996 Seats

[nutcase]

Hiya, quick question- colleague is looking closely at a 911 (996) Turbo and the car has apparently been spec'd with sports seats.

Can someone explain whether this would be just firmer supports etc, or an actual bucket/GT3 type? He has a bit of back trouble, so doesn't want anything too extreme...

Quick answer appreciated (ideally with link to photos of the different types if poss).

Cheers,

James

[dazren]

3 types can be specced.

STANDARD - self explanitary
SPORT - As standard but identifiable by wider shoulder support.
BUCKETS - No back adjustment.

Note, lumbar adjustment was available on the standard seat as a cost option.

DAZ

>> Edited by dazren on Saturday 27th August 18:16

[nutcase]

Brilliant, thanks for that.

[roshambo]

But you can't get full electric memory sports seats (for some reason) just full elec memory standard seats. Think I am right on that.

Ro.

[Adam B]

yes you are and its a pain

std seat - has useful full electrics and memory function, lumbar adj another rip off extra

sports seats - you sit lower and the feel much better but you lose electrics (except backrest recline) and memory

lower seat = no room for electrics

[Wudee]

Picked up a 996 4S yesterday. Already enjoying the manual gear shift and the way the engine picks up on throttle inputs.
I am 6ft4 and once heard you can lower the driver seat by removing some bushes. Does anyone have experience with this?
I believe, but not sure I have the sport seats.

[Magic919]

Yes, those are sports seats.

[Wudee]

Magic919 said:

Yes, those are sports seats.

Thank you, thought so with the bigger bolsters. Anyone know if you can easily lower the seats.

[g7jhp]

996 - Comfort seats


996 - Sports seats


996 - Buckets


The 996 comfort seats aremost common.

I have these in my 996 turbo, they're comfortable, heated, have the greatest range of movement and memory function. A little more lateral support would be a help.

The 996 sports seats have the 'wings' and look the best. They have less movement options than the comfort seats, but offer more support and the style was also available in the 993 (I had these in my 993 C4). The downside is I found them uncomfortable as I have broad shoulders and i didn't fit the shape.

The 996 GT2/GT3 buckets would be great as they offer the most focused driving position, but as they're fixed restrict access to the rear seats and are expensive to buy secondhand.

I would suggest you try the seats as the sports seats don't suit everyone, despite looking great!

[Wudee]

great, very clear difference. I agree sports look the best.
Just a tad lower would be nicer.

[chriscoates81]

I've just check and I've got the sports seats in my 996. They are good but if you're broad shoulders like me they are a bit snug.

[Magic919]

Try looking for the Porsche XSU sponges. They seem to be the only method to lower the seating position.

[ForzaGilles]

Magic919 said:

Try looking for the Porsche XSU sponges. They seem to be the only method to lower the seating position.

I looked into this. The XSU option has 10mm thinner sponges I believe. It's around £350-£400 for the sponges, plus fitting, so not cheap! If only Porsche had fitted a rake adjustable steering wheel....

[996TT02]

ForzaGilles said:

Magic919 said:

Try looking for the Porsche XSU sponges. They seem to be the only method to lower the seating position.

I looked into this. The XSU option has 10mm thinner sponges I believe. It's around £350-£400 for the sponges, plus fitting, so not cheap! If only Porsche had fitted a rake adjustable steering wheel....

Probably not very necessary because the actual seat goes up and down instead... obviously however the relationship between pedals and wheel is fixed.

[Se7enheaven]

Had the sports seats in my 996 turbo ,and they gave me horrendous lower back pain.
Also used to get numb right leg after short length of time. Sports seats look great but are not for everyone

[ForzaGilles]

996TT02 said:

Probably not very necessary because the actual seat goes up and down instead... obviously however the relationship between pedals and wheel is fixed.

I have the seat as low as it'll go, but the steering wheel is still too low. I just think that the steering wheel/column is mounted quite low.

[AlasdairB10]

ForzaGilles said:

I have the seat as low as it'll go, but the steering wheel is still too low. I just think that the steering wheel/column is mounted quite low.

I'm 6 foot 4 as well and looked at all the options. IMHO XSU is really the only way to go - or try a decent upholsterer. I plan to. Others have used eccentric hub bosses (which only help until you need to turn the wheel) or extenders (my wheel is close enough already when fully extended for knee clearance).

You can get another inch out of the seat travel by removing the stops at the back of the seat rails or more knee room by doing the center console delete.

[ATM]

I've just got a simple early 1998 3.4 c2 with the standard seats. I've seen them called Tomb stones. I have it as low as it will go and still feel too high - or as other shave said the steering wheel is too low. I know the 9x7 variant has adjustable height steering wheel, surely there can not be much to this. Maybe there is a way to alter the height of the steering wheel by raiding the 9x7 parts bin?