Race Seat suggestions

Thu Apr 02, 2015 3:24 pm

I was thinking some 2nd hand fibreglass/carbon shell Recaro's or Sparco's - I have these: http://store.garagistic.com/ocart/e30-f ... at-bracket. So in THEORY it should bolt right in with side mounts.

Anyone have any fav seats for the E30?

Cheers,
Gus

Thu Apr 02, 2015 4:08 pm

What ever you get make sure they are Hans compatible.

Thu Apr 02, 2015 4:44 pm

For future motorsport compliance?

Thu Apr 02, 2015 4:48 pm

For safety, you should really be wearing a HANS in any Motorsport activity.

Wed Apr 15, 2015 5:39 pm

I'm after something similar, Gus. I was hoping to find something that wasn't for sale in the US though because we'll get boned by the import tax.

Any ideas?

I recently ordered the OMP 'universal' seat mount from Demon Tweeks but it didn't fit properly so I sent it back.

Wed Apr 15, 2015 8:40 pm

Just out of interest wont all modern design FIA approved seats be HANS compatible?

Wed Apr 15, 2015 9:29 pm

I have a Cobra evolution pro with the ears. Probably came in handy when I was smashed T-Bone style at the bottom of paddock hill! Combine that with HANS and you're covered I guess for your neck in all directions.

Side mounts with a bit of work fit the standard mounting holes, as long as you fit everything loose first then tighten up.

Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:37 am

Hi Miles, just to clarify, your seat's side mounts are fixed directly to the floor?

Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:44 am

NoTurbo wrote:Just out of interest wont all modern design FIA approved seats be HANS compatible?

I had a look in to this, if you buy a 2015 FIA model then 95% of the seats are HANS® or 'FHR' compatible , but there are some seats which are FIA and not FHR compatible, I would hazard a guess that many of the older seats unless specifically specified are not HANS®/FHR ready.

Ive now fitted a HANS® harnesses to the passenger side too. So if you want a px lap then you will need to have a HANS® on.

Thu Apr 16, 2015 10:32 pm

Rob175kks wrote:Hi Miles, just to clarify, your seat's side mounts are fixed directly to the floor?

Yes mate - some holes were enlarged by the previous owner, and I had to fit loose then tighten but they worked and are standard cobra mounts.

Sun Apr 19, 2015 5:25 pm

Seats aren't really sold on their 'HANS' compatibility that comes down the the type of harness. With regards the type of seat is depends what the use of the car is and also your body size. I had a Cobra Suzuka Pro as my track day seat and it was brilliant. I however wouldn't say it was a great seat to have in a 'fast road car' as it was rather snug even for me and I'm quite small. When I decided to race my car I opted for a Kevlar shell, winged Cobra Sebring Pro seat as it offers side on head protection (winged seats will be mandatory soon for competition use).

You should be able to buy a decent 2nd hand seat or pair if they're 'out of date' (not that it matters any more as if the seat has an FIA sticker, it can be used for MSA events in the UK even if it is 'out of date'). If you fancied new, drop me a PM (one of our drivers is sponsored by, works for and is managed by Corbeau) and I am a Cobra dealer so either way should be able to do you a deal

Sun Apr 19, 2015 10:35 pm

milescook wrote:
Rob175kks wrote:Hi Miles, just to clarify, your seat's side mounts are fixed directly to the floor?
Yes mate - some holes were enlarged by the previous owner, and I had to fit loose then tighten but they worked and are standard cobra mounts.

Ah right, thanks. Is that the way most people go about it in the pbmw series?

Sun Apr 19, 2015 10:55 pm

Hmmm..........

Strange that all Manufacturers are now producing seats which state they are HANS/FHR compatible.....especially strange that their dealers don't know this.

Corbeau - http://www.corbeau-seats.com/motorsport ... ucket-seat

Recaro - https://www.recaro-automotive.com/produ ... r-spg-spa/

Mon Apr 20, 2015 12:57 pm

What would be the consequences of using a non-compatible seat with a HANS device?

Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:05 pm

If you are tall then you need a seat that has shoulder strap openings that are large enough to accommodate the added height to your shoulders as result of using a HANS.

Ie like this

If you fit in the seat with a HANS and the shoulder belts come out through the seat holes without being pulled down then you will be ok.

Many people still don't believe in HANS, probably explains why many overlook the technicalities.

Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:07 pm

Willeh wrote:What would be the consequences of using a non-compatible seat with a HANS device?

Belts could slip off, non compatible seats have headrest which get in the way and your head will rest agains the HANS and the HANS against the seat.

Tue Apr 21, 2015 5:15 pm

Demlotcrew wrote:Hmmm..........

Strange that all Manufacturers are now producing seats which state they are HANS/FHR compatible.....especially strange that their dealers don't know this.

Not strange at all seeing as HANS devices are going to become mandatory soon and as their price has now dropped club level competitors are now able to afford them.

As for suggestion I 'don't know this' you do make me laugh. I said seats aren't really sold on their HANS compatibility, not that it doesn't make any difference. Bringing the HANS to a club level, manufacturers are making it easy for people obtain the kit rather than everything being super expensive bespoke equipment, so there is more freedom if you will. For example 3inch harnesses can be used with HANS devices although it is recommended to use the 2inch straps which sit on the device correctly and aren't likely to slip off.

I agree with you that using a HANS is a very wise thing to do, I use mine for track days too, so no need to act so defensively trying to put me down saying I basically don't know what I'm on about.