[Z06] The Dark Side of the Corbeau A4
04-02-2011, 11:00 PM
#21
Safety Car
Member Since: Jan 2007
Location: The Great Truth: "There ain't no free lunch"
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Good presentation by the OP. His personal issues are stated with no degredation to the product or any other member's opinion. Need more of these as what one would consider of no consiquence another might consider a game changer. Personal opinion is, after all, personal opinion and that's what the Corvette is all about........
04-03-2011, 09:15 PM
#23
Advanced
I personally am not happy with my A4's either... They are too uncomfortable for me. I am 6'1'' 200 lbs and chest is 42 inches and shoulders are 49, also have a 35 inch waist. It's tight on me and starts to hurt after more than a 2 hour trip. So I imagine if your a really small guy then the seats should be perfect for you. I love to look of them and everything, but I am half tempted to put the stockers back in. I also enjoy long walks on the beaches and a good deep dish pizza LOL!
Last edited by SnakeaterZ28; 04-04-2011 at 08:38 PM.
04-03-2011, 10:57 PM
#26
Tech Contributor
The lever is not too bad to get to. I actually went to Home depot and got 2x Carabiner's like the one below. I took off the carabiner, and only used the strap. I put a key chain ring at both ends of the strap. I drilled a small hole in the end of the lever (~1/2" from the tip) and attached one of the key chain rings thru the hole. I now just reach down and put my finger thru the key chain ring at the end of the strap to lift up. I can't take credit for that idea, the guy I met locally did the same...
I got 2x black straps (not red)... 
I was just out cruising today and yesterday.... damm I love these seats.
I feel like i'm strapped into a cockpit. When i crank around a turn i'm completely kept upright. There is no fighting to stay composed in my seat (distracting me from driving hard). I can't imagine anyone who does not like being held in tight. But maybe I'm alone on that aspect. Who knows... 
I'm a 38" waist and I have to be careful not to get any bigger. I could see them being too tight I'f I don't keep my waist where I'm at now.
Toque
Last edited by Toque; 04-03-2011 at 11:03 PM.
04-04-2011, 10:57 AM
#29
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
No, not in the easy way that the stock seats do with that little latch behind the headrest. But I'm unaware of any other aftermarket seats that fit the C5 and maintain this functionality (although they may exist somewhere).
I think though, using the regular tilt lever, you can make the seat back tilt forward beyond the vertical position. Someone would have to verify this though.
I think though, using the regular tilt lever, you can make the seat back tilt forward beyond the vertical position. Someone would have to verify this though.
04-04-2011, 11:22 AM
#30
Melting Slicks
Originally Posted by Corvette Gods say
If( !(Waist > 36 || Waist > 38) || (Heigt > 72in))
{
return Stock Seat;
}
else
{
return Racing Seat
}
{
return Stock Seat;
}
else
{
return Racing Seat
}
06-29-2011, 01:33 AM
#31
Le Mans Master
I'm 6'2", 230lbs, 34-36" waist and the Corbeau A4's feel fine to me. I wish they were even heavier/beefier personally but they are definitely better stock in every way!
The things I hate about them is having to flip the seats L/R and R/L, whereby the tilt control lever on each seat is now sandwiched on the inside of the seats (against the seat belt assembly and tunnel). PITA to adjust!! Also, I have the lumbar option and the hose/pump lies precariously on the outside of each seat (has to be tucked away or it may fall out the door of the car, get damaged). Lastly, the seats move forward/back horribly) very hard to adjust and very little adjustments.
In the end, heck...they are race seats. Not perfect but again, much better than the stockers.
I got the leather and they look awesome and should last longer than microsuede.
For the price I paid, no "deal killler" complaints. Anything else available that is marginally better is also way more expensive.
Happy with my black leather A4's overall.
The things I hate about them is having to flip the seats L/R and R/L, whereby the tilt control lever on each seat is now sandwiched on the inside of the seats (against the seat belt assembly and tunnel). PITA to adjust!! Also, I have the lumbar option and the hose/pump lies precariously on the outside of each seat (has to be tucked away or it may fall out the door of the car, get damaged). Lastly, the seats move forward/back horribly) very hard to adjust and very little adjustments.
In the end, heck...they are race seats. Not perfect but again, much better than the stockers.
I got the leather and they look awesome and should last longer than microsuede.
For the price I paid, no "deal killler" complaints. Anything else available that is marginally better is also way more expensive.
Happy with my black leather A4's overall.
06-29-2011, 12:40 PM
#32
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
I'm 6'2", 230lbs, 34-36" waist and the Corbeau A4's feel fine to me. I wish they were even heavier/beefier personally but they are definitely better stock in every way!
The things I hate about them is having to flip the seats L/R and R/L, whereby the tilt control lever on each seat is now sandwiched on the inside of the seats (against the seat belt assembly and tunnel). PITA to adjust!! Also, I have the lumbar option and the hose/pump lies precariously on the outside of each seat (has to be tucked away or it may fall out the door of the car, get damaged). Lastly, the seats move forward/back horribly) very hard to adjust and very little adjustments.
In the end, heck...they are race seats. Not perfect but again, much better than the stockers.
I got the leather and they look awesome and should last longer than microsuede.
For the price I paid, no "deal killler" complaints. Anything else available that is marginally better is also way more expensive.
Happy with my black leather A4's overall.
The things I hate about them is having to flip the seats L/R and R/L, whereby the tilt control lever on each seat is now sandwiched on the inside of the seats (against the seat belt assembly and tunnel). PITA to adjust!! Also, I have the lumbar option and the hose/pump lies precariously on the outside of each seat (has to be tucked away or it may fall out the door of the car, get damaged). Lastly, the seats move forward/back horribly) very hard to adjust and very little adjustments.
In the end, heck...they are race seats. Not perfect but again, much better than the stockers.
I got the leather and they look awesome and should last longer than microsuede.
For the price I paid, no "deal killler" complaints. Anything else available that is marginally better is also way more expensive.
Happy with my black leather A4's overall.
The A4's really are NOT race seats. I too initially thought they were, but the instant I sat down in the Sparco Evo I realized that the A4 is merely a sporty street seat. I also hit the track for the first time this weekend and found myself desiring more of my A4's. Proper fixed-back race seats do a MUCH better job of keeping you glued down. Then again, maybe I'm just a bit too slender for them.
Second, there really are better seats available for a similar price. I dropped $1450 on my Corbeau A4's (black leather w/adjustable lumbar, brackets, and dual-locking sliders). There are plenty of options out there for south of $2k (Sparco, Recaro, and Cobra all have seats that are currently on my radar). I only wish I had known this sooner.
As always, no disrespect intended
06-29-2011, 01:06 PM
#33
Le Mans Master
I agree with mostly everything you said. Except...
The A4's really are NOT race seats. I too initially thought they were, but the instant I sat down in the Sparco Evo I realized that the A4 is merely a sporty street seat. I also hit the track for the first time this weekend and found myself desiring more of my A4's. Proper fixed-back race seats do a MUCH better job of keeping you glued down. Then again, maybe I'm just a bit too slender for them.
Second, there really are better seats available for a similar price. I dropped $1450 on my Corbeau A4's (black leather w/adjustable lumbar, brackets, and dual-locking sliders). There are plenty of options out there for south of $2k (Sparco, Recaro, and Cobra all have seats that are currently on my radar). I only wish I had known this sooner.
As always, no disrespect intended
The A4's really are NOT race seats. I too initially thought they were, but the instant I sat down in the Sparco Evo I realized that the A4 is merely a sporty street seat. I also hit the track for the first time this weekend and found myself desiring more of my A4's. Proper fixed-back race seats do a MUCH better job of keeping you glued down. Then again, maybe I'm just a bit too slender for them.
Second, there really are better seats available for a similar price. I dropped $1450 on my Corbeau A4's (black leather w/adjustable lumbar, brackets, and dual-locking sliders). There are plenty of options out there for south of $2k (Sparco, Recaro, and Cobra all have seats that are currently on my radar). I only wish I had known this sooner.
As always, no disrespect intended
Ok, so they are sport street seat...that will work at the occasional track day. Perfect for my needs. I paid $1400 installed w/tax (black leather w/adjustable lumbar, brackets, and dual-locking sliders), and sold my stock seats for $450 so I'm only into them for $950.
If I was able to find Sparco, Recaro or Cobra seats that fit in the C5 and came in true leather for south of $2k, I would have gone that route!! My not so exhaustive research told me otherwise however. I was told to expect nearly double the price.
Are there really options in those brands in leather for under $2k? If so, I'm going to call my shop that told me no and tell them that they suck.
06-29-2011, 01:11 PM
#34
Burning Brakes
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I agree with mostly everything you said. Except...
The A4's really are NOT race seats. I too initially thought they were, but the instant I sat down in the Sparco Evo I realized that the A4 is merely a sporty street seat. I also hit the track for the first time this weekend and found myself desiring more of my A4's. Proper fixed-back race seats do a MUCH better job of keeping you glued down. Then again, maybe I'm just a bit too slender for them.
Second, there really are better seats available for a similar price. I dropped $1450 on my Corbeau A4's (black leather w/adjustable lumbar, brackets, and dual-locking sliders). There are plenty of options out there for south of $2k (Sparco, Recaro, and Cobra all have seats that are currently on my radar). I only wish I had known this sooner.
As always, no disrespect intended
The A4's really are NOT race seats. I too initially thought they were, but the instant I sat down in the Sparco Evo I realized that the A4 is merely a sporty street seat. I also hit the track for the first time this weekend and found myself desiring more of my A4's. Proper fixed-back race seats do a MUCH better job of keeping you glued down. Then again, maybe I'm just a bit too slender for them.
Second, there really are better seats available for a similar price. I dropped $1450 on my Corbeau A4's (black leather w/adjustable lumbar, brackets, and dual-locking sliders). There are plenty of options out there for south of $2k (Sparco, Recaro, and Cobra all have seats that are currently on my radar). I only wish I had known this sooner.
As always, no disrespect intended
Note: Recaro Pole Position is the best bang for the buck in leather. They come in at about $1200 ea. Status Ring seats are only $950 shipped ea.
Last edited by Dan@Assaultech; 06-29-2011 at 01:27 PM.
06-29-2011, 01:59 PM
#35
Racer
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I'm glad I read this as I was strongly considering the A4's but I think I'm going to hold out for some Recaros. That adjustment **** location seems it would really bother me even at 1400 for the pair. Which non-fixed back Recaro models fit in the C5??
06-29-2011, 02:09 PM
#36
Burning Brakes
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EDIT: Didn't read correctly, you asked NON fixed back. I will check into it and let you know.
06-29-2011, 02:25 PM
#37
Le Mans Master
I think there is some slight modding to make them fit but the Recaro Pole Position comes in Black leather and will mount in a C5. Give me a call or shoot me a PM when you are ready to order seats. We do normally keep leather pole positions in stock (out until 8/1)
EDIT: Didn't read correctly, you asked NON fixed back. I will check into it and let you know.
EDIT: Didn't read correctly, you asked NON fixed back. I will check into it and let you know.
Last edited by MotoJB; 06-29-2011 at 02:28 PM.
06-29-2011, 03:22 PM
#39
Instructor
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Like I have said in other posts...
I LOVE the Sparco EVO Plus seats. I have them hard mounted to the floor. That being said I highly recommend sitting in the seats you are considering.
I LOVE the Sparco EVO Plus seats. I have them hard mounted to the floor. That being said I highly recommend sitting in the seats you are considering.
06-29-2011, 03:35 PM
#40
Le Mans Master