Subaru racing seats

Types of Subaru Racing Seats

Subaru racing seats are designed to provide comfort and support to drivers during high-speed racing. These seats have different designs that cater to various preferences, such as seating position, body size, and style.

• Subaru BRZ Seats

  Subaru BRZ seats are designed for comfort and support. They have bolsters that hug the body to keep it in place when the car turns. The seats are soft and made from breathable materials to keep the driver cool. Adjustable features like lumbar support and headrests let the driver find the best fit. The back of the seats has cutouts to help with airflow. They also look good, with a modern design and the Subaru logo. The BRZ seats balance style, comfort, and support for driving.

• Subaru WRX Seats

  Subaru WRX seats offer a comfortable ride with a sporty feel. They provide support with bolsters that gently hug the body without feeling too tight. The bolsters keep the driver in place while driving. The seats have a softer feel with padding that molds to the shape of the body. Features like adjustable lumbar support and headrests help find the best fit. The materials used are breathable to stay cool. The WRX seats balance comfort and sportiness, making them ideal for enthusiastic driving.

• Subaru STI Seats

  Subaru STI seats are made for performance and support during spirited driving. They have strong bolsters that hug the body to stay in place when cornering. The seats are firmer and provide more support to hold the driver in place. Adjustable lumbar support and leg extensions help drivers of all heights find the best fit. The STI seats have a more aggressive design and striking colors to match the sporty style of the STI. They also have breathable materials to stay cool during high-performance driving. Overall, Subaru STI seats are designed for enthusiastic drivers who want support and comfort.

Specifications and Maintenance of Subaru Racing Seats

Subaru racing seats are available in different models, each with unique specifications to meet various needs and preferences. Below are some general specifications to look out for:

• Seat Construction

  Subaru seats have a sturdy construction that guarantees durability and safety. They are made of high-quality material, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass. Each material is lightweight and strong to withstand impact during a collision. The seats also have a metal frame that boosts their stability.

• Upholstery

  Subaru racing seats have a breathable and soft material upholstery that offers comfort. The common upholstery materials are suede and polyester. The seats also come in different color combinations to enhance the vehicle's interior aesthetics.

• Size and Weight

  Subaru racing seats are generally compact to maximize space in the vehicle. They are also lightweight to enhance the vehicle's performance during a race. For instance, the Subaru BRZ racing seats weigh 31 lbs. and 35 lbs. for the driver and passenger seats, respectively.

• Seat Height and Width

  The seat width ranges from 420 mm to 480 mm, while the height is 800 mm to 900 mm. These measurements may vary depending on a Subaru racing seat model.

• Seat Harness

  Most Subaru racing seats have a seat harness. The harness is made of high-strength material, such as nylon. It has a 5-point or 6-point belt system that secures the driver and passengers in place during a race. The belt system reduces the impact of a collision on the vehicle's occupants. Each harness also has padding to enhance comfort.

• Backrest Adjustment

  Some Subaru racing seats have an adjustable backrest feature. The backrest can be adjusted to different angles to offer maximum comfort to the driver and passengers.

• Headrest

  Subaru racing seats have an integrated headrest. The headrest is designed to reduce whiplash injuries in case of a collision. Some racing seats have a removable headrest feature.

• Side Bolsters

  Subaru racing seats are designed with side bolsters that cradle the driver and passengers. The bolsters offer support during sharp turns and high-speed driving.

• Lumbar Support

  The seats are designed with lumbar support to enhance comfort during long races.

Cleaning the seats regularly and using the right products to clean them are essential parts of Subaru racing seats maintenance. Below are some of the best tips for maintaining these seats.

• For upholstery seats, use a vacuum cleaner to remove all the dust and debris. For suede upholstery, use a suede brush to remove the dirt and restore its texture. Wash the fabric gently with a mild soap and water solution to remove any stubborn stains.
• For leather upholstery, use a leather cleaner to remove the dirt. A damp cloth will do the work for vinyl upholstery. Avoid using bleach or strong chemicals when cleaning the racing seats. They can ruin the seat's material.
• Once in a while, take the seats out and inspect them for any signs of damage. In case of a tear or rip, repair the seats immediately before the damage becomes bigger.
• Periodically, apply a protectant to the seats to reduce the effects of UV rays and make them last longer.
• Routinely, remove any trash and debris from the seats to maintain their cleanliness and reduce wear and tear.
• To prevent the seats from fading, keep the vehicle away from direct sunlight.

How to choose Subaru racing seats

When it comes to selecting the right Subaru racing seats for any vehicle, it's crucial to consider several factors to ensure safety, comfort, and performance. Here's a guide on how to choose the right Subaru racing seats:

• Subaru model and year: Take note of the Subaru's make, model, and year. This information will help find seats compatible with the vehicle's specifications and interior design.
• Seat style and design: Consider the two main seat styles: bucket and bench seats. Bucket seats are individually molded and offer excellent lateral support, ideal for racing. Bench seats are designed to accommodate multiple passengers and are typically found in sedans and hatchbacks. Choose a style that suits the desired level of support and comfort. Additionally, explore the different designs, such as reclining or fixed seats, to find the most suitable option.
• Safety features: Safety is paramount in racing. Look for Subaru racing seats with high-quality harness slots, integrated head restraints, and seats that meet FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) standards. FIA-certified seats undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand the extreme conditions of motorsport. These seats provide maximum protection in case of accidents or collisions on the track.
• Seat material: Consider the seat material and its suitability for racing and comfort. Seats made of high-quality fabrics, such as nylon or PVC, offer durability and resistance to wear. Some seats may have foam padding for added comfort during long races. Additionally, leather or alcantara upholstery provides a premium look and feel, enhancing the overall racing experience.
• Subaru racing seat brackets: Subaru racing seat brackets are designed to mount bucket seats securely in a Subaru vehicle. Choose racing seat brackets compatible with the chosen seat model and the specific Subaru's make and model. The brackets should be made of high-quality materials, such as steel or aluminum, for durability and stability during racing. It's important to select brackets that are precisely manufactured to fit the vehicle's seat mounting points, ensuring a secure and reliable installation.
• Subaru racing seat sliders: When choosing Subaru racing seats, consider adding seat sliders for adjustable seating positions. Racing seat sliders allow smooth movement of the seat forward and backward, enabling drivers to find their optimal driving position. Look for high-quality seat sliders designed for racing applications. These sliders should be durable and secure, with minimal movement or play during intense driving or racing situations.

How to DIY and Replace Subaru Racing Seats

Subaru racing seats can easily be replaced with a little mechanical knowledge. The replacement process is straightforward, and manufacturers provide manuals to guide users through the process. Car owners can replace the seats themselves. Here are the steps to follow when replacing a Subaru BRZ racing seat:

• Gather the right tools

  Find the right tools needed for this process. These include a ratchet, socket set, Torx screwdriver, and an Allen wrench. Once the right tools are found, sit down and analyze the process. Understand how the current seats are mounted in the car. This will provide a better view of the replacement process.

• Disconnect the battery

  For safety purposes disconnect the battery before starting the replacement process. This will prevent any electrical issues from arising. After disconnecting the battery, remove the old seat by loosening the bolts holding it in place. Slide the seat all the way back and use a wrench or socket to loosen the bolts on the front seat rails. Once the bolts are loose, slide the seat forward and loosen the rear bolts. The rear bolts are often hidden, so use a flashlight to locate and remove them. After removing the rear bolts, gently lift the seat out and disconnect any electrical connections.

• Install the new seat

  Once the old seat has been removed, it's time to install the new Subaru seats. Position the new seat on the seat rails and line up the bolt holes. For safety purposes, make sure the new seat is properly bolted down.

• Reconnect the battery

  After the new seats have been installed, reconnect the battery. Once the battery is reconnected, test the new seats to ensure they are working properly. Adjust the seating position and test any electrical features, such as heating or lumbar support.

Q&A

Q1: What are Subaru racing seats made of?

A1: Subaru racing seats are constructed with various materials to enhance performance and safety. The seat frame is often made of aluminum or steel, which provides strength and stability. The seat is also padded with foams of different densities to provide comfort. Some high-end racing seats are also made with carbon fiber, which is lightweight and strong. The seat covers are made from durable materials like nylon or leather. These materials are easy to clean and resistant to wear and tear. Overall, Subaru racing seats are made of quality materials that are durable and provide comfort.

Q2: What is the benefit of a reclining racing seat?

A2: Reclining racing seats have many advantages. First, they are designed to support the back and spine. The backrest can be adjusted to different angles to provide proper support. This helps drivers and passengers avoid back pain. Another benefit of reclining seats is that they are easy to get in and out of the vehicle. The backrest can be tilted forward to create a larger opening. This is helpful for people with mobility issues. The reclining seat also offers flexibility. Different occupants can adjust the seat to their preferred position. This ensures comfort for everyone.

Q3: Can kids use racing seats?

A3: Kids can use racing seats, but it is important to ensure they are suitable for their age and size. Manufacturers often specify the age and weight a child must meet to use the seat safely. Kids under 12 years old need to use a booster seat or a racing seat with integrated harnesses. The harness in the racing seat helps to secure the child properly.