996 Turbo / GT2 Turbo discussion on previous model 2000-2005 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo and 911 GT2.

Safety of GT3 Seats

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Old Feb 17, 2004 | 11:54 PM
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Safety of GT3 Seats

So I'm looking around for seats to put in the GT2.

I am considering the GT3 seat, but the fact that they are made of fiberglass or GRP (glass reinforced plastic) scares me a bit in the event of getting rear ended.

Can anyone comment on this? Are the GT3 seats even FIA approved?

Instead I am looking at the Cobra Suzuka Technology seat, which is one piece carbon fiber construction. Lighter than the GT3 seat AND crash tested to 63G's of impact, 3 times the FIA requirement!
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 01:58 AM
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Well they are in Europe. So I don't think that you will have a problem.
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 03:12 AM
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i don't think u'll have any problem with that...
I trust GT3 seats more than the standard sports seat...
hey... u can even fold them back...haha

but well... since they're used in euro gt2 and gt3.... it's pretty strong...
well...they better be at such high price
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 05:47 AM
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I saw GT3 seats with carbon backs yesterday on a car at the dealer service here when I wnet to pickup my dad's TT after readjusting his B&M...The carbon backs are SICK especially for those who have full carbon interiors...even nicer than the carbon backs on the Ferrari sort seats
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 07:47 AM
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From what I have read, the "GT3" seats do carry FIA approval.
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 08:41 AM
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Whats the difference between GT2 and GT3 seats? Weight? Comfort?
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 08:43 AM
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Originally posted by 02TT_87GNX
Whats the difference between GT2 and GT3 seats? Weight? Comfort?
GT2 seats are standard sport seats.
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 10:00 AM
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Originally posted by 02TT_87GNX
Whats the difference between GT2 and GT3 seats? Weight? Comfort?
The GT2 & GT3 come standard with what is known as "Sport Seats".


Available in both the GT2 & GT3 from the factory in Euro cars and through the aftermarket in the US are the fixed back seats known as "GT3 Seats".


I have never heard of any seating option being refered to as "GT2 seats". The GT3 seats are ~29lbs while the standard sport seats are over 50 lbs (from what I hear). The GT3 seats hold you in a lot better, but they are not as easy to get in or out of. YMMV.
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 10:15 AM
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Don't forget that you do have an engine between you and another car in the event of a rear end collision.
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 12:43 PM
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I feel more comfortable in the GT3 seat over a standard seat, just my opinion.
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 12:58 PM
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Originally posted by Code Red
Don't forget that you do have an engine between you and another car in the event of a rear end collision.
Yes, but the forces generated by an impact can still break the seat.

The fact that Porsche uses them in Europe only means so much. I want to know if they have FIA approval for safety. Basic FIA approval means approximately 21g's of force can be sustained by the seat.

When was the last time you saw a real race car with fiberglass seats? WRC, F1, ALMS?

msindi, the carbon back seats are cool, but they are for looks only, the shell itself is still GRP.

Let me pose the question this way, is there any reason why I should get the GT3 seats OVER the Cobra Suzuka carbon fiber seats?
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 01:46 PM
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Originally posted by Hamann7
The fact that Porsche uses them in Europe only means so much. I want to know if they have FIA approval for safety. Basic FIA approval means approximately 21g's of force can be sustained by the seat.
As stated above, everywhere I have looked the seats carry FIA approval. It is indicated by a lot of companies that sell the seats. Just do a search online and you are bound to see it. It may even say on the seats themselves, but I am not pulling mine to find out.

Originally posted by Hamann7
When was the last time you saw a real race car with fiberglass seats? WRC, F1, ALMS?
This past weekend at the PCA club race at Sebring, plenty of fiberglass seats. In the world of ultimate lightness and unlimited budgets, CF is the way to go. For us regular Joes there is still the fiber reinforced plastic or fiberglass seats. Just as good, a bit heavier, and a lot cheaper.

Originally posted by Hamann7
Let me pose the question this way, is there any reason why I should get the GT3 seats OVER the Cobra Suzuka carbon fiber seats?
No reason other than the fact that the GT3 seats are a factory part and the seat mounting is direct fit. Otherwise its up to you and what fits you and your needs best.

As stated from Intence Motorsport site...

http://www.i-m-racing.com/recarogt3seat.html

The Recaro GT3 seat is the same ergonomically designed racing seat that is used in the World Class Porsche® GT3. It provides the balance you need to maintain comfort and control behind the wheel of your Boxster or 996. Recaro seats are FIA-approved and deliver a 60lb reduction in weight. Includes eyelets for both 4 and 6 point harnesses. Includes mounting hardware and tracks for 986/996 chassis.

You can also find similar FIA approval notes from other sites.

HTH.
 

Last edited by Sloth; Feb 18, 2004 at 01:50 PM.
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 01:50 PM
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Originally posted by JASCLASS
I feel more comfortable in the GT3 seat over a standard seat, just my opinion.
JASCLASS - really? Have you spent any amount of time in them, or was it a quick sit type of thing? I think they look fantastic, and snug as can be, but wonder about anything more than 30 minutes in them...
 
Old Feb 18, 2004 | 01:52 PM
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Originally posted by teutonictrio
JASCLASS - really? Have you spent any amount of time in them, or was it a quick sit type of thing? I think they look fantastic, and snug as can be, but wonder about anything more than 30 minutes in them...
6'4" and 215lbs to boot. They can get a bit snug after a few hours.
 
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 06:18 AM
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Originally posted by teutonictrio
I think they look fantastic, and snug as can be, but wonder about anything more than 30 minutes in them...

Yes, Im thinking along those same lines. I dont think it would be good for a daily driver...although I could be wrong?
 


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