[Brokerbiker]

According to my dealer, my delivery was one of the first out of BG with Competition Seats, so I hope I can answer questions for those that are considering this option.
First, my decision to add these to my car was based on the likelihood I will drive this car on the track at COTA, as I live about 90 miles West of Austin, and regularly attend races. I also decided I wanted to pretty fully equip this car, as it is such a great vehicle (and purchase decision), I wanted to have no regrets later. I am a financial advisor and the price of the seats likely can't be rationalized. I also went for the 3LT interior in Adrenaline Red. It looks great, craftsmanship is as good as anything I have seen. The interior layout, combined with this package and seats is stunning. I can post photos if anyone is interested.

All that said, I have now sat in both seats and the Comp Seats are definitely firmer and have better side bolsters (adjustable). I am 6'1", 190 pounds (lack of recent cycling due to offseason) wear a 40L suit coat and have an athletic build, but definitely not a body builder due to my cycling, as upper body size creates more drag. I had that discussion with actor/racer Patrick Dempsey at COTA- he is also an avid cyclist and quit lifting weights to trim down (much to my wife's disappointment)!

I find the adjustability of the seats to be great, such that there is great headroom for someone at least 4"+ taller, by my measurements. As with all sports cars, for most people, actually getting in and out of the car is the greater challenge if one is not so flexible.

I have not been able to drive my car enough to take advantage of its handling and fully test the seats, as the Hill Country is experiencing more cold temperatures and dampness, including sleet, now. My salesman did a good job of warning me about the lack of traction for the tires in these conditions. I will add to the Thread as I have more seat time, but in summary, the Comp Seats look great, are a pricey option, and definitely seem firmer and snugger than the standard buckets.

 

[Texas2Gun]

Steve

Please post some pictures of seats for us as there are not a lot of owner pictures out there yet.

Thanks!

 

[elegant]

Thanks Steve for starting this thread, for I believe your salesperson is correct that you are number 1 for a comp seat (haven't seen another post anywhere yet of a person who has them). Love the way they look!!!

We look forward to your impressions, but with the horrific weather you are having now, having your StingRay in your garage is the smartest thing. Thanks for offering that as you get some seat time, you will report back and let us know more (and we understand you might not know some things for a month or two or longer). Here are some things I am personally curious about, for I am, among many, deciding whether to order Competition seats.

1) With the Comp seat having cushioning 20% firmer than the GT seat, how does it feel sitting on them for a few hours at a time?
2) Do the seat-back side bolsters go in an out (so that folks of different "upper body widths" could adjust them tightly when on the track and more loosely when driving around town?
3) Heard one person who had sat in them at a side-by-side seat display (not in a car), say that the area around your shoulders curves in/forward, so that someone with muscular/broad shoulders (not me) might not feel comfortable in the shoulder area, e.g. too confining.
4). Any/all impressions as they strike you, for many have ordered them, are thinking of ordering them, or have taken the plunge and ordered them -- with very few if any having ever sat in the Comp seats.

Thanks so much.

If anyone else gets Comp seats, please post your impressions here!

 

[rdslon01]

Thank you for the thread! I have not yet put in my order, but I am thinking of a car very similar to yours. I would love to see a picture of a 3LT crystal red tintcoat with the adrenaline red interior, and the red calipers. Is it possible to get one picture with the exterior of the car and interior in the same shot (ideally with the roof removed so you can see the crystal red exterior as well as the leather-wrapped dash -- cool!) and maybe another with the crystal red exterior and red calipers?

Also, I will be very interested in your further updates about your competition seats!

Thank you!

 

[elegant]

 

[Brokerbiker]

These photos are NOT of my car, but are the color and configuration, so gives you an idea of the look. I think color choice is personal, and can't disagree with anyone's personal choice. The Adrenaline Red is not certainly for everyone, but I have red leather seats and interior accents in my Beetle and they 'turn heads'. Also note that color appearance is very dependent on lighting and camera settings.

Try these:

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[Lipstic]

These photos are NOT of my car, but are the color and configuration, so gives you an idea of the look. I think color choice is personal, and can't disagree with anyone's personal choice. The Adrenaline Red is not certainly for everyone, but I have red leather seats and interior accents in my Beetle and they 'turn heads'. Also note that color appearance is very dependent on lighting and camera settings.

Try these:

View attachment 2018 View attachment 2019


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I did not order the competition seats but did order my TR Z51 with AR interior. My C3 has camel interior and I have always drooled over the red on red Vetts. But yes it is a personal choice. When I ordered The C7 Kerbecks had one in Stock with everything I wanted except it had black interior. I passed.


Sent from my iPhone using Corvette Stingray Forum

 

[Chip]

Thanks Steve! I look forward to a report after you have had more "seat" time.

 

[Brokerbiker]

I should add my observation about the Recaro seats in which I sat in a Cadillac CTS V Series at COTA. They were very similar IMHO but had an added feature of an adjustable seat cushion 'extension'. I have long legs for my height so I thought this is a nice feature if you wanted additional support to ones' quads. I have a rebuilt right patella as a result of a bad bicycle crash (into a stone mailbox at 30+ mph) so my knee used to ache after several hours driving if my lower right leg hung unsupported- kinda like the feeling of sitting on a barstool. I don't know if anyone else has knee problems but I think this seat adjustment feature could help.


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[Jims-c7]

I should add my observation about the Recaro seats in which I sat in a Cadillac CTS V Series at COTA. They were very similar IMHO but had an added feature of an adjustable seat cushion 'extension'. I have long legs for my height so I thought this is a nice feature if you wanted additional support to ones' quads. I have a rebuilt right patella as a result of a bad bicycle crash (into a stone mailbox at 30+ mph) so my knee used to ache after several hours driving if my lower right leg hung unsupported- kinda like the feeling of sitting on a barstool. I don't know if anyone else has knee problems but I think this seat adjustment feature could help.


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If we're talking about the same thing? I have a new Cadillac XTS with the adjustable seat extension. I am tall also with long legs and this works perfectly for me in the Caddi. However it is a waste to think its of any value in a C-7. My legs are propped up in the cabin of my C-7 and would never touch the extended seat if equipped. I am 6'3" and with the recommended seat adjusted, per the Forum, fit just fine. The most fun car I have ever owned.


Cyber Grey, Born Oct. 29, 2LT, Nav, Auto, Z51 Spoiler.

 

[Majestic]

Thanks for the initial review on the competition seats. I've been really tossing the idea around whether to go that route or not.
My only experience with race seats are the recaro seats that came with my EVO X. I personally loved those seats. They were very stiff and firm, micro adjustable, but comfortable (to me).
I doubt you know those seats to compare, but I am interested in your opinion about long distance drives, especially since it sounds like you are accustom to seats like these.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Corvette Stingray Forum mobile app

 

[Brokerbiker]

I will give an update on the Competition Sport seats early next week. Since I picked up my Vette, I have been in Hawaii on vacation, as the weather in the Texas Hill Country was too damn cold and I had planned months ago to be here for Billabong Pipe Masters surfing competition, which ended today. Mahalo

 

[Chip]

... I had planned months ago to be here for Billabong Pipe Masters surfing competition, which ended today. Mahalo

Hang Ten...Bro!

 

[15LBTC7]

My big question is do these seats sit any lower than the stockers? What is the clearance like with a helmet? I sat in a vette with the regular seats and it would be very tough to sit in proper driving position with a helmet on, without say, kinking my head to the side.

I dont want to spend the money on the upgraded seats to find out I would have to put aftermarket in to gain the headroom needed for a helmet.

I am 6'1 and around 190 lbs as well.

 

[L095687]

Haha, am 6'6" and shoehorning myself into the car. Helmet brushes the top. Hopefully find a way to lower the seat another 2".

 

[15LBTC7]

Haha, am 6'6" and shoehorning myself into the car. Helmet brushes the top. Hopefully find a way to lower the seat another 2".

Brushes the top?! By my calculations of sitting in the car your head should be sticking through the roof!

Are you in proper driving position? Or reclined all the way back?

 

[Brokerbiker]

The seat cushion height and headroom clearance is a really good question and I will see how I can measure this and respond to you. I will try a helmet myself as well as take an actual seat to ceiling measurement.

 

[Chip]

The seat cushion height and headroom clearance is a really good question and I will see how I can measure this and respond to you. I will try a helmet myself as well as take an actual seat to ceiling measurement.

I want a picture of that operation! Here are some things to think about when we speak of "fit or size" as it pertains to the cars interior. I am 6' 2". Most of my height is in my legs, about 4" more than between my backsides and the top of my head. I guess we also need to know what the differences (if any) of the seat thickness in the two seating types? We need to take our individual body segment length into consideration when we talk about fit in addition to seat thickness. I guess we also need to know if the seat mounting rails for both seats are the same height?

 

[15LBTC7]

The seat cushion height and headroom clearance is a really good question and I will see how I can measure this and respond to you. I will try a helmet myself as well as take an actual seat to ceiling measurement.

At the end of the day the only good measurement will be parking my rear end in the comp seats and seeing what happens. Though it be nice to get an idea from people who already have them if there is any noticable difference between the two. Even if you go to a local dealer and sit in the regular ones and adjust it all the way to the floor and reclined all the way back (easiest way to ensure both seats are identically adjusted) so its apples to apples, see if there is more clearance from one or the other.

Doing this will negate any differences from person to person, seat will be adjusted the same, if there is more room in the comp seats for you, then others will see the same change, or lack there of, in geometry as well.

 

[Brokerbiker]

OK - did a measurement as several laughed about how that would work. The official Chevy website lists Headroom as 37.9 inches for the 1LT - 3LT versions. I measured it in my Competition Sport seats and it is 37.9 also. But note seat is adjusted fully down and back. My unscientific conclusion is there isn't any difference between the seat models, and I suspected published numbers are most favorable dimension they can derive.

But as suggested, plant your butt and see how you fit or measure from your butt to the top of the point on your head?
I should add I am not an engineer but am pretty adept at taking measurements. As a cyclist I can tell the difference when any of my bike dimensions are off by only a few millimeters, so when one deals with those kind of fractions, you get practice at making sure the tape is straight, level etc