Question regarding tub style seat with limited travel

[vaderoni]

I have been reading up on some suspension vs. tub seat threads; the conclusion I have found is that the tub seats are safer, FIA approved (more often that suspension seats), and hold the occupant better. However, most of these threads are from the point of view of TT's and other race vehicles with large travel numbers. With a limited travel vehicle, such as a 1600, 9, 11, etc. are they as good? It seems that the smaller cars deal with more bumps, and a suspension seat helps accommodate the hits. With a tub style seat (even with foam such as UPR's) it seems that you would feel the hits stronger, and would eventually fatigue you more than a suspension seat. I want to be safe, and it seems that an FIA approved tub seat is the way to go, but I also worry about the comfort (when not crashing) over the long hours of a desert race with this type of seat.

Any input is greatly appreciated. :)

[DP Racing]

tub seats HURT! atleast in out 1600 car. suspension seats made a huge difference.

[HardCharger81]

My question has been since this debate started is how do the rally guys do it? They don't have much travel, and they all use Sparco's or something similar. I'm still on the fence with all this. I'd like to have a tub seat to give myself some head room, but the thought of my butt on fiberglass with only a thin cushion doesn't sound good either.

[Ryan_P]

My question has been since this debate started is how do the rally guys do it? They don't have much travel, and they all use Sparco's or something similar. I'm still on the fence with all this. I'd like to have a tub seat to give myself some head room, but the thought of my butt on fiberglass with only a thin cushion doesn't sound good either.

Rally cars aren't going over 3 foot holes at 75mph.

[Bantle]

And they arent sitting in them for hours on end.

[vaderoni]

Thanks DP. I might just look for some used Beards, PRPs, or Mastercrafts.

Ryan_P; that's pretty much what I was thinking.
And they may be sitting in them for hours on end, but haven't you ever been on a road trip? OEM seats are fine with the type of roads rally cars drive.

[baldeagle]

We have a set of Sparco Evo 2's in our 12 car. You are right that when you initially sit in them they are not as soft as a suspension seat. When the green flag drops you forget about the small cushin under your butt. Because these seats do not flex as much as a suspension seat your belts stay tighter and you do not bounce in the seat. My longest stint in the car was 200 miles at the Mint this year and I got out of the car feeling less sore and fatigued than I have been racing in other cars. I also feel like my body stays in place better over the ruff stuff becasue of the support the seat gives you and that you are not always trying to tighten your belts. These seats are expensive, but I would not build another race car without them.

[Zambo]

UPR makes a seat insert for the tub seats that adds enough cushion to make it more comfortable but doesn't sack out like a suspension seat. You can get a simple cushion insert that is about two inches thick and goes under or over the bottom stock cushion for about $60 I think, or they can make an entire replacement bottom cushion that is molded to the seat in fits your backside like white on rice. Those are about &200 I think. They also make the full chingone insert that covers the bottom and goes up the back of the tub and is custom molded to your body. I have no idea how much those are.

We just use the flat UPR cushions under our stock cushion in our Cobra seats. We have a stock full truck with 10" of travel up front and the seats work great.

[HardCharger81]

I'm sure this has been asked before, has anyone used or tryed a Kirkey seat? I know they're common in sprint cars, and during my research on all this, I've got a guy that tells me they can make a Kirkey seat thats safer, and will fit me. ( I'm 6'4" 240lbs )

I'm going to check the guy out tomorrow, and sit in a few things he's got rigged up for me to try.