Lowering drivers seat

[V12JDC]

So an odd request maybe, but has anyone done this succesfully.

A friend is looking to buy either a Vantage or a F tyoe and thr only thing stopping him is his size, he is a very tall lad.

Any suggestions?

[sundayjumper]

Watching with interest, as I only *just* fit into mine. Some more headroom would be nice.

[alscar]

I think it may depend as well on the type of seats fitted and hence the runners they sit on plus whether they are electrically operated or not.
I have the lightweights in both of mine but got the manual ones lowered in my GT8.
However I suspect there are limits without resorting to more specialised alternatives.

[Emilio Largo]

Not much help from me, but the buying advice would be to try and find a car with lightweight seats. These are considerably lower to sit on than the standard seats. When buying my car I had considered this as I have the same problem (188 cm), but in the end this was no option for me. Thankfully I fitted into the standard seats of the car I eventually bought and learned two things: Firstly, do take a seat in different cars. I found the legroom and headroom slightly differs from car to car. There was even one brand new floor model with standard seats which could definitely not be lowered as much as in all other cars (perhaps a malfunction of one of the seat motors). Secondly, the lightweight seats are lower, no question, but are very hard to sit on (contrary opinion of the majority of members here, of course).

[jonby]

alscar said:

I think it may depend as well on the type of seats fitted and hence the runners they sit on plus whether they are electrically operated or not.
I have the lightweights in both of mine but got the manual ones lowered in my GT8.
However I suspect there are limits without resorting to more specialised alternatives.

I looked in to having manual adjustment on my lightweights in my AMR order via Q but after much discussion, there was some doubt whether even on their (dealer set) lowest setting, the seats without the motors could go quite as low as the lightweights with electric motors on their lowest position, so I decided against as I didn't want to take the risk

Interested in your thoughts as you have both, as to which might go lowest ?

I assume when you say you got your manual seats lowered, you mean at the dealer ?

[Murph7355]

Counter-intuitively it helps to move the seat an inch or two forwards from the rear most position. Then drop the seat at the rear to recline and lower it that way.

I'm 6'4", 36" inside leg, larger athlete and fit very comfortably eventually. Memory seats are a must IMO as getting comfy takes time that you don't want wasted.

[alscar]

Jonby , yes I had them lowered by Works. I believe there were 3 possible height settings and I went middle which suited me perfectly.
Compared to my V12 I would say whilst I think the electric adjustment makes u think you sit lower that's possibly just perception and down to the rake of the suit cushion maybe.
Whilst Murphy is right in that electric adjustment is good if lots of people move the seats on the lightweights with manual moving only backwards and forwards is hardly an imposition.

[jonby]

alscar said:

Jonby , yes I had them lowered by Works. I believe there were 3 possible height settings and I went middle which suited me perfectly.
Compared to my V12 I would say whilst I think the electric adjustment makes u think you sit lower that's possibly just perception and down to the rake of the suit cushion maybe.
Whilst Murphy is right in that electric adjustment is good if lots of people move the seats on the lightweights with manual moving only backwards and forwards is hardly an imposition.

Thanks alscar. My main concern is headroom as with the electrics on their lowest settings, I just have only just enough room with helmet on for occasional track days

I agree with you the manual adjustment restrictions are not a problem (for me anyway) but it's just that question of whether on the lowest settings, the manual seats might be a touch higher. I probably still have just about enough time to add it in, but without being sure I can't take the risk

[sundayjumper]

I test drove a car with the lightweight seats, for me they only seemed a touch lower, and the inability to adjust the angle between base & back was actually a downside.

Seat slightly forward, and then tilted back seems the best approach so far.

[Turner97]

I've had a development set of brackets made to lower driver seat in GT8 and also changed the angle so that the seat is less upright. Still a little tweaking needed with design but nearly there. Will post a few photos etc once happy with final installation.

[Simon T]

Let some air out of the tyres?

[wtdoom]

Lightweight seats and add manual runners

[RobDown]

Turner97 said:

I've had a development set of brackets made to lower driver seat in GT8 and also changed the angle so that the seat is less upright. Still a little tweaking needed with design but nearly there. Will post a few photos etc once happy with final installation.

That would be good Darren as my head almost hits the roof in the GT8 and I'm slightly worried about having to drive with my head tilted sideways when I do Burntouts track day!

[Tim Ward]

From memory, when I went around the factory. I asked the question, I am sure I was told they are Recaro seats. Try speaking to them to see if there is a manual adjustment option. I haven't got round to it yet.
Tim

[Turner97]

RobDown said:

That would be good Darren as my head almost hits the roof in the GT8 and I'm slightly worried about having to drive with my head tilted sideways when I do Burntouts track day!

I'll keep you posted. I like being low in car but not because my head is anywhere near hitting the roof!