Seat question

[NRS]

I guess one of the age old questions!

I'm looking for a seat for everyday driving (plus maybe a little track thrown in occasionally) that will give more support (and comfort) than the standard 99-00 NB ones. Lotus ones are common, but from what I understand not as good on long journeys.

I've seen the Sparco R100's mentioned a few times. Sound ideal in some ways - adjustable back, work with normal belt etc. However there is some variation in regards to if they fit, and also raising the height with sliders which I would like. I don't have any roll bar mounted so there wouldn't be an issue there (I'm wondering if this gives the problems that some others have had with the space regarding the R100s)? I'm also not sure if they'd be better for longer journeys than the standard seats?

I've also no background in welding etc, so would need to go for one of the premade bases as I don't want to start sticking holes in the base of the car. Which one would be lowest? Memoryfab, goodwinracing? I'm 5"10 so don't mind the combination of brackets, chair etc being the same as OEM, but wouldn't want it higher really.

Is there any other recommendations for seats that would be good, or feedback on the R100s?

I guess one other thing, would the Mk2.5 seats be a big improvement over the Mk.2 ones?

Edited by NRS on Tuesday 23 April 22:38

[renaultgeek]

I looked into this, felt like there was a lot of risk in it being higher than standard, a risk I didn't want to take. I've sat in an mx5 that had a foamectomy recently and was surprised how good it felt.

[NRS]

So the foamectomy can also make it more comfortable and give more support? I thought it was just for making you sit lower. That's not really an issue for me, just I wouldn't want it to be higher.

Also does anyone know if the Mk 2.5 seats are more comfortable than the Mk 2? Unfortunately the nearest Mk 2.5 is probably something like 600 miles away so not got a chance to try one!

[anonymous-user]

I don't know how mk2 seats differ but I removed a lot of the foam from my standard mk1 seats and they are much nicer now, with the seat upright middle section completely removed the side bolsters hold you in place very well and with foam in the centre of the seat base cut at an angle towards the rear it means you are sitting back into a curved depression rather than on top of the foam.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Mk2.5 seats are definitely more comfortable than Mk1/2 seats and the Sport seats come with seat heaters!
However, the bases are a little higher and just like all MX5 seats there is absolutely no shoulder support so they are rubbish on track.
In mine I have replaced the Mk2.5 seats with Mk3 seats which are more comfortable, lower and have better support for occasional track use. Not quite a simple bolt-in job though.

[NRS]

Interesting about removing the foam! Might give it a go and see how things work out. Thanks for the advice.

MX-5 Lazza said:

Mk2.5 seats are definitely more comfortable than Mk1/2 seats and the Sport seats come with seat heaters!
However, the bases are a little higher and just like all MX5 seats there is absolutely no shoulder support so they are rubbish on track.
In mine I have replaced the Mk2.5 seats with Mk3 seats which are more comfortable, lower and have better support for occasional track use. Not quite a simple bolt-in job though.

Thanks Lazza, always good advice from you! I remember your thread about changing to the Mk3 seats and how much better they were. I had a look into it in regards to my old car but it was going to be a bit difficult for my skill in regards to making the bases etc.

I think I might go for Mk2.5 seats as although it would be nice to have more side support I will track it very rarely. Aftermarket seats seem to be a bit higher if you go for rails, which I would want. I would also like to get some custom covers to go with the outside paint. Black leather with the centre in purple alcantara if possible, Just need to try and find some seats and an upholstery place that will do custom colours!