997GT3 Bucket Seats - again!
Discussion
Having done a few thousand miles in the old bus now here are a few more thoughts on the seats - for what they're worth.
As most know, the buckets are not the same as the prev. generation GT3 or GT2 seats. They are in fact very similar to the CGT ones.
I find them extremely comfortable and supportive. I'm 6'1" and slim and all my friends of a similar build agree. One even thinks they are more comfy than his standard (997GT3) ones. However, a number of short arse friends - under 6' - find the seats quite uncomfortable. The main problem seems to be that for people who are shorter in the body the seats push their shoulders forward uncomfortably. Similarly if you're lanky and have the seat set back a fair way getting in and out is a piece of cake. Much more difficult if you need to cuddle up to the wheel. If you're a bit of a chubster don't even think about going for them. I would v. strongly advise trying them before speccing - the difference in comfort, or lack of it, is huge depending on you size and shape. Finally, I thought I would miss heated seats but, perhaps due to the fabric, and being so enclosed, the buckets seem to have there own warmth. Bit hot on a summers track day may be but that seems a long way off at the mo.I'm having a change from EVO and my car's going to be in GTPurely Porsche each month so I hope you'll enjoy following it - if only to have a laugh at the rubbish wot i rite.
As most know, the buckets are not the same as the prev. generation GT3 or GT2 seats. They are in fact very similar to the CGT ones.
I find them extremely comfortable and supportive. I'm 6'1" and slim and all my friends of a similar build agree. One even thinks they are more comfy than his standard (997GT3) ones. However, a number of short arse friends - under 6' - find the seats quite uncomfortable. The main problem seems to be that for people who are shorter in the body the seats push their shoulders forward uncomfortably. Similarly if you're lanky and have the seat set back a fair way getting in and out is a piece of cake. Much more difficult if you need to cuddle up to the wheel. If you're a bit of a chubster don't even think about going for them. I would v. strongly advise trying them before speccing - the difference in comfort, or lack of it, is huge depending on you size and shape. Finally, I thought I would miss heated seats but, perhaps due to the fabric, and being so enclosed, the buckets seem to have there own warmth. Bit hot on a summers track day may be but that seems a long way off at the mo.I'm having a change from EVO and my car's going to be in GTPurely Porsche each month so I hope you'll enjoy following it - if only to have a laugh at the rubbish wot i rite.
Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 19th December 10:24
Are your buckets Nomex, like 996GT3 buckets? They don't get as cold as leather and much better for holding in place too.
Must admit though, I've had a few cars with heated seats and never used the facility once. Bit of unnecessary technology IMO, when all seats heat up quickly once you're sat in it.
Must admit though, I've had a few cars with heated seats and never used the facility once. Bit of unnecessary technology IMO, when all seats heat up quickly once you're sat in it.
Pugsey said:
Having done a few thousand miles in the old bus now here are a few more thoughts on the seats - for what they're worth.
As most know, the buckets are not the same as the prev. generation GT3 or GT2 seats. They are in fact very similar to the CGT ones.
I find them extremely comfortable and supportive. I'm 6'1" and slim and all my friends of a similar build agree. One even thinks they are more comfy than his standard (997GT3) ones. However, a number of short arse friends - under 6' - find the seats quite uncomfortable. The main problem seems to be that for people who are shorter in the body the seats push their shoulders forward uncomfortably. Similarly if you're lanky and have the seat set back a fair way getting in and out is a piece of cake. Much more difficult if you need to cuddle up to the wheel. If you're a bit of a chubster don't even think about going for them. I would v. strongly advise trying them before speccing - the difference in comfort, or lack of it, is huge depending on you size and shape. Finally, I thought I would miss heated seats but, perhaps due to the fabric, and being so enclosed, the buckets seem to have there own warmth. Bit hot on a summers track day may be but that seems a long way off at the mo.I'm having a change from EVO and my car's going to be in GTPurely Porsche each month so I hope you'll enjoy following it - if only to have a laugh at the rubbish wot i rite.
As most know, the buckets are not the same as the prev. generation GT3 or GT2 seats. They are in fact very similar to the CGT ones.
I find them extremely comfortable and supportive. I'm 6'1" and slim and all my friends of a similar build agree. One even thinks they are more comfy than his standard (997GT3) ones. However, a number of short arse friends - under 6' - find the seats quite uncomfortable. The main problem seems to be that for people who are shorter in the body the seats push their shoulders forward uncomfortably. Similarly if you're lanky and have the seat set back a fair way getting in and out is a piece of cake. Much more difficult if you need to cuddle up to the wheel. If you're a bit of a chubster don't even think about going for them. I would v. strongly advise trying them before speccing - the difference in comfort, or lack of it, is huge depending on you size and shape. Finally, I thought I would miss heated seats but, perhaps due to the fabric, and being so enclosed, the buckets seem to have there own warmth. Bit hot on a summers track day may be but that seems a long way off at the mo.I'm having a change from EVO and my car's going to be in GTPurely Porsche each month so I hope you'll enjoy following it - if only to have a laugh at the rubbish wot i rite.
You seem to be saying that the seats work very well for perhaps 10% of the driving population, and badly for the marginal 90%.
That sounds about right, and is eloquent testimony to their poor design.
flemke said:
Pugsey said:
Having done a few thousand miles in the old bus now here are a few more thoughts on the seats - for what they're worth.
As most know, the buckets are not the same as the prev. generation GT3 or GT2 seats. They are in fact very similar to the CGT ones.
I find them extremely comfortable and supportive. I'm 6'1" and slim and all my friends of a similar build agree. One even thinks they are more comfy than his standard (997GT3) ones. However, a number of short arse friends - under 6' - find the seats quite uncomfortable. The main problem seems to be that for people who are shorter in the body the seats push their shoulders forward uncomfortably. Similarly if you're lanky and have the seat set back a fair way getting in and out is a piece of cake. Much more difficult if you need to cuddle up to the wheel. If you're a bit of a chubster don't even think about going for them. I would v. strongly advise trying them before speccing - the difference in comfort, or lack of it, is huge depending on you size and shape. Finally, I thought I would miss heated seats but, perhaps due to the fabric, and being so enclosed, the buckets seem to have there own warmth. Bit hot on a summers track day may be but that seems a long way off at the mo.I'm having a change from EVO and my car's going to be in GTPurely Porsche each month so I hope you'll enjoy following it - if only to have a laugh at the rubbish wot i rite.
As most know, the buckets are not the same as the prev. generation GT3 or GT2 seats. They are in fact very similar to the CGT ones.
I find them extremely comfortable and supportive. I'm 6'1" and slim and all my friends of a similar build agree. One even thinks they are more comfy than his standard (997GT3) ones. However, a number of short arse friends - under 6' - find the seats quite uncomfortable. The main problem seems to be that for people who are shorter in the body the seats push their shoulders forward uncomfortably. Similarly if you're lanky and have the seat set back a fair way getting in and out is a piece of cake. Much more difficult if you need to cuddle up to the wheel. If you're a bit of a chubster don't even think about going for them. I would v. strongly advise trying them before speccing - the difference in comfort, or lack of it, is huge depending on you size and shape. Finally, I thought I would miss heated seats but, perhaps due to the fabric, and being so enclosed, the buckets seem to have there own warmth. Bit hot on a summers track day may be but that seems a long way off at the mo.I'm having a change from EVO and my car's going to be in GTPurely Porsche each month so I hope you'll enjoy following it - if only to have a laugh at the rubbish wot i rite.
You seem to be saying that the seats work very well for perhaps 10% of the driving population, and badly for the marginal 90%.
That sounds about right, and is eloquent testimony to their poor design.

AL001 said:
Are your buckets Nomex, like 996GT3 buckets? They don't get as cold as leather and much better for holding in place too.
Must admit though, I've had a few cars with heated seats and never used the facility once. Bit of unnecessary technology IMO, when all seats heat up quickly once you're sat in it.
Haven't checked if they're actually nomex but they are a 'fire retardent' fabric don't get cold and do warm up quickly. Must admit though, I've had a few cars with heated seats and never used the facility once. Bit of unnecessary technology IMO, when all seats heat up quickly once you're sat in it.
Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 19th December 11:19
Pugsey said:
flemke said:
Pugsey said:
Having done a few thousand miles in the old bus now here are a few more thoughts on the seats - for what they're worth.
As most know, the buckets are not the same as the prev. generation GT3 or GT2 seats. They are in fact very similar to the CGT ones.
I find them extremely comfortable and supportive. I'm 6'1" and slim and all my friends of a similar build agree. One even thinks they are more comfy than his standard (997GT3) ones. However, a number of short arse friends - under 6' - find the seats quite uncomfortable. The main problem seems to be that for people who are shorter in the body the seats push their shoulders forward uncomfortably. Similarly if you're lanky and have the seat set back a fair way getting in and out is a piece of cake. Much more difficult if you need to cuddle up to the wheel. If you're a bit of a chubster don't even think about going for them. I would v. strongly advise trying them before speccing - the difference in comfort, or lack of it, is huge depending on you size and shape. Finally, I thought I would miss heated seats but, perhaps due to the fabric, and being so enclosed, the buckets seem to have there own warmth. Bit hot on a summers track day may be but that seems a long way off at the mo.I'm having a change from EVO and my car's going to be in GTPurely Porsche each month so I hope you'll enjoy following it - if only to have a laugh at the rubbish wot i rite.
As most know, the buckets are not the same as the prev. generation GT3 or GT2 seats. They are in fact very similar to the CGT ones.
I find them extremely comfortable and supportive. I'm 6'1" and slim and all my friends of a similar build agree. One even thinks they are more comfy than his standard (997GT3) ones. However, a number of short arse friends - under 6' - find the seats quite uncomfortable. The main problem seems to be that for people who are shorter in the body the seats push their shoulders forward uncomfortably. Similarly if you're lanky and have the seat set back a fair way getting in and out is a piece of cake. Much more difficult if you need to cuddle up to the wheel. If you're a bit of a chubster don't even think about going for them. I would v. strongly advise trying them before speccing - the difference in comfort, or lack of it, is huge depending on you size and shape. Finally, I thought I would miss heated seats but, perhaps due to the fabric, and being so enclosed, the buckets seem to have there own warmth. Bit hot on a summers track day may be but that seems a long way off at the mo.I'm having a change from EVO and my car's going to be in GTPurely Porsche each month so I hope you'll enjoy following it - if only to have a laugh at the rubbish wot i rite.
You seem to be saying that the seats work very well for perhaps 10% of the driving population, and badly for the marginal 90%.
That sounds about right, and is eloquent testimony to their poor design.

What % of the driving population is either <6' or not thin? I'd say that that is 90%. Certainly close to it.
Almost no women are 6', so that's 50% right there. Then if 80% of the men are <6', that's your 90 all together - without even getting into weight.
Anyhow, we know that some seats are more versatile than others. People rightly sing the praises of the bucket seats in the 993, and even the so-called "GT3 seat" was less particularised than the CGT's is.
It's just bad design.
flemke said:
Pugsey said:
flemke said:
Pugsey said:
Having done a few thousand miles in the old bus now here are a few more thoughts on the seats - for what they're worth.
As most know, the buckets are not the same as the prev. generation GT3 or GT2 seats. They are in fact very similar to the CGT ones.
I find them extremely comfortable and supportive. I'm 6'1" and slim and all my friends of a similar build agree. One even thinks they are more comfy than his standard (997GT3) ones. However, a number of short arse friends - under 6' - find the seats quite uncomfortable. The main problem seems to be that for people who are shorter in the body the seats push their shoulders forward uncomfortably. Similarly if you're lanky and have the seat set back a fair way getting in and out is a piece of cake. Much more difficult if you need to cuddle up to the wheel. If you're a bit of a chubster don't even think about going for them. I would v. strongly advise trying them before speccing - the difference in comfort, or lack of it, is huge depending on you size and shape. Finally, I thought I would miss heated seats but, perhaps due to the fabric, and being so enclosed, the buckets seem to have there own warmth. Bit hot on a summers track day may be but that seems a long way off at the mo.I'm having a change from EVO and my car's going to be in GTPurely Porsche each month so I hope you'll enjoy following it - if only to have a laugh at the rubbish wot i rite.
As most know, the buckets are not the same as the prev. generation GT3 or GT2 seats. They are in fact very similar to the CGT ones.
I find them extremely comfortable and supportive. I'm 6'1" and slim and all my friends of a similar build agree. One even thinks they are more comfy than his standard (997GT3) ones. However, a number of short arse friends - under 6' - find the seats quite uncomfortable. The main problem seems to be that for people who are shorter in the body the seats push their shoulders forward uncomfortably. Similarly if you're lanky and have the seat set back a fair way getting in and out is a piece of cake. Much more difficult if you need to cuddle up to the wheel. If you're a bit of a chubster don't even think about going for them. I would v. strongly advise trying them before speccing - the difference in comfort, or lack of it, is huge depending on you size and shape. Finally, I thought I would miss heated seats but, perhaps due to the fabric, and being so enclosed, the buckets seem to have there own warmth. Bit hot on a summers track day may be but that seems a long way off at the mo.I'm having a change from EVO and my car's going to be in GTPurely Porsche each month so I hope you'll enjoy following it - if only to have a laugh at the rubbish wot i rite.
You seem to be saying that the seats work very well for perhaps 10% of the driving population, and badly for the marginal 90%.
That sounds about right, and is eloquent testimony to their poor design.

What % of the driving population is either <6' or not thin? I'd say that that is 90%. Certainly close to it.
Almost no women are 6', so that's 50% right there. Then if 80% of the men are <6', that's your 90 all together - without even getting into weight.
Anyhow, we know that some seats are more versatile than others. People rightly sing the praises of the bucket seats in the 993, and even the so-called "GT3 seat" was less particularised than the CGT's is.
It's just bad design.
Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 19th December 12:36
Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 19th December 12:52
simonharrod911 said:
Don't Porsche do a booster seat for the fat, short arses in their tequipment selection?
That way even those that don't match up to teutonic bodily ideals can still be comfortable in the new GT3.
They think of everything.
Might be cheaper for lardy short arses to sit on a pile of bundles of crisp new £50 notes!That way even those that don't match up to teutonic bodily ideals can still be comfortable in the new GT3.
They think of everything.
I'm 5'11" and skinny. I've sat in a 997GT3 RS with buckets and luved the seats. They really hold you in. Yes i did notice my shoulders pressed against the seats but i have my driving position quite far back with my arms almost straight. I dont think i'll have a problem.
You can always swap the buckets for standard seats and probably make a profit!
You can always swap the buckets for standard seats and probably make a profit!
flemke said:
997gt3 said:
but i have my driving position quite far back with my arms almost straight. I dont think i'll have a problem.
No offence, but you don't want to be doing that.
Your arms should be properly bent at the elbow - say 120 degrees
He's right about the arms though especially if you anticipate a bit of enthusiastic on track arm twiddling.Pugsey said:
Glad to be one of the elegent few though! Must admit, thought all GT3 owners - in addition to being driving gods - were tall slim and of course, good looking!
You mean that you're one of those gawky, uncoordinated skeletal geeks?
Gosh, Pugsey, I'm so sorry. I had no idea.
Listen, my friend, try not to let it get to you. None of us is perfect.
AndrewD said:
Pugsey said:
even the seat moulded exactly to me in my race car and then beautifully covered in nomex didn't cost £1500
Crikey, how come Radical missed that trick!

Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 19th December 15:50
flemke said:
997gt3 said:
but i have my driving position quite far back with my arms almost straight. I dont think i'll have a problem.
No offence, but you don't want to be doing that.
Your arms should be properly bent at the elbow - say 120 degrees
Right, i've just measured the bend in my elbow whilst it is in driving position.
Using my protractor it came out at 135.2 degrees - is this within Porsche tolerances/guidelines?
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