| RoninSTI | 09-30-2004 11:19 PM |
STi Recaro Speed Review
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Well my car got backed into in parking lot and cost about 1800 for my dads shop to fix. The insurance check was for 2400, so i decided to spend the extra money on a Recaro Speed for my 04 STi.
I went with the black w/ blue stitching as seen here
[IMG]http://www.on-trackperformance.com/Speed_PvS_ZB.jpg[/IMG]
I was able to get the seat from PAR porsche in new york wholesale since my fathers shop has an account there.
I ordered the recaro height adjustable sliders and brackets from on-trackperformance.com. They were super nice and easy to deal with. It turns out the brackets they sold me were wedge engineering brackets, which I have read nightmarish posts about. I was kind of disgruntled but went ahead with the install anyways.
I installed the sliders onto the seat which was pretty straightforward, then bolted the bracket to the sliders. Due to the design of the brackets, They had to be bolted to the sliders in the heighest position.
Removal of the stock seat was easy, 4 bolts and 2 electrical clips. New seat went in without a hitch, no dremels no hammers it lined up perfectly. Maybe wedge redesigned?
Driving the car is a completely new experience. The slightly lower seating position is great, I dont feel like i'm driving a mini van anymore. The support is perfect for my frame, 6' 165 lbs. You can feel the cornering loads much better now and I feel more connected to the road, no more flopping around and supporting myself in awkard positions to keep from sliding around.
I must say that this is THE best mod I have done so far, it has made driving the STi 10 times the wonderful experience that it already was.
Now its time for the harness bar and a harness, cant wait to autocross this weekend!!
Sorry this was so wordy, just felt like sharing my experience
Recaro you get 3 bananas :banana: :banana: :banana:
I went with the black w/ blue stitching as seen here
[IMG]http://www.on-trackperformance.com/Speed_PvS_ZB.jpg[/IMG]
I was able to get the seat from PAR porsche in new york wholesale since my fathers shop has an account there.
I ordered the recaro height adjustable sliders and brackets from on-trackperformance.com. They were super nice and easy to deal with. It turns out the brackets they sold me were wedge engineering brackets, which I have read nightmarish posts about. I was kind of disgruntled but went ahead with the install anyways.
I installed the sliders onto the seat which was pretty straightforward, then bolted the bracket to the sliders. Due to the design of the brackets, They had to be bolted to the sliders in the heighest position.
Removal of the stock seat was easy, 4 bolts and 2 electrical clips. New seat went in without a hitch, no dremels no hammers it lined up perfectly. Maybe wedge redesigned?
Driving the car is a completely new experience. The slightly lower seating position is great, I dont feel like i'm driving a mini van anymore. The support is perfect for my frame, 6' 165 lbs. You can feel the cornering loads much better now and I feel more connected to the road, no more flopping around and supporting myself in awkard positions to keep from sliding around.
I must say that this is THE best mod I have done so far, it has made driving the STi 10 times the wonderful experience that it already was.
Now its time for the harness bar and a harness, cant wait to autocross this weekend!!
Sorry this was so wordy, just felt like sharing my experience
Recaro you get 3 bananas :banana: :banana: :banana:
| ColinL | 10-01-2004 12:29 AM |
that looks remarkably like a stock Evo seat, just upholstered a bit different.
I definitely noted that they are narrower than the stock STi seats, and I am your size exactly.
I definitely noted that they are narrower than the stock STi seats, and I am your size exactly.
| V6TurboTA | 10-01-2004 12:38 AM |
price?
~v6
~v6
| driggity | 10-01-2004 01:05 AM |
~$600 would probably be the normal retail price but it would depend on fabric options and if you got the 4 or 5 point harness version. Plus brackets and whatnot.
| ColinL | 10-01-2004 01:13 AM |
in case you haven't seen them, which I can't imagine being that you have an STi, the Evo ones are black with blue center seating areas. they are four point of course. they tend to go for $500-800 plus shipping for a pair on evom.net from what I've seen.
they are so narrow that if you are wide or you have wide passengers in there often, you will quickly stretch the material and possibly pull it free from the bolsters. this is common with stock evo seats too, and the solution is usually sparco evo2's or some other 'plus sized' seat. :)
they are so narrow that if you are wide or you have wide passengers in there often, you will quickly stretch the material and possibly pull it free from the bolsters. this is common with stock evo seats too, and the solution is usually sparco evo2's or some other 'plus sized' seat. :)
| RoninSTI | 10-01-2004 01:29 AM |
The stock evo seats are recaro sports, about the same upper support as the speed but the thigh bolsters are much smaller. A larger frame would fit nicely in the sports. I think the sports look better than the Speeds, but I wanted the support.
The seat with brackets and sliders cost me about 550 for one.
The seat with brackets and sliders cost me about 550 for one.
| cnk | 10-01-2004 01:41 AM |
That's a great review. I was actually planning on ordering 2 for my WRX in a few days. Best price I can get is around $640 for a seat/sliders/bracket shipped. Not bad I guess since I don't have any connections as you did. So even with the height adjustable brackets, you can't go any lower then the highest setting? How much lower would you say it is over stock?
Calvin
Calvin
| RoninSTI | 10-01-2004 02:26 AM |
Did you try on-trackperformance.com for prices? They're almost wholesale since their speeds are on sale.
You could go lower in the back, but it may put you at a tilt, which could be good or bad depending on your driving style. The front definitely has to go at highest setting unless you want to do some serious modification.
I will measure how much lower tomorrow, and take some pics. I think that its at least an inch or 2 lower as I have alot more headroom, but I can still see over the scoop just fine.
You could go lower in the back, but it may put you at a tilt, which could be good or bad depending on your driving style. The front definitely has to go at highest setting unless you want to do some serious modification.
I will measure how much lower tomorrow, and take some pics. I think that its at least an inch or 2 lower as I have alot more headroom, but I can still see over the scoop just fine.
| cnk | 10-01-2004 09:20 AM |
That sounds great. . .thanks for getting the pics and taking some measurements. I have been in contact with on-trackperformance.com and the lowest they offered is $500 per seat. I was able to find them for $450 per seat from speedwaremotorsports.com so it's just a matter of placing the order, but I wanted to find out how much lower everything is as I have an amp under my seat and a CD changer under the other seat.
Calvin
Calvin
| Sperm | 10-01-2004 10:19 AM |
Damn, I'm jealous. :alien:
I've been coveting some Recaros lately.
Those are really nice. How close is the blue stitiching to our WRB?
I've been coveting some Recaros lately.
Those are really nice. How close is the blue stitiching to our WRB?
| RoninSTI | 10-01-2004 10:57 AM |
I'm not sure how close it is ro WRB, but its pretty damn close to the blue on the interior of the STi. I'm sure these would look incredible in a WRB car. I'm going out now to measure and take pics.
| Sperm | 10-01-2004 11:06 AM |
[QUOTE=RoninSTI]I'm not sure how close it is ro WRB, but its pretty damn close to the blue on the interior of the STi. I'm sure these would look incredible in a WRB car. I'm going out now to measure and take pics.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, that'd be real cool. :cool:
These WILL eventually wind up in my WRB WRX. Just not anytime soon, as I am poor. :(
Yeah, that'd be real cool. :cool:
These WILL eventually wind up in my WRB WRX. Just not anytime soon, as I am poor. :(
| Butt Dyno | 10-01-2004 04:37 PM |
[QUOTE=RoninSTI]Now its time for the harness bar and a harness, cant wait to autocross this weekend!![/QUOTE]IBDontUseAHarnessWithoutARollbar
| Sperm | 10-01-2004 04:46 PM |
[QUOTE=ButtDyno]IBDontUseAHarnessWithoutARollbar[/QUOTE]
OK, I'll bite.
Why not? :confused:
OK, I'll bite.
Why not? :confused:
| Scav1180 | 10-01-2004 04:55 PM |
[IMG]http://www.mustangmods.com/data/338/106_0695.jpg[/IMG]
Here are mines.. got them for free! :D
man do they feel better than the stock sti seats.
Here are mines.. got them for free! :D
man do they feel better than the stock sti seats.
| ColinL | 10-01-2004 04:55 PM |
because unlike a 3pt factory belt your upper body cannot move out of the way in the event of massive roof intrusion when belted in to a 4/5/6 point harness. in a bad rollover it could be the difference between dead and alive.
| Brett555 | 10-04-2004 09:18 AM |
[QUOTE=ButtDyno]IBDontUseAHarnessWithoutARollbar[/QUOTE]
For autocross? Why not? Just about everybody uses a harness for autocross. :confused:
Brett at SoloRacer.com
[URL=http://www.soloracer.com/]http://www.soloracer.com/[/URL]
For autocross? Why not? Just about everybody uses a harness for autocross. :confused:
Brett at SoloRacer.com
[URL=http://www.soloracer.com/]http://www.soloracer.com/[/URL]
| Butt Dyno | 10-04-2004 09:55 AM |
[[email�protected]]For autocross? Why not? Just about everybody uses a harness for autocross. :confused:
Brett at SoloRacer.com
[URL=http://www.soloracer.com/]http://www.soloracer.com/[/URL][/QUOTE]I use one for autox (and when I get really lazy, I wear it home) - the Schroth Autocontrol, DOT approved and all that. Stiff suspension and street tires, I figure I would have a pretty freaking difficult time rolling the car at an autocross. I'm just saying that the thread starter should be aware of the "issue" ColinL summarized. From there they can make their own searches/decisions :)
john
Brett at SoloRacer.com
[URL=http://www.soloracer.com/]http://www.soloracer.com/[/URL][/QUOTE]I use one for autox (and when I get really lazy, I wear it home) - the Schroth Autocontrol, DOT approved and all that. Stiff suspension and street tires, I figure I would have a pretty freaking difficult time rolling the car at an autocross. I'm just saying that the thread starter should be aware of the "issue" ColinL summarized. From there they can make their own searches/decisions :)
john
| RoninSTI | 10-04-2004 11:46 AM |
Please do not turn this thread into a harness rollbar discussion, there are plenty of of threads dedicated to the highly debated subject. I appreciate the concern however.
I will only use the harnesses for AUTOCROSS ONLY. I do not intend or plan to use anything but the stock 3 point on the street. With that said...
Here are some crap pics of the seat in the car and pictures of the clearance underneathe for cnk. Comparing to the stock seat it looks like its the same if not more clearance with the exception of the 2 bars that stretch across from the seat brackets.
[IMG]http://www.kacework.com/cjc_pics/rec/rec1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.kacework.com/cjc_pics/rec/rec2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.kacework.com/cjc_pics/rec/rec3.jpg[/IMG]
I will only use the harnesses for AUTOCROSS ONLY. I do not intend or plan to use anything but the stock 3 point on the street. With that said...
Here are some crap pics of the seat in the car and pictures of the clearance underneathe for cnk. Comparing to the stock seat it looks like its the same if not more clearance with the exception of the 2 bars that stretch across from the seat brackets.
[IMG]http://www.kacework.com/cjc_pics/rec/rec1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.kacework.com/cjc_pics/rec/rec2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.kacework.com/cjc_pics/rec/rec3.jpg[/IMG]
| Scav1180 | 10-04-2004 11:56 AM |
nice. :)
| cnk | 10-04-2004 12:04 PM |
Great pics. . thanks for taking the time to take them. I'm going to place my order today. :)
Calvin
Calvin
| jblaine | 10-04-2004 01:31 PM |
FWIW, these are the "Recaro SRD" renamed "Speed" with some very subtle changes between models (like fabric options, etc).
I just drove 1700 miles in my SRDs (have had them for a year). I luuuurrrve them.
I just drove 1700 miles in my SRDs (have had them for a year). I luuuurrrve them.
| bemani | 10-04-2004 02:59 PM |
[QUOTE=RoninSTI]New seat went in without a hitch, no dremels no hammers it lined up perfectly. Maybe wedge redesigned?
[/QUOTE]
I think every single one they put out is a redesign :p They REALLY have horrible quality and tolerance control.
My driver side (with Recaro Speed!) went it w/o problem, but passenger side needed a completely new hole to be drilled.
[/QUOTE]
I think every single one they put out is a redesign :p They REALLY have horrible quality and tolerance control.
My driver side (with Recaro Speed!) went it w/o problem, but passenger side needed a completely new hole to be drilled.
| RoninSTI | 10-04-2004 03:26 PM |
[QUOTE=bemani]I think every single one they put out is a redesign :p They REALLY have horrible quality and tolerance control.
My driver side (with Recaro Speed!) went it w/o problem, but passenger side needed a completely new hole to be drilled.[/QUOTE]
Sorry to hear that, i'll be leary for my passenger side.
My driver side (with Recaro Speed!) went it w/o problem, but passenger side needed a completely new hole to be drilled.[/QUOTE]
Sorry to hear that, i'll be leary for my passenger side.
| RA29 | 10-04-2004 07:44 PM |
The Recaro Speeds are almost the same version used in the Japanese Honda Integra Type R cars. The Japanese seats have a slightly different design and slightly narrower than the Recaro Speeds and come with alcantara trim.
The seats are awesome!!
Highly recommend the seats but they dont come with side airbags.
The seats are awesome!!
Highly recommend the seats but they dont come with side airbags.
| z3coupe | 10-05-2004 01:18 AM |
I had those very samje CR*P brackets with my Cobra Daytona in my old WRX. Those seat brackets are horrible. If you notice, just how safe can those be in case of a hard frontal impact (or side impact as well)? The flanges are only a tiny bit of metal with 3 large holes drilled into them, nothing like the firmness of the stock seat brackets! I liked the Cobra Daytona seat a lot (I'm kinda of a big guy too), but hated those weak brackets. Sure wish someone would have made bolt-on rails that would work with the stock parts!!!!!
Now, has anyone seen these seats at [URL=http://www.kingofimports.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=43&idproduct=2]KingofImports[/URL]? They are called the STi Recaro. Wonder if they would be comfortable for someone 6' 240lbs? Anyone even have these?
Now, has anyone seen these seats at [URL=http://www.kingofimports.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=43&idproduct=2]KingofImports[/URL]? They are called the STi Recaro. Wonder if they would be comfortable for someone 6' 240lbs? Anyone even have these?
| 2superblus | 10-05-2004 09:29 AM |
I've got the recaros in my car also, with sparco flat brackets which drop your seating position about 3+ inches. As for the harness bar issueses, I have one and use the 4 points all the time if for some reason I was to roll my car I think i'll be fine considering all the wrx's I've seen wrecked only 1 was completly sol.
| JustAnotherGuy | 10-05-2004 10:38 AM |
:eek: :eek:
Very interesting. I own an '05 Black STi myself and actually just ordered the exact same seats (Speed w/ Blue stitching). I was a little worried about how the fitment would be in the car (shoulder bolsters knocking b-pillar) but it looks like that's a non-issue from your pics. Mine should be here sometime next week.
:banana:
Very interesting. I own an '05 Black STi myself and actually just ordered the exact same seats (Speed w/ Blue stitching). I was a little worried about how the fitment would be in the car (shoulder bolsters knocking b-pillar) but it looks like that's a non-issue from your pics. Mine should be here sometime next week.
:banana:
| JustAnotherGuy | 10-05-2004 10:46 AM |
[QUOTE=z3coupe]...Those seat brackets are horrible. If you notice, just how safe can those be in case of a hard frontal impact (or side impact as well)? The flanges are only a tiny bit of metal with 3 large holes drilled into them, nothing like the firmness of the stock seat brackets![/QUOTE]
Yup, just looked at the posted pic and they don't exactly instill a sense of safety in me. Should an accident occur I'd seriously be worried about the shear-strength of those flimsy little brackets. Sadly, the brackets I ordered for my car are the same as posted above. Depending upon how they look in person some welded supports might be needed.
:( :(
Yup, just looked at the posted pic and they don't exactly instill a sense of safety in me. Should an accident occur I'd seriously be worried about the shear-strength of those flimsy little brackets. Sadly, the brackets I ordered for my car are the same as posted above. Depending upon how they look in person some welded supports might be needed.
:( :(
| cnk | 10-05-2004 10:55 AM |
I was concerned about the brackets as well, but after speaking with Mark Wilson from recaro-seats.com, aka On-track Performance, I feel much better. I thought they were flimsy, but Mark assured me they were very robust and more then suitable as he uses them for racing as well. I'll see for myself when I get my seats at the end of the week. :)
Calvin
Calvin
| WRC_Obsessed | 10-05-2004 11:24 AM |
I have the same seats. I bought my STi used with the seat already installed. I freakin love them.
| ColinL | 10-05-2004 11:36 AM |
[QUOTE=z3coupe]I had those very samje CR*P brackets with my Cobra Daytona in my old WRX. Those seat brackets are horrible. If you notice, just how safe can those be in case of a hard frontal impact (or side impact as well)? The flanges are only a tiny bit of metal with 3 large holes drilled into them, nothing like the firmness of the stock seat brackets! I liked the Cobra Daytona seat a lot (I'm kinda of a big guy too), but hated those weak brackets. Sure wish someone would have made bolt-on rails that would work with the stock parts!!!!!
Now, has anyone seen these seats at [URL=http://www.kingofimports.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=43&idproduct=2]KingofImports[/URL]? They are called the STi Recaro. Wonder if they would be comfortable for someone 6' 240lbs? Anyone even have these?[/QUOTE]
at 6' 240lb don't even dream of this seat. get a sparco evo2 or something similarly constructed.
I mean no offense but this seat's shell is not built for your body type.
Now, has anyone seen these seats at [URL=http://www.kingofimports.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=43&idproduct=2]KingofImports[/URL]? They are called the STi Recaro. Wonder if they would be comfortable for someone 6' 240lbs? Anyone even have these?[/QUOTE]
at 6' 240lb don't even dream of this seat. get a sparco evo2 or something similarly constructed.
I mean no offense but this seat's shell is not built for your body type.
| JustAnotherGuy | 10-05-2004 11:53 AM |
[QUOTE=ColinL]at 6' 240lb don't even dream of this seat. get a sparco evo2 or something similarly constructed.
I mean no offense but this seat's shell is not built for your body type.[/QUOTE]
I think it all depends where your weight is. I'm 6'2" and 190lbs w/ a 36" waist, work out a bit, and am able to sit comforably in the JDM Speed seats that come bundled with the newer Integra Type-R's.
I mean no offense but this seat's shell is not built for your body type.[/QUOTE]
I think it all depends where your weight is. I'm 6'2" and 190lbs w/ a 36" waist, work out a bit, and am able to sit comforably in the JDM Speed seats that come bundled with the newer Integra Type-R's.
| RoninSTI | 10-05-2004 04:03 PM |
The flimsyness you guys are speaking of is not from the wedge brackets, its from the recaro height adjustable brackets, just to clarify.
| z3coupe | 10-06-2004 12:03 AM |
[QUOTE=ColinL]at 6' 240lb don't even dream of this seat. get a sparco evo2 or something similarly constructed.
I mean no offense but this seat's shell is not built for your body type.[/QUOTE] No offense taken. But I am not a blob hehehehe. Its pretty much distributed. So I can fit ok in most seats. But I will say that the Cobra Daytona was the best fit for me so far. But the entire seat is blue, and does not match well with the STi interrior. So I was hoping that those STi Recaro seats would maybe work. But then too, I was hoping that someone else had better brackets (ok, the ones that go imediately under the seat attached to the rails) than the ones I was complaining about. Well, there is always that Cobra Missano R that is only 20lbs and reclines
:D
I mean no offense but this seat's shell is not built for your body type.[/QUOTE] No offense taken. But I am not a blob hehehehe. Its pretty much distributed. So I can fit ok in most seats. But I will say that the Cobra Daytona was the best fit for me so far. But the entire seat is blue, and does not match well with the STi interrior. So I was hoping that those STi Recaro seats would maybe work. But then too, I was hoping that someone else had better brackets (ok, the ones that go imediately under the seat attached to the rails) than the ones I was complaining about. Well, there is always that Cobra Missano R that is only 20lbs and reclines
:D
| RoninSTI | 10-06-2004 01:59 AM |
I would imagine that the recaro STi seats that you are referring to are made for the japanese market hence have a narrower shell. There is someone on imprezawrxsti.com that has those exact seats, you may want to contact him. kingofimports would probably know as well.
.:Ronin
.:Ronin
| atc5 | 10-31-2004 10:04 PM |
what resistor value did you use to get rid of the airbag light?
Also, what did you do for a daily driving seatbelt?
Also, what did you do for a daily driving seatbelt?
| Arnie | 10-31-2004 11:02 PM |
A word of warning to you short folk out there, I'm about 5'7" and the back of my head hits squarely onto the seat belt harness holes. That plastic is HARD! I wouldn't dream of using this seat without a helmet. Ouch. Definitely get sit down in one before you blow the dough!
| Fubaru | 10-31-2004 11:49 PM |
How much weight difference from stock
| paperchasin | 11-01-2004 12:14 AM |
[QUOTE=atc5]what resistor value did you use to get rid of the airbag light??[/QUOTE]
I'd like to know this as well...
I'd like to know this as well...
| 1984 | 11-01-2004 12:53 AM |
adamrs has those STi Recaro's and he's got a thread in the members car gallery: [URL=http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=656715]Thread Here[/URL] Apparently the seats are Subaru specific with the seat brackets actually a part of the seat. I still love the Recaro Speeds though. By far my favorite seat and it looks great in your car RoninSTi.
| RoninSTI | 11-01-2004 03:42 PM |
I'll have to look into the resistor value as I did not do it yet. As soon as my pass. seat comes in I will be able to do a weight difference.
I use the stock seat belts for daily driving, the wedge bracket has accomodations for the stock belt receiver.
I use the stock seat belts for daily driving, the wedge bracket has accomodations for the stock belt receiver.
| cnk | 11-01-2004 05:02 PM |
Resistor value is 3.0 Ohm 1W.
As for weight difference, after lifting both seats, I would think that the Recaro's are lighter, but not sure by how much.
Calvin
As for weight difference, after lifting both seats, I would think that the Recaro's are lighter, but not sure by how much.
Calvin
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