Question for HPDE instructors
 

Hey guys I am budgeting for the safety products for my new track toy. I have an Integra RS, in which I hope to be in group 3 by the end of '07. (I ran a CRX for the last years and a half) I will be installing a Kirk Role bar, G-Force 5-Point harnesses, and a pair of seats. I am looking at the Sparco Sprints, or the Kirkey Intermediate Road Race seat. It seems to me that the lesser expensive seats are a little on the tight side. With the Kirkey you can order them in different seat widths.

So here is my question. Would you rather sit in a tight Sparco Sprint, or a slightly wider Kirkey seat?

That is all..

Oh yeah would you like to see a seat back brace if the Kirkey is used???

Thank you in advance!!!


Modified by vbspec at 6:05 AM 10/19/2006

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (vbspec)
 

I always prefer to be in a tighter seat and harness than a looser one.

when going around the track things manage to feel a whole lot looser then when you are siiting paddock.

Plus sparco is is a nicer seat IMO

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (vbspec)
 

Tighter seat hands down https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emthup.gif

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (FullEP3)
 

Just based on design, the Sparco would probably be more comfortable to a wider range of instructors. You would need a back brace for the Kirkey seat as well.

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (Stinkycheezmonky)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Stinkycheezmonky &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just based on design, the Sparco would probably be more comfortable to a wider range of instructors. You would need a back brace for the Kirkey seat as well.</TD></TR></TABLE>

So from what I'm hearing the Sparco Sprint would be fine... or even prefered over the Kirkey by those in the passanger seat https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emwink.gif https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emwink.gif ???!!!

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (vbspec)
 

I have a 38" waist.

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (Willard)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Willard &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have a 38" waist.</TD></TR></TABLE>

OK........ http://images.honda-tech.com/set1//smile/emcrook.gif http://images.honda-tech.com/set1//smile/emcrook.gif

And that means you world prefer.........? https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emwink.gif

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (Willard)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Willard &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have a 38" waist.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Willard&lt;--Hates the JDM seats https://honda-tech.com/forums/images...s/emsmilep.gif

Missed a good time at Petit Le Mans this year Will!

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (FullEP3)
 

Willard means that some (read: not just a few) instructors are bigger than a 32-waist size. So don't get the skinniest seat you can find. For reference, I have a Pro2000, and a 34" waist. It's a little big on people smaller than me, but a little small for anyone even moderately bigger than me. I have no idea how that compares to the Sprint, but something to keep in mind.

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (vbspec)
 

Why would you have a racing seat for the instructor? I'd think a stock seat would be more comfortable. I know I'm much more comfortable riding in a stock seat than in a racing seat. I'd want a seat that would keep my butt planted because I'm attempting (with varying degrees of success) to control the car, but for the instructor an OEM cloth bucket seat should be fine, although I do provide a handy Jesus bar over the window in case they feel the need to hold on to something. Or does this have to do with a safety requirement related to the harness/cage? I'm still just doing HPDE's, and I haven't put in a roll bar or harnesses yet, but I was thinking about replacing the driver seat with something that would provide more support.

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (rmcdaniels)
 

The Instructor's seat/harness must be equal to or better than that of the Driver's seat/harness for HPDE's. So if a driver installs a race seat with 5 pt harness the Instructor's seat must at least have the same equipment.

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (FullEP3)
 

Thanks, I was thinking it was just the harness. I was going to put an ancient Kirkey drag-racing seat that I have lying around in the car, but I'm not sure if it's safer than a stock seat or not, although it definitely holds me in one place better. I think I'll just throw it in the back of he car and see what the instructor thinks about it; it only takes a few minutes to swap out a seat.

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (rmcdaniels)
 

I know I'd like having something better than a stock seat. OEM Honda seats suck for holding someone in.

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (Stinkycheezmonky)
 

I think it depends on the seat. I found that my EM1 seats weren't bad, although the slick vinyl seats from my EG hatch would probably suck. The drag seat that I have is actually pretty uncomfortable, but once I wedge my fat ass into it I'm definitely not moving.

The reason I have not got a matching pass seat for instructors is if I happen to get a larger then slender instructor. I have 4 point rollbar, and harnesses properly installed on both sides, and a pro2000 on my side. None of my instructors have even mentioned the difference, or felt concerned. I can see if you were out driving like you didnt have any sense then it would be grounds for them to get out of the situation.

For HPDE the instructor techs the car, and when you hit HPDE3 it wont matter anyway.

Re: (My95SlvrBlt)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by My95SlvrBlt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The reason I have not got a matching pass seat for instructors is if I happen to get a larger then slender instructor. I have 4 point rollbar, and harnesses properly installed on both sides, and a pro2000 on my side. None of my instructors have even mentioned the difference, or felt concerned. I can see if you were out driving like you didnt have any sense then it would be grounds for them to get out of the situation.

For HPDE the instructor techs the car, and when you hit HPDE3 it wont matter anyway.</TD></TR></TABLE>

In HPDE 3 tech techs your car https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emwink.gif

Re: (jaa1311)
 

yes, but with correct harnesses, and OEM seat is acceptable, is it not?

What about yours :-p

Re: (My95SlvrBlt)
 

Honestly, I never had a problem when I was using my stock ITR seats with my rollbar and harnesses in HPDE 3.

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (FullEP3)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FullEP3 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The Instructor's seat/harness must be equal to or better than that of the Driver's seat/harness for HPDE's. So if a driver installs a race seat with 5 pt harness the Instructor's seat must at least have the same equipment. </TD></TR></TABLE>


That depends on what group you are running with. I've seen plenty of cars with racing seats in the drivers and regular in the pass. running with Chin.

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (FullEP3)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FullEP3 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The Instructor's seat/harness must be equal to or better than that of the Driver's seat/harness for HPDE's. So if a driver installs a race seat with 5 pt harness the Instructor's seat must at least have the same equipment. </TD></TR></TABLE>

How does your local org determine what is "better"?

example:
Sparco Sprint and harness that is 7 years expired vs. a factory designed seat + oem belt

entry level Recaro bucket seat + 5pt that is current vs. expired top of the line Recaro seat and expired 6pt belts

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (vbspec)
 

I bought a Corbeau Forza (not sure if it is still available) for the passenger side. It is cheap, wide, and will pass tech.

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (davidnyc)
 

Don't mean to thread jack but I've got an autopower race roll bar, sparco street (sienna model) seats, and takata 4pt harnesses attached to the harness bar. Do 4pts pass tech? I would do 5pt harnesses but I don't want to buy more seats plus mine are comfortable anyways but don't accept the sub strap. Thanks.

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (BlueTeg)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BlueTeg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

How does your local org determine what is "better"?

example:
Sparco Sprint and harness that is 7 years expired vs. a factory designed seat + oem belt

entry level Recaro bucket seat + 5pt that is current vs. expired top of the line Recaro seat and expired 6pt belts
</TD></TR></TABLE>


Perhaps I should have worded it better ... more like this ... must be equipped with a Passenger Seat with equal and adequate passenger restraints (i.e. Seat and Shoulder Belts) as the driver. So if the driver is running a stock seat then a stock seat in the passenger side is fine. It just has to be equal ...

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (Stinkycheezmonky)
 

My CRX has 2 Kirky 15" inter seats and the instructors hate me and them.. http://images.honda-tech.com/set1//smile/emcrook.gif

Re: Question for HPDE instructors (Rene M)
 

Yeah, that's a small seat.

To the guy asking about his Takatas, that depends on what organization you're running with, but I know for myself as an instructor, I'd prefer to use a stock 3-point to ANY 4-point. I probably wouldn't even pass tech on a 4-point.