Aftermarket Seat Thread

[stormin'norman]

No roadster owner wants to be held back enjoying their favorite back road twisties or road coarse with the slippery stock leathers or tired cloth bolsters. Show us what you've done to keep yourself planted!

Post manufacturer, model, pictures, and any info you feel is important for others to know about the seat (comfortable, wears quickly, difficult to fit in Miata etc)



Recaro Profi Spg (standard size)
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/na6croadster/DSC_0553-1.jpg
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/na6croadster/DSC_0555-1.jpg
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/na6croadster/DSC_0556-1.jpg
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/na6croadster/DSC_0559-1.jpg
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/na6croadster/DSC_0775-1.jpg
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/na6croadster/DSC_0675.jpg
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/na6croadster/DSC_0685.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m582/na6c93roadster/DSC_0674-1.jpg

Fit: Very proportional for the roadster. Fits excellently inside the cockpit with just a hairs width of room between the shoulder wing and door card. Designed for small drivers sub 160 lbs or so and mid 5' height range.

Seat itself: Visually appealing. Excellent fit and finish. Superb packaging from the factory. Have yet to sit in something comfier (outside of the Recaro race seat family). Does NOT fatigue the body (mine at least) over long distances or sustained track driving. A+

[Spooncurve]

Sup buddy!

Corbeu Clubman:

869

870

871

[Roadster]

DIY retro seats.

Started life off as KONIG's.

Cut up, re-foamed, re-upholstered and fitted with BMW head rests.

Uses Miata specific Corbeau frame rails.

Light and compact, fits large people with waist sizes up to 40".

Sits alot lower than OEM seats.

Comfortable....very.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q172/kevlar_carbonfiber/seatgrommet.jpg

[atlnb]

I love my seat! This is one of my favorite mods

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6015/6015300774_48794d79f9_z.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6150/6014747683_649d1de0e1_z.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6129/6015294784_6fe54ecd9f_z.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6148/6015290950_157bcd3b2e_z.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6016/6015285800_09b69163d0_z.jpg

[HellaRareYellow]

I agree, I love my Vios III. So comfortable.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284740_2069288245773_1051845974_2380432_2158851_n. jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/dstizzzle/IMAG0108.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/dstizzzle/IMAG0096.jpg

[atlnb]

is that a Blackbird cage?

[HellaRareYellow]

HDHCDD with custom door bars.

[atlnb]

Coolio

[AngelsAndBombs]

Super comfy seat.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k202/AerosolSkam916/5-4.jpg

[HellaRareYellow]

Buddy club? You that skinny? I heard they are super skinny seats.

[stormin'norman]

Don't forget to give information on your seats! Model, Mfg, mounting setup etc. Very beneficial for folks out shopping.

[AngelsAndBombs]

Super comfy seat.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k202/AerosolSkam916/5-4.jpg

Since idk how to edit on here.
Suede Buddy Club P1 limited Carbon wide version. Im a 36-38 waste, and it fits perfect. DID have to remove door arm rest to get it to fit.

Hella - In the limited edition, they sell a regular, and a wide.

[Benbrg]

Stormin' what's your waist size and height? I'm thinking about getting the same seats. Thanks :)

[stormin'norman]

Stormin' what's your waist size and height? I'm thinking about getting the same seats. Thanks :)

~31 waist, 135-140 lbs, 5' 7".

[Dragula]

Do these count? S2000 seats, homemade rails.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/Stang1282/seatsside.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/Stang1282/seatsrear.jpg

[f86sabjf]

they sure look good and comfi too

[Dragula]

they sure look good and comfi too

S2000's have some of the most comfortable factory seats I've ever been in. Significantly better than my STi seats. My only gripe is, the backs are a little thick so I'm a bit closer to the wheel than with the factory seats.

[rolly]

i was thinking of picking these up from someone this week
do you guys think they will be ok in a NA miata, i would like some vintage looking seats and i thought these where cool and a good price...
BTW they r Fiberglas backed
any opinions on these?
1653

[Blackbird]

Yeah, they do an excellent job on breaking your neck in a rear end accident because there's no headrest to limit the whiplash.
There's a reason cars in the last few decades all have headrests.

Moti

[rolly]

good point thanks, but wont my roll bar stop my head?
jk

[Blackbird]

It stopped his.
http://static.atlasobscura.netdna-cdn.com/images/place/impaled-skull-of-klaus-stortebeker-pirate-walking-corpse.14996.large_slideshow.jpg

Moti

[titch]

Bride Zeta 2s, mounted to the stock sliders for the time being.

Before i'd got them both in:
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff26/titchster/MX5/P1031030.jpg


Both in:
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff26/titchster/MX5/P1121054.jpg

[rolly]

^^ that looks great
are you sitting higher then stock?
also liking the omp harness

[titch]

Yeah, sitting higher than stock ATM, hopefully be getting some new frames to sort that soon though.

[Bummer]

Yeah, they do an excellent job on breaking your neck in a rear end accident because there's no headrest to limit the whiplash.
There's a reason cars in the last few decades all have headrests.

Fixed ;)

1778

[rolly]

just wondering if you guys think these will fit in my NA, a guy in LA has them with rails for 780..
i am worried about the width at the top. Also this price seems kinda steep, what do you all think???
thanks
2325

[JTninja]

Dunno, I think theres a BMW guy selling 2 of those for $700...

[Dilly]

I want the P1 Limited seat, but I fear the red accent won't go well with tan interior. Sigh.

[rolly]

Seats are so hard cause they aren't cheep and you dont know how they will look till you get them in,
And you dont know how they feel till your stuck in traffic or taking some turns..

[morr]

Seats are so hard cause they aren't cheep and you dont know how they will look till you get them in,
And you dont know how they feel till your stuck in traffic or taking some turns..

True, or if you take a road trip. I've driven on 8 hour/11 hours straight in my car with my Forzas and they were fine the entire way. I just got the usual need to stretch after sitting for hours at a time, not because the seat was uncomfortable. They do press on the door panels a bit, but the doors close fine.

edit: they are on Corbeau rails.

http://i54.tinypic.com/2m276lv.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs707.snc4/62771_122483377807347_100001370559526_124361_98771 2_n.jpg

[rolly]

^^I had those in an older CRX, after about a year the fabric started to rip in the leg area.
I thought the seats where very comfy though, drove down HWY 1 SF to LA a few time

[morr]

Yeah, I have worn a small hole where my wallet rubs when I get in and out of the car. I'm swapping them out soon for NA seats. My main concern with the Forzas is the fact that it's a metal tube for the frame, and my head rests right on that tube. I figure that wouldn't be too safe in an accident...

[MartyMcfly]

My Forza didnt wear too well, it was the really old one without the reinforcement patches sewn in. I was able to make new panels of fabric to repair the covers in the end. Corbeau wanted half as much as the seat cost for replacement covers. It was a really comfy seat, though. Id buy one again. (They were under $200 when I bought mine years ago)

[cbaylis77]

I'm ditching my Corbeau CR1s because they're too narrow. Going back to stock until I find something I like. I'm 6'2" and 200lbs so leg room is already an issue even with the factory seats. The S2000 seats look nice though.

[jnshk]

Yeah, I have worn a small hole where my wallet rubs when I get in and out of the car. I'm swapping them out soon for NA seats. My main concern with the Forzas is the fact that it's a metal tube for the frame, and my head rests right on that tube. I figure that wouldn't be too safe in an accident...

After installing my Elise seat, I noticed an indention developing in the seat from my wallet. I have since altered my behavior and now I always keep my wallet in my front pocket.

[stormin'norman]

Yeah, I have worn a small hole where my wallet rubs when I get in and out of the car. I'm swapping them out soon for NA seats. My main concern with the Forzas is the fact that it's a metal tube for the frame, and my head rests right on that tube. I figure that wouldn't be too safe in an accident...

Tube frame seats scare me as well. Even if they are certified.

[morr]

^I'm glad I'm not the only one. I recently traded seats (plus cash) with blu92. I need to re-pad my rollbar, and the plan is to have these seats reupholstered in red leather. To keep things slightly on topic... (The carpet isn't secured, because I need to take it out again soon to work on the rest of the interior)

http://www.tumblr.com/photo/1280/notbobbysworld/18339958367/1/tumblr_m00t7x0zGL1qltxkw

[f86sabjf]

After installing my Elise seat, I noticed an indention developing in the seat from my wallet. I have since altered my behavior and now I always keep my wallet in my front pocket.

just so you guys know . This is coming from someone who drove big rigs for a while. The drving with the wallet in you back pockets is really bad for your back. Please take it from someone who has suffered from this

[Caoboy]

I too, have SPG.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/6899544677_22194eec19_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6899542897_77413d4b92_b.jpg

[JTninja]

NRG FRP bucket. Bolted ontop on the stock rails, can slide a little bit. Got it used so its a bit worn and faded, rubs with doorcard, but feels great.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/92692dude/IMGP1545.jpg

[Jace]

period specific seats > all else

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6885872064_ce3ba6f044_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67664456@N06/6885872064/)
DSC_0226 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67664456@N06/6885872064/) by Jace B. (http://www.flickr.com/people/67664456@N06/), on Flickr

[BlueMotorsport]

Hey guys i'm a pretty big guy, and i've been looking at seats to replace the old NB leathers, What company do you guys reccomend for a bigger person?

[WASABI]

Hey guys i'm a pretty big guy, and i've been looking at seats to replace the old NB leathers, What company do you guys reccomend for a bigger person?

Stats? The reason I ask, is because I would like to know some options as well. I have sat in a few race seats, and all of them are made for petite per-pubesent boys, with no upper body mass. :blaugh2:

I am 6 foot, 230 (working my way down to 210), with fairly broad shoulders. :fab: However, I am married. What can I fit into?

http://www.fagerquist.com/miata/jim 2.jpg
-Jim

[BlueMotorsport]

i'm 6 foot as well, but have a heavy drop in at 275 i'm working my ass off trying to get to 230 lol but it's a slow way down to the goal

[Blackbird]

I have fitted a customer race miata with a Sparco Evo 2 plus before, lowered and centered with the steering wheel.
The driver was a 250-260 Lbs. guy and the seat was a good fit for him.
The downside is that the amount of work to get it done properly was enormous, driving the cost of installation up... not for the faint of heart.

Moti

[BlueMotorsport]

I have fitted a customer race miata with a Sparco Evo 2 plus before, lowered and centered with the steering wheel.
The driver was a 250-260 Lbs. guy and the seat was a good fit for him.
The downside is that the amount of work to get it done properly was enormous, driving the cost of installation up... not for the faint of heart.

Moti
so the sparco evo 2 would be something to look at then? Thank you for the input

[wannafbody]

The 16 inch Ultrashield Rally Sport fits me at 5' 11" and 200#

[nubskillz]

period specific seats > all else

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6885872064_ce3ba6f044_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67664456@N06/6885872064/)
DSC_0226 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67664456@N06/6885872064/) by Jace B. (http://www.flickr.com/people/67664456@N06/), on Flickr

How does one acquire a pair of these?

[Grumpy]

so the sparco evo 2 would be something to look at then? Thank you for the input

From what Moti said, not unless you have money to throw at it. I'm guessing it required cutting into the transmission tunnel, rewelding in a new piece, to have the seat centered and what not.

[ebruner]

6-2" - 190# I went with a pair of Cobra Suzuka's for my car (which moti is currently installing so no pics). I fit into the seat moderately well. The side bolsters are tight (as they should be in a seat like this) and my shoulders feel like they are about 1/2" too broad but it's not noticeable after 5 minutes in the seat. From what I gather the suzuka isn't the easiest seat to fit into the miata but it's also not the worst. I think the Cobra Imola would have also been a good fit driver wise and also similarly for the car.

I'll post pictures of the seat setup in about 2 weeks when I've got the car back.

[BlueMotorsport]

From what Moti said, not unless you have money to throw at it. I'm guessing it required cutting into the transmission tunnel, rewelding in a new piece, to have the seat centered and what not.

awh that sucks. i'll have to go and get measurements then and see what seat will hold my huge behind. of course loosing more weight is always an option as well. Maybe a bit of both

[bzr]

Terrible old picture, but these are the Corbeau Classics I have in my car. They sit about the same height as stock but are wayyy more aggressively bolstered:

http://i.imgur.com/KV5tu.jpg

[D L M]

Terrible old picture, but these are the Corbeau Classics I have in my car. They sit about the same height as stock but are wayyy more aggressively bolstered:

http://i.imgur.com/KV5tu.jpg


How do you like these seats? I can't decide whether to go with these or redo my factory seats with nakamae seat covers. I really like the retro/vintage look.

[bzr]

How do you like these seats? I can't decide whether to go with these or redo my factory seats with nakamae seat covers. I really like the retro/vintage look.

They feel friggin' awesome. The vinyl is kinda cheap, but what can you do. They're surprisingly supportive and—if you have the hips—are supremely comfortable for long trips like the sort I've taken with them. The Corbeau seat brackets don't fit very well, and with the seat sliders it rides kinda high. But they're still comfy and did I mention, super awesome looking?

[D L M]

They feel friggin' awesome. The vinyl is kinda cheap, but what can you do. They're surprisingly supportive and—if you have the hips—are supremely comfortable for long trips like the sort I've taken with them. The Corbeau seat brackets don't fit very well, and with the seat sliders it rides kinda high. But they're still comfy and did I mention, super awesome looking?

Haha they do look great. Earlier in my search for seats I was looking at Corbeau gt4's from England but after calling a seller in GB I found that the shipping for the seats would cost almost as much as the seats themselves! I think I'd have to sit in one of these before pulling the trigger on buying a set of them. Again, they do look great!

[Bryan]

Terrible old picture, but these are the Corbeau Classics I have in my car. They sit about the same height as stock but are wayyy more aggressively bolsteredHow do they work with the stock seat belts?

[fitftw]

I love those Corbeau Classics. See them at car shows in old Cobras and the like...

I'm probably going to go with the new Marrad seat from Goodwin. It'll be the easiest seat to install, and it looks fantastic. Wish I could sit in it first.

http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Part/61-1084.html

[morr]

I love the look of the Classics, I just wish they had a deeper 'back' like their Clubman (http://www.diseno-art.com/images_3/Corbeau_Clubman.jpg) so it would support the upper body a bit more.

[Bryan]

I'm probably going to go with the new Marrad seat from Goodwin. It'll be the easiest seat to install, and it looks fantastic. Wish I could sit in it first.

http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Part/61-1084.htmlHadn't heard about those. Wonder how they work with 3pt's.

[94R]

Hadn't heard about those. Wonder how they work with 3pt's.

These seats are made specifically for the miata by Arizen Racing. The production models should have a sub belt opening. Here's a link to their website for more info on the seat.

http://www.arizenracingsports.com/Miata.htm

[Bryan]

These seats are made specifically for the miata by Arizen Racing. The production models should have a sub belt opening. Here's a link to their website for more info on the seat.

http://www.arizenracingsports.com/Miata.htm

OOOOOOOOOH...I was wondering how the seats came out! He hadn't updated the thread on Club Roadster in awhile.

[nubskillz]

not to be a downer, but those are a lot of money. Way more than I'm willing to drop for anything that's not super legit like a RaceTech.
Are these even FIA approved? 700 a seat for a non-FIA seat is ridiculous.

[Bryan]

not to be a downer, but those are a lot of money. Way more than I'm willing to drop for anything that's not super legit like a RaceTech.
Are these even FIA approved? 700 a seat for a non-FIA seat is ridiculous.
:lol:

Here we go again (this question was beat to death in the original CRn thread about the seats).

Truth is, FIA certification is very expensive. Large companies like Sparco, Cobra, etc. can afford to do it. However, a small shop that basically makes seats to fit (like Arizen) can't do that. So, no.

[nubskillz]

I understand. Its nice to have a set of tailored miata specific seats, I just think the pricepoint is a little high, that's all.

[fitftw]

I just ordered Nagisa rails and they'll arrive in 4-5 weeks.

I think I'm going to order a Bride VIOS III or maybe 2 replicas to save a ton of cash.

I'm 6'0 190lbs 34" waist. Starting a health diet right now actually. I'm sure the seat will motivate my ass to stay away from delicious food.

[Blackbird]

From what Moti said, not unless you have money to throw at it. I'm guessing it required cutting into the transmission tunnel, rewelding in a new piece, to have the seat centered and what not.
Correct.
The installation costs more than the seat.
Most people have hard time understanding what's the big deal with the installation over the internet but have no problem at all understanding it once they see it and experience it in real life.

For someone that uses the car for racing and NEEDS that size of a seat as low as possible to pass broomstick test and properly centered with the steering wheel, this is a good option.
If it's just for fun and games only you know what its worth for you.

6-2" - 190# I went with a pair of Cobra Suzuka's for my car (which moti is currently installing so no pics). I fit into the seat moderately well. The side bolsters are tight (as they should be in a seat like this) and my shoulders feel like they are about 1/2" too broad but it's not noticeable after 5 minutes in the seat. From what I gather the suzuka isn't the easiest seat to fit into the miata but it's also not the worst. I think the Cobra Imola would have also been a good fit driver wise and also similarly for the car.

I'll post pictures of the seat setup in about 2 weeks when I've got the car back.
The Suzuka is a much better fit for a guy your size than the Imola, the harness slots in the Imola are too low for your height.
You generally want a racing seat to arc your shoulders a bit when you're in it with your hands on the steering wheel.

Moti

[corkscrew]

more fake brides

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d29/abc123jason/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1140.jpg

[fitftw]

yo I found a deal for 2 fake Bride VIOS III's for $400 shipped. Brand new. Should I do it, or keep saving for 2 legit seats? What's the difference besides the fake ones not being made in Japan? Is it more uncomfortable?

[Bryan]

You know what you're going to do.

[fitftw]

yeah but if my lower back is going to pay for it by cheaping out, I'd rather get the legit Brides. $400 shipped for a pair though is just phenomenal. I bet the build quality of the legit seat is miles ahead of the fake...but damn...

Sigh...maybe I'll buy 1 fake Bride for the passenger, and a real one for me :)

[HellaRareYellow]

they aren't any less comfortable. They are the same exact mold used on the real brides. The materials are just different.

[Cxmoney]

I had a set of the $400 brides in my 97, and i loved them. Fake or not, they are still seats and they are still comfortable as shit.

[Cxmoney]

Not to mention they bolt straight to the factory rails, so $400 for a pair of seats total is a good deal to me, better than buyings seats and specific brackets.

[fitftw]

Oh. I already bought Nagisa seat rails with intentions of buying a VIOS III. Can I still use those rails with the fake Brides?

[HellaRareYellow]

I have Memory Fab Super Low-Down rails with my vios iii. So I imagine those would work too.

[fitftw]

is yours a legit VIOS or a fake? Just wondering, if it's real why did you choose real? 2 fakes are cheaper than 1 real. I've never bought knockoffs or cheap stuff before, so I'm a little weary about doing it.

Nagisa rails are the same as Memory Fab rails, just a different name.

[HellaRareYellow]

They are the knockoff JDM Bride. Technically they are real.... but that arguement has been beaten to death time and time again.
FWIW, I bought the same ones you are looking at (Probably). 400 shipped to my door. I have had them for over a year now. Daily driven. I have never been in a more comfortable and supportive seat. They show some signs of wear, where my jean pocket buttons ride. The black is also showing some signs of fading. But not bad at all. I drove top down almost all summer. I figure if they make it through this summer, which I know they will, 400 for 2 years is a good deal.

Where my safety first ppl at? Lol. If I get in an accident rough enough to where my seat plays a role, I'm dead already. Lol.

[fitftw]

http://honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=3041725

That's where I'm looking at them. Gonna pull the trigger tomorrow. I prefer the black backside anyway. Regardless, I'd keep the passenger side seat, though I may upgrade the driver seat to a legit one someday.

[nubskillz]

So these fake brides bolt straight to the stock rails? I'm hearing this correctly?

[morr]

Idk about direct bolt on, but Phrenetik said he had his mounted to the stock rails.

[Cxmoney]

my fake brides came with the side mounts, and with those side mounts, it was a direct bolt on into my miata stock rails.

[morr]

Sick, good to hear!

[nubskillz]

this is exactly what i wanted to hear. whats the deal with belts? are you running a harness?

[fitftw]

The mounts the fake seats come with + your stock rails probably don't get the seat as low as with Memory Fab or similar rails. In fact, isn't it stock height, or even higher?

It's worth it for me to spend an extra $200 to get a few inches lower than stock. I'm tall and can't heel-toe at stock height.

[nubskillz]

Stock position is no problem for me, I'd just like the extra support of a bucket seat, and new seats in general.
Now the second order of affairs is how do you run the belts? I'm not against a harness but id rather not use it on the street if i didn't have to.

[HellaRareYellow]

6'2" here. Memery fab rails and removed the bottom cushions. Heel-toe is no problem. My knees are completely under the steering column.

[morr]

The NB seat rails have the belt receiver bolted to them. So once they're on the seats you'd have no problem. Don't the NA receivers bolt to the tranny tunnel?

[fitftw]

My 96 seatbelt receiver is attached to the seat as well as the trans tunnel. Have to unbolt it from the tunnel to remove the seat.

I plan to install 4pt camlock harnesses for daily driving. Sub belts for track. Really tired of the stock belt being a bitch with my rollbar and having to be hand-fed when I get out of the car. Going to remove the rollbar so I can remove the seatbelts completely.

[morr]

I feel like any rollbar messes up the stock seatbelts. Even with the included "helper" brackets mine don't retract on their own.