Are you sitting comfortably?
Discussion
Every now and then I think about "upgrading" from my 996 C4 Cab to the equivalent 997. However, to be honest I think I like the look of the 996 exterior better, and come to that the interior as well.
One thing that I do think is better in the newer car, though, is the seating. I am quite a long example of the human race and find the 996 chairs a bit short - surprisingly so since my previous 968 had great, supporting seats right up to the back of my head. Having tried both the 997 and 987 I see that Porsche have recognised this shortcoming and changed the seat height or shape so that, once again, they support my back and head well.
My question is this: has anyone any experience of retro-fitting 997 seats in a 996 (2002 model if it makes a difference)?
One thing that I do think is better in the newer car, though, is the seating. I am quite a long example of the human race and find the 996 chairs a bit short - surprisingly so since my previous 968 had great, supporting seats right up to the back of my head. Having tried both the 997 and 987 I see that Porsche have recognised this shortcoming and changed the seat height or shape so that, once again, they support my back and head well.
My question is this: has anyone any experience of retro-fitting 997 seats in a 996 (2002 model if it makes a difference)?
I also found that if you are quite tall & broad shouldered the upper seat of the sports Seats isnt that good on 996/986s. I ended up putting in lightweight reclining sports seats from Cobra Seats trimmed to match the interior & they are less than half the weight of the normal seats as well. There are some other threads on PH about seat 'discomfort'!
Seats are something that really bug me as well, I am 6'1 and quite broad (very broad when it comes to taking criticism)and the amount of seats you sit in that are uncomfortable on the shoulders, what ticks me off is you can pump the arse up, pump the lumbar up now why don't they allow you to pump the bolsters to support and hold your shoulders properly 
996 and 997 seats are interchangeable in terms of floor mounting. depending on which version you go for and have there can be airbag warning light issues in the 997 (dealer can turn off, some 997 seats have airbags in the side bolsters and 996 dont) but this wont apply to you since you want to fit in a 996.
Edited by fioran0 on Saturday 21st January 12:52
bigfoot57 said:
Every now and then I think about "upgrading" from my 996 C4 Cab to the equivalent 997. However, to be honest I think I like the look of the 996 exterior better, and come to that the interior as well.
One thing that I do think is better in the newer car, though, is the seating. I am quite a long example of the human race and find the 996 chairs a bit short - surprisingly so since my previous 968 had great, supporting seats right up to the back of my head. Having tried both the 997 and 987 I see that Porsche have recognised this shortcoming and changed the seat height or shape so that, once again, they support my back and head well.
My question is this: has anyone any experience of retro-fitting 997 seats in a 996 (2002 model if it makes a difference)?
Agree with you on the seats, but have you driven the 997C4s? It is much better drive IMO - and l think it looks much nicer too? But beauty is in the eye of the beholder!One thing that I do think is better in the newer car, though, is the seating. I am quite a long example of the human race and find the 996 chairs a bit short - surprisingly so since my previous 968 had great, supporting seats right up to the back of my head. Having tried both the 997 and 987 I see that Porsche have recognised this shortcoming and changed the seat height or shape so that, once again, they support my back and head well.
My question is this: has anyone any experience of retro-fitting 997 seats in a 996 (2002 model if it makes a difference)?
yes, seats just bolt out and bolt back in. no issues at all.
ive no idea on the wiring connectors however and ive no wiring schematics for a 997 to check. might be a case of suck it and see. worst case you could repin the new seat to match the old one. its certainly not insurmountable thats for sure but whether the electrics are simply plug and play ive no experience.
most seat swaps ive seen have been 996GT3 recaros being fitted into 997, or more rarely,the 997 carbon buckets into a 996 so wiring isnt an issue in either case.
not sure how you use the car but assuming your size im guessing as a 2 seater only. if so the 996GT3 recaro seats might be an alternative for you. much more supportive etc and readily available.
ive no idea on the wiring connectors however and ive no wiring schematics for a 997 to check. might be a case of suck it and see. worst case you could repin the new seat to match the old one. its certainly not insurmountable thats for sure but whether the electrics are simply plug and play ive no experience.
most seat swaps ive seen have been 996GT3 recaros being fitted into 997, or more rarely,the 997 carbon buckets into a 996 so wiring isnt an issue in either case.
not sure how you use the car but assuming your size im guessing as a 2 seater only. if so the 996GT3 recaro seats might be an alternative for you. much more supportive etc and readily available.
I think all Porsche seat fittings are pretty much the same - I once had a 993 with Boxster/996 sports seats fitted, and they just bolted straight in.
One thing I've always preferred on 996/7s is memory seats, because they give you separate height adjustment for the front and rear of the seat base (like late 3.2s and all 964s and 993 used to have as standard
), which allows for a more tilted seat base - I raise the front and lower the rear so I get more support under my thighs.
One thing I've always preferred on 996/7s is memory seats, because they give you separate height adjustment for the front and rear of the seat base (like late 3.2s and all 964s and 993 used to have as standard
), which allows for a more tilted seat base - I raise the front and lower the rear so I get more support under my thighs. Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff