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Living With Competition Seats

93368 Views 113 Replies 47 Participants Last post by  elegant, 
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.
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M
Great info in this thread. I agree that the only way to truly decide is to actually sit in one. Unfortunately for me, I can't find anywhere to try it out.
Let me ask you this one last question then. Seeing that you are an enthusiast, such as myself, do you see any reason you might regret not getting the gt seats? Especially since they got rave reviews already for holding you in place really well and are comfortable

Thanks again

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Brokerbiker said:
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
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Thanks, I figured there wouldnt be any difference. Its unfortuante the Engineers at Chevy didnt think there would be a need for a lower profile seat for racing applications, maybe on the Z06.
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Brokerbiker
Majestic said:
Great info in this thread. I agree that the only way to truly decide is to actually sit in one. Unfortunately for me, I can't find anywhere to try it out.
Let me ask you this one last question then. Seeing that you are an enthusiast, such as myself, do you see any reason you might regret not getting the gt seats? Especially since they got rave reviews already for holding you in place really well and are comfortable

Thanks again

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Corvette Stingray Forum mobile app
Click to expand...
I think the factors in my decision came down:
The Comp seats were:
- slightly firmer
- likelihood I will drive my car on track occasionally
- I thought they looked more sporty and would make more of 'a statement'

Balancing that is they are a significant expense which makes my decision more on emotions than practicality and finance.
All this from a wealth manager- do as I say not as I do
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M
Completely agree. ;)


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Chip
Brokerbiker said:
I think the factors in my decision came down:
The Comp seats were:
- slightly firmer
- likelihood I will drive my car on track occasionally
- I thought they looked more sporty and would make more of 'a statement'

Balancing that is they are a significant expense which makes my decision more on emotions than practicality and finance.
All this from a wealth manager- do as I say not as I do
Click to expand...
I will be interested in hearing your thoughts on these seats "comfort level" after longer trips.

Here is a picture of the two seat varieties available in the C-7
Car seat cover Car seat Product Brown Tan
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Brokerbiker
Chip said:
I will be interested in hearing your thoughts on these seats "comfort level" after longer trips.

Here is a picture of the two seat varieties available in the C-7
View attachment 2300
Click to expand...
Notice the side bolsters on the Comp Seats do not extend as high up as the GT seats. Could be a difference for really broad shouldered drivers?
My 'longest' drive so far has been yesterday, about an hour and one-half on TX 46, a winding, elevation changing 2 & 4 lane rural highway out and back between Boerne and New Braunfels. A blast passing in the climbing lanes with incredible instant acceleration and exhaust roar! Seats were very comfortable and glancing at G-force in HUD I could really feel the control the seats offer in such conditions. Absolutely felt great!
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Brokerbiker
4
Finally found both the time and sunshine to take some photos. For those that questioned the Napa versus Mulan Leather seats, to the eye there isn't much difference other than the Napa has slightly smoother grain as used on the various door and dash placements. The seats are 'grainier' which I like. Perhaps these photos of La Raya Rojo will help?
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Red Car seat
/Users/stevenlea/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Masters/2013/12/23/20131223-234712/IMG_1699.JPG
Red Car seat cover Pink Car seat Head restraint
Red Car seat cover Car seat Car Vehicle
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Red Automotive design
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M
Not my color choice, but looks damn nice. Definitely eye catching


OK. I'm officially sold. Comp seats it is.



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Brokerbiker
For those that asked me to conduct a 'side by side' seat comparison of the Competition Sport Seats and the GT bucket seats, I finally did today with a 3LT Adrenaline Red interior to my Adrenaline Red seats posted above. The GT napa leather seemed more supple and more visible grain. The side bolsters despite being longer vertically were less firm and adjustable. My brother had the same observations and it was his first 'sit' in either. My conclusion is the Comp seats are better suited for performance driving and the GT will impress those who want the napa leather image, even if most don't know what napa really is- wait the Kia Optima ads kept pitching that.
Best that everyone can hopefully conduct their own comparisons and enjoy whatever they decide!
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Chip
Steve; Would it be fair to say that you consider the seat bottoms to feel about the same on both seats? If not, can you explain any differences that occurred to you / and or your brother?
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elegant
Steve, one more please, when you wrote, "The side bolsters, despite being longer vertically were less firm and adjustable," were you referring to GT seats or the comp seats?
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HalfMoon
elegant said:
Steve, one more please, when you wrote, "The side bolsters, despite being longer vertically were less firm and adjustable," were you referring to GT seats or the comp seats?
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Yes, I would like to get clarification on that too, I was under the impression that both are adjustable.

Thanks!
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Chip
Oh Steve!...^
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Brokerbiker
HELLO! Sorry for delayed response and need to clarify my post!
I should have stated that the GT seats are indeed adjustable in the same manner as the Competition Sport seats and although the GT seats have higher bolsters that extend all the way to the headrest, they did not feel as firm or seem to move inward as far as the bolsters on the Comp seats. The GT seats napa leather on this 3LT package seemed more supple (less firm) than the Comp seats and the leather grain was more pronounced (visible) than the Mulan leather in the Comp seats.
My brother and I both concluded the Comp seats seemed both firmer and more 'confining' which I guess is suitable for more intended aggressive driving. The Adrenaline Red packages are not available with micro suede option so you do not have the stickiness those seats provide.
It is really difficult to photograph but in my 3LT interior the napa leather inserts on the various surfaces are very smooth, fine grained leather, more so than the Mulan seating surfaces. The napa seats were even more so different than the leather on the dash, doors and storage box. Not an issue for me but I wonder if others have seen this too?
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HalfMoon
Thanks, Steve!

I appreciate the extra details. My car order has the Comp seats in black with the micro-suede so I am happy to get the updated info.
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Chip
Chip said:
Steve; Would it be fair to say that you consider the seat bottoms to feel about the same on both seats? If not, can you explain any differences that occurred to you / and or your brother?
Click to expand...
What about the seat bottoms?
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Brokerbiker
Chip said:
What about the seat bottoms?
Click to expand...
We thought the seat bottoms were firmer on the Competition seats. They did not 'give' quite as much when pressed with my big thumb
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S
Had an opportunity to sit in both the Comp and GT seats today. Independent of any other attributes, the Comp seats won me over on the basis of comfort alone (I am 5"11 at 195 pounds) and they are perfectly fine in my view for application as a daily driver provided one is not adverse to being "cocooned" in the seat. Did not detect substantial differences in firmness between the base of either seat assembly. The difference, as noted by others is the bolsters and the seat back. The Comp seats, beyond their astetic appeal, also contribute to the tactile experience of being in a performance vehicle. For me hands down it will be the Comp seats in my daily driver without reservations.
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M
That's awesome to hear.
Where did you get so fortunate to sit in both?

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S
At a local (Tucson Az ) dealership - Watson Cheverolet
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