Bought a trailer, not turning back on the fun track days bring. So I need to add a roll bar, good seats and harness. But I still casually drive a lot in the summer, I know DD and track don't mix. Are there any seats that can take a 5 pt harness and still a decent DD type seat that are not $5k?

Looking at the GMG LMS bar. Any others out there I should look at?

I do a lot of my own work, the DIYs look pretty straight forward.

Questions on seats:
Do you get warning lights, i.e. no airbag? Can they be disabled? Would this cause a state inspection to fail?

Any experiences greatly appreciated or links to other threads people may have had on this.

 

Aaah, the slippery slope! I just by-passed all this and sold the turbo and bought a purpose built 996 race car LOL.

The first thing you need to figure out is approx. how many track days and how much street driving? This will determine what you should get and how "far" you really want to go. I will say that with proper seats/harnesses your driving will take on a completely different feeling. It's great to be securely strapped in as opposed to holding on to the steering wheel for dear life!

with that said, you should really consider 6 pt harnesses. I wouldn't wear 5 pt. I also know many pro drivers who wouldn't get in your car with 5 pt. harnesses. In a significant impact there's a good chance you'll break your sternum and more importantly, talk a few octaves higher (look up testicular rupture). There was a study back in the 90's of over 600 crashes - there's a reason there was a move to 6 point.

I'm sure you can find a seat that won't completely break the bank. I'd suggests you find a retail outlet where you can go sit in some. Not sure what shops you have up in your area but Stable Energies in NJ has a nice selection. You can check out their website for some ideas if you can't get there.

 

Been a spending a ridiculous amount of time researching seats. Narrowed it down to these 3. Does anybody have any of these they care to comment on?

Sparco Pro 2000

Status SPA - I like the recliner capability for DD, can't find much info on this one.

Recaro Profil XL

For those with 6 pt Harnesses, any DIY links for installation?

 

Greetings,
I installed SpeedMax carbon fiber seats (~$1900), a GMG World Challenge Harness/Roll Bar (~$2,000), 6 pt Schroth harnesses (~$1000) and a fire extinguisher (in case the barbie gets out of control) this spring. The components were recommended and installed by my race shop.

The good news about the seats is they weigh 22 lbs vs 55 for oem, the GMG bar does not interfere with the Bose subwoofer and allows the seats to travel to their fully rearward position. I am 6'3" and have to move the seat forward for track position.

DO NOT get 5 pt belts! They will no longer past tech muster in most venues but can seriously compromise "your twins" in the event of an impact.

I also kept the oem 3 pt belts for street use - who wants to put on a 6 pt belt for a run to 7-11? Also, the seats were comfortable enough to put in four 600 mile days while on a recent road trip to Road America and back home. No problems there.

Glad you are thinking about safety while on the track. I decided to take the plunge when the thought occurred to me that I would be really, really pissed if I woke up in a rehab center realizing that I might instead be playing golf if I had just spent that last $10K.......Best,

PS The shop got all the "warning bells and whistles" turned off too........

 

Steamboat, got any pics?

I just bought an enclosed trailer, extra wheels with Hoosier R6s so I'm committed to doing this right. Just need advice from experienced folks like you folks so I can make the right decisions first.

 

Sparco just came out with a containment seat in which the head restraints can be removed for street driving. pretty neat. You didn't mention a HANS device or similar? A must have in my opinion. A HANS won't help in a side impact so the containment seat is something to consider. I have the Recaro as my right seat. wouldn't want it as my seat.

I'm sure if you go to schroth's website you can see install instructions for the harnesses. It's really important to install correctly. If you're not sure don't screw around and let a reputable race shop do it.

 

Winni, Talk to HMS motorsport and go down and test those seats in person. Danvers, MA and they have them in stock (Call first).

Also, the guys down there can help you and give you a lot of tips. A lot goes into an install like that to make sure the safety equipment works the way it is supposed to. Securing the harness appropriately and making sure they stay tight is a big part of that. Personally I don't know your experience of course, but this may be a good time to pay someone for the install.

You will be still active in the process as a proper Shop will fit you, depending upon whose brackets you purchase and how much adjustment there is.
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I dont know the guys at Porsche of Nashua personally, unsure of how some of the guys on here get the MRS lights off. It is not mandated at this time in NH for SI (it is in MA).

Unsure how that goes, have you called Porsche and asked? Talk/ask for the Foreman and get a REAL answer.

MRS wont be active with the lights on. Question is, once the seat ABs and passenger seat occupancy mat is deactivated, does the rest of the system still work?

 

HANS, yes a requirement. Just got off phone with Status talking about HANS and the SPA is out, only designed for a 4 pt harness. The Ring GT would be my only option from them. They do custom seats, I like the idea of getting matching Sea Blue seats.

HMS, forgot about those guys, duh, I bought my helmet there.

Durametric claims it can turn off airbag warnings, anybody try that?

The original owner had yellow seats and yellow guages, I'm thinking yellow GMG rollbar.

Another question, do people change seats to accommodate DD? For example, I had 7 weeks between track days, and sometimes longer before or after season. I have some nice wheels I throw on between track days, would 8 bolts be a seat change?

 

I am extremely happy w my OEM GT2 carbon seats and BBI roll bar. Maybe spend a few researching both and expand your selection. Lmk and Ill post pics.

 

I did OEM GT2 seats and they are fantastic. You retain the airbag, so the car can be street driven.

I did more than 3 hrs on the track and a 4 hour drive home in them, with no discomfort at all.

I didn't want to go no air bag and have to deal with the insurance company if there was an on street incident. I could see them suggesting I'm at least partially responsible for any injuries if I had removed safety equipment. Even if someone else hits you.

Get a Hans and 6 point. Next step after that is suspension.

Enjoy

 

Thx, GT2 seats (non-carbon) run for $6k or so for the pair? With all the other stuff I'm putting into, that's a little out of my price range today. If I could find some used in great shape ones, I'd definitely look into it.

I talked to Status last night, they could match my current Sea Blue leather seats and put a yellow "turbo" script in the headrest for a reasonable price in their Ring seat. Wonder if Recaro an Spacro do custom stuff?