Sparco Sprint V

[OzGuvnor]

Hi there,
I am in Melbourne. Revolution Racegear dont stock Sparco seats anymore.
I haven't sat in one before and I'd like to do so before purchasing the Sprint V's/
Anyone know where there is one in a show room?
Otherwise I'll gladly shout anyone in the CBD a coffee in exchange for sitting in yr car for 2 mins!

Cheers,
OzGuvnor.

[narita]

The mx5 shop in kensington sells them but when I went in they didnt have any stock held.

Could be worth a shot to call them and ask.

[StuwieP]

Oz,

it might also be worth checking out some other seats while you're at it. as is oft repeated, what suits one person doesn't necessarily (but might) suit another.

I went for some fibreglass seats (Sparco Revs) instead of the steel frame. They -moulded fibreglass, not the specific seat - have a repuation for being more comfy. I can sit in them for hours on a drive and am still ok (I have a cycling-induced lower back "issue", and if I sit for long periods I often end up with a serious ache at the least, so that says something) but it could just be the case they suit me.

Also worth considering - are you the only driver / are all your mx's drivers the same height? If not, go the sprint so you can use the original rails. If you are, side mount seats (no more sliders unless you want to sit really, really high) are an option.

You're welcome to check mine out if you'd like. send me a PM. eastern suburbs, not too far from the city.

Cheers
Stu

[narita]

Stu,

How is the fitment of the seat you have in your car?

Also what are you using rail wise, modified oem?

[StuwieP]

I'd call it "OK" - the bottom of the seats on both sides are about 5cm from the floorpan. Steel flat bar bent to fit the original points, sparco mounts bolted to them, then the seat. Not what I'd call 'ideal' and I'm thinking about getting some sort of custom mount built to get them right down to the floor, so I can fit my door bars and be safer/more secure in the event something does go wrong (they don't move at all ont he road, can't move them by forcefully shaking but that's hardly the same as simulating a big stack, even if it is sufficient for ADR requirements (something like 20x the seat's own weight - 140kg moment).

When I tried rails>mounts>seat I ended up higher than OEM and given I'm basically the only driver, that was ok to remove. Can still be adjusted, just not quickly.

On the driver's side the seat hits the trans. tunnel and the wing touches (but doesn't dent) the door trim, faily well centred on the steering wheel (which doesn't always happen). But all of that is down to the specific location of my seat. the further back you go, the further inboard you can place the seat. I'm 178cm tall.

Passenger side, the mounts are in a different location so the seat is further outboard and there's a permanent dent in the trim. turns out seat wing fibreglass > 24 yr old door trim plastic.

Cheers
Stu

[tomli123001]

I was in a similar shoes of buying seats. I was lucky enough to sit in a MX5 plus race car to try it out.
My comments are:

- nice fabric finish in bad ass black
- designed for around size 34 hips. Jason at MX5 plus said it is wider than Bride and other common seats. So, if you are bigger than 35, it will be tight.
- The shoulder area does feel a bit funny when you sit and lean back. However, when you are driving and holding onto the steering wheel, your shoulder is touching that uncomfy area.
- if buying new, PLEASE get the protector for the side from Mania. It is painful to see new seat wearing out in just 2 months.

I hope this helps. If you drive long cruising distance, I do not recommend getting the sparco. Not much padding compared to factory and might cause sores in the tight hip area.

Just my 2 cents. I am fairly bulky in hips and leg areas from Mountain biking. It could be no problem to you. I am getting mine from MX5 plus. 2 seats around $1200 installed and Mod plated. Compared to Mania 1350 without any Mod plates, I think it is a better deal. That is I am local in Brisbane.

[tomli123001]

I'd call it "OK" - the bottom of the seats on both sides are about 5cm from the floorpan. Steel flat bar bent to fit the original points, sparco mounts bolted to them, then the seat. Not what I'd call 'ideal' and I'm thinking about getting some sort of custom mount built to get them right down to the floor, so I can fit my door bars and be safer/more secure in the event something does go wrong (they don't move at all ont he road, can't move them by forcefully shaking but that's hardly the same as simulating a big stack, even if it is sufficient for ADR requirements (something like 20x the seat's own weight - 140kg moment).

When I tried rails>mounts>seat I ended up higher than OEM and given I'm basically the only driver, that was ok to remove. Can still be adjusted, just not quickly.

On the driver's side the seat hits the trans. tunnel and the wing touches (but doesn't dent) the door trim, faily well centred on the steering wheel (which doesn't always happen). But all of that is down to the specific location of my seat. the further back you go, the further inboard you can place the seat. I'm 178cm tall.

Passenger side, the mounts are in a different location so the seat is further outboard and there's a permanent dent in the trim. turns out seat wing fibreglass > 24 yr old door trim plastic.

Cheers
Stu

Driver side is easy. It bolts into existing rails with some drilling. Pasenger side has wider rails. Common way is to bolt one side into rails and use a bracket for the other side. MX5 plus can supply u this bracket piece.

[StuwieP]

^ just for reference I was speaking of the Sparco Rev which is side-mount only. Was aware that the Sprint is pretty easy to attach, which I expect is why its so common (plus not so expensive I suppose)

[narita]

i have just installed my sprint v so if anyone in melbourne wants to try before they buy pm me.