Seats - for infrequent track use

[wmhjr]

I'm doing some work to the Pontiac to try and get the open car ready for some track time. I will never be the performer that many here have since it's a heavy vert, but it should still make for some enjoyment.

I'm building a removable rollover protection system that so far seems to comply with NASA and SCCA requirements for HPDE - though obviously not for wheel to wheel. That's not what this is about.

Currently I have the factory type GM stratobucket folding seats without headrest, which will obviously be a problem. I'll be solo, so I'd like to pick up a decent seat just for the events. For the kind of use I'm talking about, does anyone have any opinion about http://www.summitracing.com/parts/JZP-100-150-01/ ? I know it's not a Kirkey containment seat. I also know that there are other limitations. I'm not looking for the "best" here. I'm just looking to stay safe for HPDEs such as Motor State, RTTH, etc.

I'd appreciate any feedback.

[6spdcamaro]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Proca...#ht_3241wt_802

Procars eBay page has quite a few seats at good prices. They're a little more expensive than the summit ones, but they look much better imo. Plus they may be comfortable enough to use on the street.

[wmhjr]

Thanks Ken, that's not a bad idea - though I won't be using them on the street. The car has a very different look and for other than track use, a high back seat will look kind of goofy. One of the downsides of a 66 GTO vert - the friggin car is as long as a freight train and some things just look out of place. For the track, no problem.

The seats you mention say they're for "off-road" - is there any critical difference that would make them less suitable for entry level infrequent road/autox use?

[6spdcamaro]

As far as I know, they would be fine for autocross, but I would double check with procar before buying. It is probably just a liability thing, sort of like my roll bar that isn't certified for racing but they still say "not for street use".

In any case, here is a similar seat from procar without the "offroad only" clause, $130 from summit.
http://www.procarbyscat.com/Products_ProSports.asp

[Payton King]

I guess I am going to jump on all of your threads. Coming from someone that just got on a big track for the first time last year...safety enters you mind after about the 3rd corner. First corner if you are riding with Randy Bell. LOL Yea, its an HPDE but you will be running 125 mph down the straight and taking corners anywhere from 40 to 80. I would get a good seat and since you are not using it for daily driving, the Kirkey is pretty hard to beat. I would probably get one for the passenger side as well because you will probably end up with an instructor riding with you at some point. They are way more helpful than you can imagine. I spend a lot of time on the Corvette Forum under the general section, autocross and road race. Pic up lots of things that can be transfered to your car. At the top of that section is a Race Parts for Sale. takes a bit to page through because of all of the pictures, but you can get some good deals on seat, rims, etc. Here is a link to the last page and it has a few seats listed as well as some a few pages back. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...e-here-79.html You will have a blast doing the track days!

[wmhjr]

Payton, thanks for the advice. I've spent time on some "big tracks" so I get it. I also completely agree with the instructor being helpful. Learned that lesson some years ago in the BMWs. I showed up thinking I kind of knew what I was doing. Fortunately, that program started with instructor time. That instructor time paid off big time over the next few years. Thank god. I also appreciate the link and suggestion for the corvetteforum.

Not sure exactly what I'll be ending up with for now. I'm trying (not completely successfully) to control the budget and not go overboard right from the start. Over the past weekend I've spent time with a chassis guy who's going to help me build the removable cage, and with an SCCA/NASA tech inspector. It's possible that for this season I may go with just a single seat and go without the second one. Hard to say at this point, but I understand where you're coming from and can't say I don't agree.

[Payton King]

Arizen had some individual seats they were trying to get rid of at a great price. Look over to the right and click on their link and give them a call. I am sure they can hook you up if you do not want something as agressive as a Kirkey.

[wmhjr]

Payton, thanks. After a bunch of looking, thinking and talking I ended up trying out Arizen. Ended up very good.