Anyone use Sparco racing seats in their FD?
 

I'm considering the Evo model (which is the latest version of the Rev) in my car. I'd like to retain the sliding function if possible. Height is not an issue for me.

Just curious if anyone is doing this, and how you mounted the seats.

Thanks,

-ch

I have sparco torinos in my car. I am selling them. PM me if you have interest. They retain sliding and also reclining.

I'm looking for something that can be used with a 6-pt harness. Unfortunately, I'm having a hard time finding a reclining seat that does this, so I'm stuck looking for a full racing seat.

-ch

i bought a Sparco EVO seat with MemoryFab super-lo seat rails and im still waiting to install them; i was told it would/should fit. i originally bought EVO's for my FD, but the shop i brought them to to have them installed couldnt get it to fit right on stock rails. unfortunatly i had to settle with Torinos. now that im tracking my car more and more, i need more support so i ditched the Torinos, and im hoping the EVO will fit this time around. i spoke with some other people who have done it, and i was told it would fit with the super low seat rails; Bride also makes a set. I ordered my MemoryFab rails direct from the company. im also installing a roll bar at the same time, so that's going to make my interior even tighter; but im pretty sure it should fit. ill let you know in a couple weeks how it goes. good luck.

this is the only proof that i have that an EVO can fit in a FD:
http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/4601/evoin7pq9.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4895/evoin72sp9.jpg

this is the MemoryFab 'Super-Lo' seat rail that i have:
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/2...bracketmt2.jpg

im not sure if you would be interested, but i do have a brand new Sparco Sprint V seat for sale (black) and it has a sub-belt hole for 5 or 6 point belts. it can be side mounted with brakets or bottom mounted on factory rails. i can send you some pictures if you are interested. i bought it for my passenger side, but im just going to make my RX-7 a 1 seater for a little while to try and make up for the weight ive gained with the roll bar. its never been installed, so it's in brand new condition.

Great info ZumspdRX-7, thanks!

What about the MemoryFab seats themselves? I'm a big believer in high-quality seats, but they seem to have some excellent prices. Wondering if anyone has run them.

Also wondering why the FIA version of their seats is twice as expensive?...

http://www.memoryfab.com/products/detail_accessories_1/

-ch

I have a brand new in the box Sparco REV seat I got last year if you are interested. I make a you a great deal CH.

I only run one on the driver side... they sent me 2 of them which I ended up paying for and they made it a PITA to return... so I ended up keeping it.

What are your measurements that you guys fit in these seats?

I just can't see my ass fitting in some of those seats...

To fit in my seat you need to be pretty slim and I imagine under a 33" waist.

Here's what I suspect is the deal with the Memory Fab seats. They are a somewhat cheap copy of Recaro SPG seats. They aren't actually made by "Memory Fab", but rather some Asian company that they import it from. I have seen the same seats for sale in other places, under a different name. The seats are are not made from full carbon fiber, I think it just has a layer of cf on the outside. I believe the FIA approved version is simply a regular Recaro seat instead of the cheap copies (the Recaros are FIA approved), and that's why it's so much more expensive. I know someone who bought the Memory Fab seats and rails. He said the seat was okay, but not as stiff as he would like. Also, the seat covers are a little cheap. Just remember you get what you paid for.

As for the Memory Fab seat rails, I believe they are "Nagisa Auto" seat rails. They can be seen here: http://www.more-japan.com/Nagisa-Aut...R-p-16314.html

Those rails only lock on one side. I know this for a fact because my friend has them. This is undesireable for obvious safety reasons and because there will be some play in the rails - ie. the seat will move slightly even when locked in place. The Bride rails are better quality and lock on both sides. Personally, I would get Bride rails. You can get them from www.rhdjapan.com or www.more-japan.com.

Just my $.02. The only options I would consider are Bride seat rails with either Recaro SPG or Sparco Evo seats. I think that would be the ideal setup. I would never buy seats that are not rated or approved by some sort of sanctioning body such as the FIA for safety reasons. The few hundred bucks you save isn't really worth risking your life for.

I really like my sparco evo (evo II will not fit) and it fits with a little rubbing on the door panel but nothing to worry about.

Fritz, you have Evo's installed? Can you provide some details like what rails/mounts you used. (And a pic would be nice, too!)

Thanks,

-ch

This is great info and very helpful. The bit about the rails locking only on one side is very relevant. If I go with sliders I'll definitely check out the Bride rails.

I agree that safety is not an area that one should skimp.

Thanks!

-ch

On a related note, any concerns to running a GRP, FRP, or CF seat without any rearward seat support? My rollbar doesn't have provisions for this, but I'm wondering if it's an issue. My understanding is that these supports are in case of a rear impact that could cause the seat to break backwards. Are seats like the Evo and Recaro SPG susceptible to his?

-ch

^^^^

I believe it's the alluminum seats that really require back bracing.

For EVO's, what my fabricator did was start with a Sparco slider, weld tabs to it to mount to the chassis, and then cut and weld the Sparco side mounts to the slider. If you can weld, you can do it. You're going to want the "butt" of the seat all the way down touching the slider, so make sure you position the mount as such.

What he also did was remove the cover, and hollow a bit of the shoulder wing out so that it will clear the door. Not noticeable with the cover back on, and it doesn't fit loosely or anything.

I was planning on having him make me a fixed mount, now that I've fitgured out exactly where I want it, because withought the slider, you could lower it another 1/2" to 3/4"... so if you're still in the market when I get that done, I'll sell you the slider version.

Honestly, the Bride or "super low" seat rails aren't going to be much lower than stock rails, and no lower than a custom Sparco. The sliders have an unavoidable thickness that can't be avoided.

Peter, are you seeing the rubbing issue with the EVOs that Fritz talks about above?

edit: I'm thinking this is what you were talking about with hollowing out the shoulder wing?

Great info! Please let me know if/when you decide to sell the slider.

-ch

^^^

Yup... it would've rubbed if it had not been hollowed out a little. Mount it any further inboard, and it would've pressed the tunnel and/or not allowed room for the seat belt recepticle.

Wow, so you fabricator is an upholsterer as well? Nice!

-ch

???

No, the covers are easily removable (and replaceable), so he just pulled it back and dremmeled it a bit. I'll try and snap you a pic of it.

Ah, I've never played with an EVO before but I can see now from the pics above that the cover is a slip-on variety. Makes sense.

-ch

seats and rails
 

Food for Thought; Corbeau makes a double locking rail that bolts up to
factory floor mounts. $112.00 each. Somewhat cheaper than the Bride if
your going for a bottom mount like I have done. They also make side mount
versions, made in USA, and they had mine in stock.
There are many expensive seats on the market that are NOT FIA rated.
If you use ANY aluminum seat or a non FIA rated seat; you will have to have
seat back braces to pass tech with most sanctioning bodies.
I ended up getting Ultrashield seats on the corbeau rails. Perfect seat
height for me; and adjustable for my occassional co-driver. Roll bar already
had seat back braces (M2/Raceshop bar).
PS; you can bend the aluminum seats to fit you like a glove and clear
the interior with no problem (within reason).

hyperion, i installed sparco roadster. not sure how it measures against the EVO.
the drivers side shoulder wing hit the door panel a little so i dremeled a bit off.
made custom brackets by chopping up BRIDE brackets. even without the sliders, i don't think i gained much headeroom. i'm almost 6'2. so when i race, i remove the bottom cushions which allows me to sit comfortably regarding head room with the helmet. see pics as the seat is mounted pretty much on the floor as low as it can go.

http://209.177.55.37/images/rx7/index.htm

Hmmm, those look pretty nice. I expect they are easier to get in and out of than the EVOs. Do the Roadsters have holes in the base for a 5/6pt. harness?

I'm also wondering if it's possible to use the factory rails and make an adapter plate. I'm 5'11" so I'm not sure height is going to be that much of an issue.

-ch

I don't believe the Roadsters have the anti-sub hole built in standard (as it's really a street seat). The Momo Start does:

http://sportscar-parts.com/mivastore...ct_Code=mm1092

:balls:

Sounds like the work of a Mr. Mitch Piper :)