I was looking at seat optionf for next season and the Porsche buckets have a lot going for them like reclining, airbags, good looking, easy installation, etc.(that is once you get past sticker shock, off course):
http://www.suncoastparts.com/product...ode=9972s_seat

Although I was able to sit in them in a GT3RS, my problem is that I do not know anyone who has these seats in a 2009 Carrera S like mine. So far my bottom and shoulders fit fine but I am worrying about the helmet clearance in a car that has a sunroof.

So I was wondering if anyone could give me a feel for the head clearance in a similar car with this seat option...

I am 6'2", about 230 with a 38" waist. I currently have the manual sport seats and ride them in the lowest position. But because I like a fairly upright driving position, I already have very little clearance for the helmet at the track. Would the buckets be better or worse?

Otherwise, maybe I'll have to think about getting a smaller head?

Thanks,

T.

P.S.: The other option I am looking at is Sparco's. Would Sparco Evo2 or Evo2Plus be better for head clearance?

 

How could you fit in the sport buckets? I've sat in them and driven a car with them. They are TIGHT and I'm 5'10" 170. I had sport adaptives in my car and I wouldn't even get them next time around. I would definitely check out a Sparco or Recaro if I were you.

 

Recaro SPG XL

I had one in my 996TT for track days. Find a Recaro dealer in your area, and try it on. I am 5'6" 195 lbs with a 40 inch waist and the seat fit me perfectly with a little room to spare.

To install it you will also need brackets, sliders, and perhaps harness mounts. Check it all out at Northstar Motorsports, that's where I bought mine a few years ago.

Google this seat and see it yourself.

 

The problem with adding sliders and bases is that you keep using up head room. I've used sport buckets in my Cayman S and had plenty of room for my helmet. I'm 5'10" and 180 lb. with a long torso. I put a Sparco Evo II in my 09 Carrera S with side mounts, sliders and a Planted seat base. If I used the seat cushion I was very close on room for my helmet. Removing the cushion I had plenty of room. I didn't mind not having the cushion for the track but I did use it to drive to the track. I think a better solution for use on track would be side mounts bolted to the floor. However, I believe BK has a floor mount/side mount combo for the 996/997 series. The one I saw looked to be a good solution for maximizing head room. This does give up the slider.

tcouture - No luck on the suspension. The car is still sitting at the shop gathering dust.

 

Get a race seat made to fit you. Probably cost you $5K but you'll take your driving to the next level and be comfortable. I just don't know how that would look in the PCar. Maybe you can get a matching unit for the other side.

 

Forget the porsche bucket seats, they are not for you if you over 6' 200lbs. I have them and they perfect for me at 5'9 170lbs.
You may feel ok with you sit in them for a couple of minutes, but wont be comfortable about an hour later...

 

I'm 6'2, 220. Recently did a 5 hours stint from AZ to CA. No issues. Helmet clearance, however, may be a problem.

 

I did a 5 hour drive with sport buckets without issue. Women tend not to like them.

 

One important note for the OP. The seats you posted DO NOT recline. I am also looking at getting these seats and sat in two GT2 last week. I'm also a fat *** (actually, my *** is pretty skinny - it's the rest that's the problem LOL) 5'10" about 240. It's my incentive to lose some weight!

I brought my helmet and they are fine. As someone else said not sure how they'd be after a 4 hour drive though. The other option if helmet clearance is a problem is to remove the seat cushion. it's only held on by velcro. I did this with one of the cars I sat in and if i don't fit with my helmet and sunroof, I can do this.

If I get these seats my plan is to keep my A.S.S. and remove the GT2 seats after track season or if I know a long road trip is coming up. Switching them is not difficult.

 

I'm 6'4" 230 (32" waist tho ). In the spyder the bucket seats actually sat a bit lower than the reclinable sport seats. The only reason that I opted not to get the bucket seats was the actual getting in and out of the car. Not so much a problem with the top off, but with it on there was way too much contorting needed for it to be reasonable as a daily driver. That said, I still kind of want the buckets!

 

Jeez, you must be shaped like a triangle

 

Sorry, I wrote "reclining" when I meant "folding".

Thanks for all the feedback, looks like I am going to need a GT3RS for a couple of days to make sure .

T.

 

Hmm I will say it's going to be tight with a helmet they do sit a bit more upright than the buckets of old and factor in the sun roof?

 

I'm 6 foot, 220 and have a larger frame with wider hips. Went and sat in GT2 to test those seats out and It felt nice and snug. Have to try a bit to get out of the seat of course but that's the nature of the design I guess. I can definitely see how girls wouldn't like the seat.