by busy13b
Not only do actual racing seats not recline, but are made of composite materials and are designed to keep the body planted. I put quotes in the title of this thread for a reason.

In no way, shape or form are the seats going to be put through any form of motorsport competition. These are simply going to be an inexpensive alternative to the delapidated, destroyed factory seats that are the car now.
Just to reiterate what I already stated in this thread.


Yeah. Something about a heavy, slow covnertable and racing just don't belong in the same sentence.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 11:49 AM
  #21  
REnder's Avatar
Full Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clarita,CA
those seats look decent. those convertiable seats look like a monster from a B 80's movie.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 12:14 PM
  #22  
pmr2000's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Convertible seats are supportive since they have side bolsters and the back and bottom, headrest is large because of the speakers. The seats are actually light, the rails are heavy.

I'd take the convertible seats over some cheap knock offs anyday. I appreciate airbags, seatbelts also.

As for the heavy slow convertible comment- it's all relative, the 2nd gen vert was quick for its time and an excellent handling car when you hit the turns
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 02:37 PM
  #23  
busy13b's Avatar
Thread Starter
Om Namah Shivaya
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Originally Posted by pmr2000
Convertible seats are supportive since they have side bolsters and the back and bottom, headrest is large because of the speakers. The seats are actually light, the rails are heavy.

I'd take the convertible seats over some cheap knock offs anyday. I appreciate airbags, seatbelts also.

As for the heavy slow convertible comment- it's all relative, the 2nd gen vert was quick for its time and an excellent handling car when you hit the turns

I like the factory seats as well, but wanted to try something else.

Excellent handling and quick for it's time?

From an '89 Motor Trend test [IE the more powerful S5]:


0-60: 10.70
1/4 mile: 18.06 @82.6mph
skidpad: .83g
600ft slalom: 58.95mph

I'd say that's at best, mediocre, even for the late 80's/early '90's


Don't get me wrong, I love the 'verts, but for different reasons then lightness, nimbleness and quick accel.



**edit - okay, those numbers are for an automatic, but still..
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 06:50 PM
  #24  
RETed's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 26,664
Likes: 23
From: n
Originally Posted by KNONFS
He had a good point though...

If he is not racing the car at all, those cheap knock offs aren't bad as a stock replacement for a daily driven car.
If you're just going to sit in the garage and admire your car without moving it, then I'd agree with you.
In reality, you can't predict someone rear-ending your car.
I'd like to see these cheap knock-off's handle a 50mph (differential) rear end collision without failing.
If the seat fails, you'll usually end up with head trauma and / or spinal injury.

This has nothing to do with racing or speed.


-Ted
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2005 | 10:59 PM
  #25  
RotaryEvolution's Avatar
Sharp Claws
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (30)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 50
From: Central Florida
chill out, know how many stock seats i have seen in the wrecking yards twisted like a pretzel? get off his *** about it, sheesh.........................
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:41 PM.