Ok, it's getting to be that time for some dedicated track seats, and I've found a pretty good deal on a set of Sparco Pro2000s. For you more knowledgeable track guys out there, there are some issues though. The Pro2000s are bottom-mounted apparently (thanks again Marc), whereas something like the Evo 2s are side-mounted. What exactly are the benefits/drawbacks of each, and is there a reason I should wait for some Evos to come along, or just go with the Pro2000s? This will be for a track-only car, and price along with safety are my primary concerns.

 

I thought Pro2000's, at least those that were made recently, were actually both (bottom and side mount). In fact its the only FIA cert. seat model they have that is dual mount. Just checked a 2002 .pdf version of Sparco's catalog and it confirms it.

I would think the advantages of side/bottom mounting (at the seat) is a matter of having the fasteners in shear vs. tension. Since these racing buckets are usually some composite material, you've got fasteners going into threaded inserts or threading in the actual composite shell. In the event of an extreme enough crash, the stress gets put on the fastener and the threaded insert. Since the insert to shell juncture is probably weaker, it will give first and could tear out of the seat shell and you're suddenly loose in the cockpit. Whereas, with side mounts that won't happen since the shell is surrounding the bolt hole/threaded insert. Then you are relying on the shear strenth of the fastener, which can be quite strong as long as you have the right grade bolt.

I would guess that the FIA rating for this seat also applies only to when it's side mounted.

 

Pro/Con's...

1) Side-mount would typically let you lower the seat more. At least you would have a range of heights. Bottom-mount you'd be fixed at one height, unless you use spacers/washers which would only raise you.

2) Since this is a fixed back seat, you can't adjust the incline. With side-mounts you could get some angle there by using different sets of holes in front/back. Bottom-mount you'd be fixed again. I guess washers could do the trick too, but not recommended.

3) Bottom-mount is probably easier to install with the Sparco chassis specific bracket. Side-mount you sometimes need to drill some more holes in the bracket or not even use it.


Modified by XrcR6 at 6:52 PM 8/4/2003

 

Excellent, thanks very much, that helps a lot.

 

My Pro2000 is both side and bottom mount...