Need your opinions: should i get a racing/bucket/aftermarket seat?

[ThuG LyFe]

hello all,

i've been noticing recently that the stock s14 seats are sometimes giving me discomfort in the back. even if it's only like a 15-20 minute drive sometimes its just uncomfortable sitting it in. i have the seat propped up and not leaned back (although when it used to be leaned back it was more comfortable).

i've been debating getting an aftermarket bucket seat to change some things up in my car since things are starting to get boring. i heard they are a lot more comfortable than stock seats and offer more feeling of the car when you drive it than stock seats. however, my car is nothing more than just a street car, no tracking or racing, so i'm wondering if putting in aftermarket seats will be just a waste of money? or would it still be a worthwhile "mod" even for a daily driver?

lastly, i like the bride seats but they seem to be the most expensive. what are some other good alternatives that aren't like knockoffs that you buy on ebay for $100? and how much budget is enough for a decent seat? (driver only) also would i just need a slider and it'll bolt onto the stock rails or do i need to buy both? thanks, and if you have pics of your seat please post them up as well.

[S13Teddy]

Here's a good start.

zerothread?id=366966

Now. Are you looking for a reclinable bucket, or fixed bucket? Reclinables will (most of the time) require a bottom mount seat bracket. This is not the same as the brackets for your stock seats and will need to be purchased. Fixed buckets will use both bottom mount and side mount seat brackets. These can be found at Bride USA, and I would purchase from them as they are the most reputable.

Good seats include Bride, Sparco, and Recaro. Some can debate that NRG make good seats as well. My personal favorite is Bride. While people claim that a knock-off bucket can be just as good as a genuine seat, you must keep in mind that in a serious collision, the real seat will withstand the shock of the impact much better than the China-made knock off, so that is also a factor to keep in mind.

[Scuffed_ChukiCoupe]

Well as for a non reclinable bucket, i have 2 sparco speed seats and i thought it would be horrible to sit in and not be able to recline. its actually quite comfortable even on long rides, to me but then again for you, you never know. Theyre not big on the cushion factor though. Ill let you kno right now instead of buying expensive rails i have a welder that can custom make you a rail and retain your stock sliders, so lmk.

[ThuG LyFe]

thanks teddy, i'm looking for the fixed actually. i figure if i wanted to lie back and take a nap/rest i can just sit in the pass seat. i won't be laying back when i drive.

i really like the brides with gradation but i don't think i can afford 8-900$ seats+rails. i think the buddy club is more affordable at this time probably costing around $500 with rails?

oh yea so i'm still wondering if i should still get seats even for a pure street car.

[wynnEZ]

For your back problems I would try to find a reclinable, I have a fixed seat now and it bothers my back every now and then.

[S13Teddy]

I don't see why not. Buckets look better, you can feel the car more for spirited driving, and they are comfortable.

Unless you buy a Bride seat new, there is no reason to spend 8-900$ on a seat plus rails. I bought my seat for 300 in like new condition and spent another $150 on genuine Bride rails. Not too expensive.

[ThuG LyFe]

^damn thas a killer deal. and yea 8-900 for a new bride seat plus rails not used. i wish i could find a used one but they all seem to be located in cali or something...

[wynnEZ]

Yeah it will be hard to find one, and if you do find a deal it usually will be in Cali. Just keep your eyes open and look around.

Teddy you have 4444 posts, congrats.

[hai1206vn]

I'm happy with s15 seat, it works perfect for street use with better side support than s14 seat. When i autocross i just strap myself down with a 3pt harness

and of course the seat just bolts in

i actually think s14 seat is the best for long drive though.

[mattblancarte]

This fixed type of racing bucket is great for performance driving, but a pain to get in and out of for daily driving.

[night240]

I remembered my friend had a sparco seat it was a decent seat. overall, I would pick up bride or anything I think

[Scuffed_ChukiCoupe]

This fixed type of racing bucket is great for performance driving, but a pain to get in and out of for daily driving.

youre right. I have to raise the steering wheel and slide all the way back to get enough space to get out .

Thuglfye look on craigslist and clasifieds for someone selling a seat. I know someone personally who is selling two red buckets for 300...

[ThuG LyFe]

hey stuffed chucki aren't you in nyc? i tried craigs but usually it's full of rice for their honda or w/e.

can you give me more info about the red seats? are they just no name brands or actually something with a name? with rails or no rails, etc? and pics would help too...thanks.

[Scuffed_ChukiCoupe]

The brand.. i think they are tenzo r if im not mistaken. No rails like i said i know a custom fab guy that could make u rails. Pics ill have to get when i go to my friends house. and yea im in nyc

[japslapsilvia]

it should be noted that most side mount seats should NOT be used in a street car, it is not safe. most of them use FRP or a similar composite construction and there really is no "frame" that secures the seat to the car.

what does this mean?? well if u are in a collision chances are the seat mount will break. so u will need a racing harness to "contain" u and the seat. thats the way its designed.

you should not be driving a street car with a harness (5 point) b/c of a lack of roll cage, b/c if the car does roll over u will be trapped and possiblly break ur neck.

driving a street car with a full cage is also unsafe b/c if you are in a collision u can crack ur skill if ur head slams into a bar. foam covers prob wont help much here.

so why not drive on the street with side mount seats, a full harness and a cage...b/c u will also need a helmet....which will be illegal and u will get pulled over for that.

just some food for thought.

[Scuffed_ChukiCoupe]

corbeau makes 3 point retractable racing harness, is that good 4 the street?

[BrianHarte]

If it is JUST a street car, I would NOT go for a full bucket. Not really worth it in my opinion.

Something like a Bride Brix might be nice... maybe a Bride Ergo.

You'll need a bracket/slider (they are usually the same thing).

Something that would be pretty nice is a R34 GTR seat.

[japslapsilvia]

look at factory seat belts, they are considered a 3 point harnss. in that there are 3 attaching points (driver side) above the left shoulder, left hip, and right hip.

so in the event of a roll over ur body can move toward the center of the car.

with a racing harness, (most, if not all) both shoulders are strapped. therefore ur body cant move toward the center of the car.

when a car rolls over the roof can/will cave in, and if ur body cant move u can/will break ur neck.

[BrianHarte]

Ugh, I would never put a harness in my car.Worthless.

[Scuffed_ChukiCoupe]

look at factory seat belts, they are considered a 3 point harnss. in that there are 3 attaching points (driver side) above the left shoulder, left hip, and right hip.

so in the event of a roll over ur body can move toward the center of the car.

with a racing harness, (most, if not all) both shoulders are strapped. therefore ur body cant move toward the center of the car.

when a car rolls over the roof can/will cave in, and if ur body cant move u can/will break ur neck.

seems like you'd be able to move, check it out http://www.corbeau.com/product...belts/

[japslapsilvia]

seems like you'd be able to move, check it out http://www.corbeau.com/product...belts/

the retractable feature on that belt it for it to act like a stock belt (for comfort reasons). it doesnt change the fact that both shoulders are restrained.

that is the main difference between a stock setbelt and and "harness"

stock=1 shoulder strapedharness=both shoulders straped.

[Scuffed_ChukiCoupe]

oh ok.. so what about bucket seat with stock 3pt harness?

[japslapsilvia]

oh ok.. so what about bucket seat with stock 3pt harness?

personally i would not recommend it at all. the stock belt wont go through the seat like a harness would. Which means it wouldnt hold the seat the way its designed to work.

[BrianHarte]

I've used my stock seatbelt with a full bucket for YEARS.

[japslapsilvia]

I've used my stock seatbelt with a full bucket for YEARS.

what seats do you have?

[xX RB Xx]

ive got some lumbar s14 kouki seats

you want them? and no they arent free.

[BrianHarte]

Bride Zeros.

[Scuffed_ChukiCoupe]

My seatbelt sits the same around my bucket (sparco speed) as my stock seat. ill take a pic with my in it and strapped up.

[S13Teddy]

I use stock seatbelts with a bucket on the street too.

[BrianHarte]

Listen to TEDDY

or else

HE WILL BONE YOU.