One for the taller VX220 drivers

[BeefMaster9000]

Gents,

I've been lusting after a VX220 / S2 elise for a while now & finally got the point where I can actually treat myself to one, only to find that I don't really fit.

I'm 6ft3" and can physically contort myself enough to get over the sills and behind the wheel - head room was actually better than expected, but there was some pretty severe knee to steering wheel interference.

I think this would make going from throttle -> brake pedal interesting, particularly in those panic moments when some fool pulls out into your path at 7mph.

So I was wondering how the taller drivers get on with the VX's ergonomics and what if anything can be done to improve the situation?

My initial thought was to ditch the stock wheel and fit a dished after market job to lift the wheel rim up and away from my knees.

To see if this might work, could someone tell me approx dimensions of the original wheel (diameter and approx dish from steering boss to rim)?

Thanks!

[insanojackson]

I am only 5'11 but i find theres plenty room once you get in. In my other cars i usually have the seats right back, but in the vx i have it a few notches forward.

[jbudgie]

I recently bought a VXT from a lad who was about 6-3. He had no probs driving it.

I am 5-9 and if I push the seat right back I can't even reach the pedals.

[LY99]

Have a post on VX220.org.uk, there are loads of owners your size (and taller). Post up your location and someone might be able to pop round for you to have a try.

[drgoatboy]

I'm 6ft5 and fitted in, including plenty of spritied driving!
On mine there was a stopper on the seat rail that actually stopped the seat going back to its final notch which added an inch or 2.
I shortened the gearstick (chopped the top off and fitted an aftermarket momo gearknob) which gave loads more room to move my left knee about (and I think improved the gearchange)
I also purchased some sparco racing boots (yes you look like a pillock)if you are wearing proper trainers or shoes with heels the thin soles on racing boots can actually make a fair bit of difference!

Also don't forget the wheel is actually mounted off centre so although its tight in the straight ahead position as soon as its turned you end up with more space...

[darronwall]

six three and a bit of a fatty but have no problem at all

[Defcon5]

On a smilar note, what is it like for those of us who are verticall challenged? Im 5'5, would the seat adjust up/forwards eough for me do you reckon?

[TankRizzo]

Defcon5 said:

On a smilar note, what is it like for those of us who are verticall challenged? Im 5'5, would the seat adjust up/forwards eough for me do you reckon?

I'm 5'8", and the seat has plenty of forward adjustment left for me so you should be fine.

[Defcon5]

Does it go up as well?

[vxsmithers]

no up, its really not needed, but you can get stupidly close to the pedals/wheel if needs be

[cstrachan]

Defcon5 said:

On a smilar note, what is it like for those of us who are verticall challenged? Im 5'5, would the seat adjust up/forwards eough for me do you reckon?

The better half is 5'2" and I am 6' and we both can drive the 220 with no issues. The seat has a great driving position and no sore rears after hours of driving unlike any S1 I tried.

[Steve Maund]

6'4",
I have the VXR which has different seats, also I have a harness bar, this lost about 2 inches till I had it adjusted, then it went the whole way back, also changed the standard steering wheel for a Momo with a flat bottom, it made
steering easier by not knocking my knees.......
Steve

[BeefMaster9000]

cheers for the replies... ended up buying a turbo and day to day it is fine (as you all suggested!)

only minor issue is a bit of gear knob - knee - steering wheel interference when changing into 5th but I can live with that.

[Defcon5]

Lets have a pic or two then

[drgoatboy]

BeefMaster9000 said:

cheers for the replies... ended up buying a turbo and day to day it is fine (as you all suggested!)

only minor issue is a bit of gear knob - knee - steering wheel interference when changing into 5th but I can live with that.

The gearstick is silly long in a vx with a huge knob (snigger...)
I seriously suggest you invest in a momo gearknob which can be made to sit much lower and even think about chopping off some of the threaded section that holds the orginal knob on, it will help your 5th gear problems no end!