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I'm new to this board and to Z06 ownership but have appreciated the information posted here. I'm just getting acclimated to my new Z06, but have come to the clear conclusion that the seats are woefully inadequate for the car. Not only do they provide minimal lateral support, but they are soft and flimsy, leading to lower back pain and general lack of comfort for any amount of extended driving.
I want to replace the seat with a performance oriented seat (i.e. MOMO, Sparco, Recaro, etc). I have two questions that I was hoping I can get help with:
1) has anyone done this modification, and if so what did you go with and what can you share about your experience?
2) Does anyone have the seat dimensions that can be supported inside a Z06? I noticed that aftermarket seats come in all different sizes and I didn't know what the Z06 can accomodate.
Due to the width of the car, you are limited in which Sparco seats will fit. The EVO, EVO2, and Pro 2000 will fit. Sparco does not make rails but Hardbar.net does. Rik Johnson put the EVO's in his car and has a very good article on it at his website: http://www.2phast.com/sparco.htm
Last week I asked the same question about replacement seats. The rub with aftermarket seats comes from the extremely narrow width of space available, only about 19.5". I checked with a number of importers for Sparco, Corba, Corbeau and Racaro. The bottom line runs that if you have more than a 36" waist and wide shoulders you'll find them a tight fit. Most replacement seats that fit have a fixed back without adjustments. The Corbeau A4 has adjustments, but it's small. Prices vary and Toystore.com (or something close) had a good price. I am taking another tact. I have talked to an auto upholstery shop and they will rework the original seats. They recommended an added lumbar support and reinforcing the foam in the front of the seat bottom. He will also reenforce the bolsters on the sides and seat. Cost will be about $200 per seat. Currently I'm using a movable piece of foam to check where the lumbar support should be. Next week I'll take the car in for the full treatment. Will let you know after that.
I have the Sparco pro 2000 in my Z06 for track events, but use the stock seat for everyday driving. For daily use, you will get real tired of climbing in and out of any of the competition seats really fast. Also, with the competition seats, you will not have the stock seat belt receptacle which means strapping up to your 5 or 6 point harness everytime you go anywhere.
The other alternative is recaro sport seats which have good support, but not as difficult to get in and out of the car. I have them in my BMW and they keep you in the seat much better than our stock seats.
What about the Sport seats used in the C5 coupes and converts? I know they have more adjustments, its just that they are heavier. I do agree with you though, the Sport seats in my 92 are much more comfortable and better looking, humm, maybe thats it!! They are red.
In the long and agonizing wait for my car, I've been researching various mods etc.
Went to Carvaggio to see for myself what he could do. His custom seats are an order of magnitude better than the stock. Can get ,em in virtually any finish you want. Sat in a black suede and leather combo and man it was sweet.
,Course so is the price.