[Z06] The Dark Side of the Corbeau A4
03-31-2011, 12:00 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
The Dark Side of the Corbeau A4
There are several lengthy threads praising the Corbeau A4. In the interest of full disclosure, I wanted to collect all of its shortcomings in a single thread so prospective buyers can get the full story. I'm only doing this to help out fellow forum members, so don't feel like I'm attacking you personally if you own and love the A4. I’ve had them in my car for several months now and I do genuinely enjoy them, as they provide infinitely more lateral support than the stock seats. However, had I known all the facts beforehand I probably would have saved a little more money and splurged on nicer seats.
So here’s the list of shortcomings in my opinion:
1) The seat bottoms are not tilted back far enough. This has been well documented; it can be partially mitigated with the use of many washers.
2) They’re a very tight fit. This has also been documented. You have to flip the driver and passenger seats just so they’ll fit, and the seat back tilt levers are hard to reach. Furthermore, once installed, they’re not easy to slide on the rails because a bolt rubs on the interior plastic trim near the seat belt assembly.
3) Heavier than stock - this one really surprised me. Not only are they heavier than the passenger seat, but they’re also heavier than the driver seat with its motors and electronic controls.
4) Not for the broad-shouldered. This isn’t really a shortcoming, more of a disclaimer, as no one seat can be comfortable for all body sizes. My sport coat is a 40 Reg, and I measure 46” around the shoulders. If you’re much larger than this, definitely sit in the A4 before buying it.
5) Rails don’t allow the seat to move far enough forward. This must have just been a miscalculation by Corbeau or whomever produces their seat brackets. My seat is in the furthest forward position, and I still wish there was one more notch. The stock seats allowed plenty of leeway in this department. I’m 5’ 9” tall, and my legs measure 34” from my hip bone to the bottom of my heel. If you’re any smaller, definitely drive a Vette with A4’s before buying them.
6) Seat belt latches are in a bad position. Instead of fastening to the seat, they fasten to the seat bracket. This means that as you slide your seat forward or back, the seat belt latch remains stationary. If you keep your seat in the far forward position it’s not too bad, although still far from optimal. If you slide your seat toward the back, it feels downright unsafe. Because of this poor latch positioning, the metal “male” connector of both my seat belts are now bent.
So there you have it – the full story on the A4. Again, I do enjoy my seats and probably won't replace them anytime soon, but I do see myself upgrading to something more expensive at some point in the future.
So here’s the list of shortcomings in my opinion:
1) The seat bottoms are not tilted back far enough. This has been well documented; it can be partially mitigated with the use of many washers.
2) They’re a very tight fit. This has also been documented. You have to flip the driver and passenger seats just so they’ll fit, and the seat back tilt levers are hard to reach. Furthermore, once installed, they’re not easy to slide on the rails because a bolt rubs on the interior plastic trim near the seat belt assembly.
3) Heavier than stock - this one really surprised me. Not only are they heavier than the passenger seat, but they’re also heavier than the driver seat with its motors and electronic controls.
4) Not for the broad-shouldered. This isn’t really a shortcoming, more of a disclaimer, as no one seat can be comfortable for all body sizes. My sport coat is a 40 Reg, and I measure 46” around the shoulders. If you’re much larger than this, definitely sit in the A4 before buying it.
5) Rails don’t allow the seat to move far enough forward. This must have just been a miscalculation by Corbeau or whomever produces their seat brackets. My seat is in the furthest forward position, and I still wish there was one more notch. The stock seats allowed plenty of leeway in this department. I’m 5’ 9” tall, and my legs measure 34” from my hip bone to the bottom of my heel. If you’re any smaller, definitely drive a Vette with A4’s before buying them.
6) Seat belt latches are in a bad position. Instead of fastening to the seat, they fasten to the seat bracket. This means that as you slide your seat forward or back, the seat belt latch remains stationary. If you keep your seat in the far forward position it’s not too bad, although still far from optimal. If you slide your seat toward the back, it feels downright unsafe. Because of this poor latch positioning, the metal “male” connector of both my seat belts are now bent.
So there you have it – the full story on the A4. Again, I do enjoy my seats and probably won't replace them anytime soon, but I do see myself upgrading to something more expensive at some point in the future.
03-31-2011, 01:16 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
5) Rails don’t allow the seat to move far enough forward. This must have just been a miscalculation by Corbeau or whomever produces their seat brackets. My seat is in the furthest forward position, and I still wish there was one more notch. The stock seats allowed plenty of leeway in this department. I’m 5’ 9” tall, and my legs measure 34” from my hip bone to the bottom of my heel. If you’re any smaller, definitely drive a Vette with A4’s before buying them.
03-31-2011, 01:59 PM
#3
Melting Slicks
Good to hear another side of it, I've been thinking about getting them for quite some time. I'm not sure I will now. I didn't think they were heavier than the stock seats. Not being able to tilt back, and the belt latch position is a bit of a concern also.
03-31-2011, 02:47 PM
#4
Tech Contributor
I'm not so sure about the heavier part.
My back told me that when I pulled out my stock drivers seat and installed my A4+Corbeau brackets they were lighter for sure.
They might have a few shortcomings, but no where near the shortcomings as the stock GM seats.
The stock seats belong in a Chevette... not a Corvette...
I would buy my Corbeau A4 seats again in a second !
Toque
My back told me that when I pulled out my stock drivers seat and installed my A4+Corbeau brackets they were lighter for sure.
They might have a few shortcomings, but no where near the shortcomings as the stock GM seats.
The stock seats belong in a Chevette... not a Corvette...
I would buy my Corbeau A4 seats again in a second !
Toque
Last edited by Toque; 03-31-2011 at 02:50 PM.
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Tusc (07-22-2022)
03-31-2011, 04:51 PM
#5
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Toque, I had a feeling you'd re-voice your support for the A4
My back told me the opposite, and I found this odd, so I double-checked by lifting one after the other and repeating a couple times (both were sitting on my living room floor at this point). I came to the conclusion that the A4 was definitely heavier than my passenger seat, and comparable in weight to my driver seat, although still a tad heavier.
If I remove them to mod the seatbelt latches or replace them altogether then I'll try to weigh them and post some actual numbers.
No arguments there 
If I remove them to mod the seatbelt latches or replace them altogether then I'll try to weigh them and post some actual numbers.
03-31-2011, 05:01 PM
#6
Tech Contributor
Don't get me wrong... I'm not trying to counter what points you bring up. I agree with what your saying. I just think that there are a hell of a lot LESS flaws in having the A4's in your car compared to the Stock seats.
I would like to see some actual scale measurements on the seats compared to stock. I still have a hard time believing they are heavier.
I think its a good idea to let everyone know the Pros and Cons to any mod on our cars.
Shall we make a list of flaws of the stock GM seats ?
Toque
I would like to see some actual scale measurements on the seats compared to stock. I still have a hard time believing they are heavier.
I think its a good idea to let everyone know the Pros and Cons to any mod on our cars.
Shall we make a list of flaws of the stock GM seats ?
Toque
03-31-2011, 06:18 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
It turns out they're quite comfortable for watching tv or reading. Mine are currently serving as bookends to my living room sofa, and I received nothing but compliments when the guys came over to watch March Madness
...I just wouldn't ever want to drive with them in anything other than a straight line
...I just wouldn't ever want to drive with them in anything other than a straight line
03-31-2011, 07:46 PM
#8
Tech Contributor
It turns out they're quite comfortable for watching tv or reading. Mine are currently serving as bookends to my living room sofa, and I received nothing but compliments when the guys came over to watch March Madness
...I just wouldn't ever want to drive with them in anything other than a straight line
...I just wouldn't ever want to drive with them in anything other than a straight line
Toque
03-31-2011, 08:45 PM
#10
Tech Contributor
03-31-2011, 08:59 PM
#12
Tech Contributor
03-31-2011, 09:10 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
I agree with this one. I wish that I could move the seat forward one more notch.
5) Rails don’t allow the seat to move far enough forward. This must have just been a miscalculation by Corbeau or whomever produces their seat brackets. My seat is in the furthest forward position, and I still wish there was one more notch. The stock seats allowed plenty of leeway in this department. I’m 5’ 9” tall, and my legs measure 34” from my hip bone to the bottom of my heel. If you’re any smaller, definitely drive a Vette with A4’s before buying them.
03-31-2011, 09:25 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
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03-31-2011, 11:03 PM
#16
Race Director
What does flipping the passenger and driver seat do? Put the seat adjustments on the inside?
EDIT: Just saw the pic, so assume the handles are near the center console.
Rick
EDIT: Just saw the pic, so assume the handles are near the center console.
Rick
Last edited by C5Longhorn; 03-31-2011 at 11:05 PM.
04-01-2011, 01:11 AM
#17
Le Mans Master
Despite the negatives posted about the A4's, you also have to consider the value per dollar. I tried on some Recaros that I believe would also fit. The leather Corbeau looks more luxurious than the Recaro Sports and the price is considerably less. On the other hand, the Recaro felt really nice sitting in it the first time. Both are certainly superior to the stock seats.
04-01-2011, 01:44 AM
#18
Le Mans Master
Not for everyone but I like my Arizen RS2 fixed back seats (similar to the Sparco roadsters). I had considered the A4's but the ones I have sat in I personally didnt like the "feel" of them and they seemed bulky. But I am not saying they are a bad seat my any means.
04-01-2011, 10:37 PM
#20
Instructor
Glad someone finally posted this. I just went to a Sparco Evo to replace the Corbeau A4. A4 = medieval torture device. I gave it away just to get it away from me.