How supportive are the seats?

[Scott Farmer]

I'm looking at several cars to replace my BMW 330i. I'm an avid track day/autocross enthusiast, so naturally the Z06 is on my list. I haven't actually *sat* in a Z06, but the pictures I've seen of the interior worry me. The seats don't look terribly supportive, but pictures can be deceiving. What's the concensus on the seats?

(Ordinarily, I'd be content to switch them out, but I want to leave the car legal for stock Solo II class)

[Jofu]

Not sure if it is a full consensus but...

It seems seat support is indeed one of the shortcomings of the Z06... So you'd have to take the route many racers have taken, and go with seats like Corbeau or whatever brand...

But I wouldn't know what it does for SoloII!

Hope this helps at all!


Geoff

[Focker]

I'll tell it like it is...

They SUCK!

[DKTZ06]

They suck ... a lot. The leather doesn't help either. And if you're a leather treatment type, then they really don't support. If you plan on not clinging to the steering wheel, invest in either a torso strap (go here: http://www.racerwholesale.com/Mercha...ode=Restraints) -OR- a harness with the stock-legal B-pillar harness bar. I use the torso strap and it works fine for auto-x. It's not that great for DE/TT events ... but it's better than just the belt.

-Don

[Backlash]

As you read above, they suck. However, for DE events a five or six point harness hooked up to a harness bar works quite well.

I had originally thought I would switch out the driver's seat, but as I have broken in the seat (ie the bottom cushion now has some give to it), I actually fit better. Being 6'4" and 235 lbs, with a helmet on this works very well. So for now, I'm going to keep it the way it is.

[Scott Farmer]

So a 5-6 point harness bolts up nicely between a rollbar/harness bar and the stock seats? Great! Would anyone have any safety concerns regarding this setup? If I end up getting a Z06, I'll probably go as far as to get a roll-bar installed.

[quickZ]

The Z06 seats were designed to be very light, which they are. The regular Corvette seats are heavier but have a space to pass through belts and offer better support. I do not have any problem with the seats generally, but if you really want to be bolted in, you will need a harness bar and a harness, or go the poor man's route and get a torso strap. A roll bar is not a bad idea, of course, and should be safer. The frame does feature a strong "hoop" running in the roof just above the seat backs.

Don't let the seats put you off; you'll love the Z06--trust me.

[JBsZ06]

I like the CTS V series seats better than the Z06 seats...

I'd go aftermarket if you're looking for a better seat.

If you cinch up the belts in the Z its not too bad..

[Arnoldir]

Hello Scott,

I'm assuming that your Z has stock seats without the hole below the headrest. My 02 also did not have the hole.

With this seat type, it is recommended that you have the shoulder harnesses fitted with a "sternum strap" which is an extra buckle above the adjusters that keeps the harness from sliding off your shoulders.

I know Simpson can do harnesses with this setup, don't know about others.

[tlaselva]

[quote=JBsZ06]I like the CTS V series seats better than the Z06 seats...QUOTE]

Hummm.....

Wonder if the CTS-V seats fit in our Z's.....

[DJWorm]

With the Stiock seats in SCCA SS AutoX:
1. Harness Bar: either Brey Krause or Hardbar
2. Brey Krause or Hardbar lap belt kit/bar
3. You MUST use a 6 point harness with the stock seats:
- Clip IN Simpson with the Brey Krause or
- Team Tech with the Hardbar set up
4. If you are over 6'0" you don't need a Sternum strap
5. You may use a Roll Bar but this adds weight and raises the CG

[sleepless]

As others have said, the stock seats SUCK. I've installed Sparco "Roadster" seats which are a nice "compromise" seat in that they are not full race seats so they are easy to get in and out of; yet they still provide excellent support. I also have an Autopower rollbar with a 5 point harness. Works great and is suitable for daily driving.