29 replies to this topic

[HLF]

I had trouble searching this so I guess I will ask. 

 

I am 6' 4" with a 35" waist and I would like to know what other drivers my size are using for seats in the miatacage.com cage.

 

I sat in a few miatas this weekend at TWS but they all had custom made cages and the tall drivers had custom seats. I am looking for a "budget" seat to fit the miatacage.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Kyle

[HLF]

I found a thread and a member said he is 6'5" and is using the Sparco PRO-ADV. Does anyone know if this fits with the miatacage.com cage?

[AW33COM]

The MiataCage or most custom build cages have main hoops that sit about 1/4 inch away from the door/quarter panel wall.  I'm 5'8" with a Sparco PROADV (seat you would fit nicely) that sits another 1/2 inch in front of the left main hoop/upper door bar.  This means no matter what the cage, you can only push a big seat like that about 1/2 inch back from my 5'8" height, or you can do the following:

 

#1.  notch the seat a bit to get more clearance

#2.  create a custom aluminum seat which is not as thick as a halo seat +  #1

#3.  build a custom cage and rout the left door cage bars through the quarter panel/door (I think I have seen this),  that will give you additional 1 and 1/4 inch before any seat will hit the quarter panel/door pillar

 

So to sum it all up, you're not limited as much by the cage or the seat, but rather by the size of the car.  Doing the above listed 3 items you will be about 1 and 3/4 of an inch back from my 5'8" setup. 

 

BSI built my cage for a 6'4" guy if memory serves me right.  He had option #1 and #2, but the aluminum seat was cut a lot on the left side and the seat was not parallel with the car, or was it centered on the steering wheel.  That seat was the first thing I threw out. 

 

As you can see it's possible to make this work, but to be honest you are tall for the car to be very comfortable.  Nick Leverone from Flatout Motorsports is about your size, I'm sure he would help you with the setup.  Give him a call. 

 

To answer your second question, yes the Sparco PROADV fits the cage, but it does not fit the car by default.  The following must be done to fit it in the 1.6 car:

 

1.  Notch the transmission tunnel and install L shape floor.

2.  Bend or cut the left door upper cross metal plate in order to close the door.

3.  Remove the left door small triangle window for better egress (I still see people with Sparco PROADV and the window installed).

[chris haldeman]

One of my customers is 6'5 200 pounds and fits perfectly in a Miata cages car with a sparco pro adv seat!!! Contact honey badger Brian Wisler for pictures and advise. Notch tranny tunnel and seat where nessasary

[HLF]

Thanks guys!

 

Chris, I already PM'ed Honey Badger. I saw one of his previous posts about the ADV and a taller driver.

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

I have seen a couple of drivers with lowered floor pans to gain more headroom. After sitting in Collins car this past week, I am really liking this idea. What is the provision in the CCR for allowing us to do this? Is a specific exemption needed? 

[Bench Racer]

I have seen a couple of drivers with lowered floor pans to gain more headroom. After sitting in Collins car this past week, I am really liking this idea. What is the provision in the CCR for allowing us to do this? Is a specific exemption needed? 

Is your posted CCR ment to be GCR???

 

In a Spec Miata, I can hardly wait for a rule/legal answer to this ^.

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

Is your posted CCR ment to be GCR???

 

In a Spec Miata, I can hardly wait for a rule/legal answer to this ^.

I guess I was referring to the GCR for SCCA, but I would also be interested in the answer for the CCR in NASA. Though, I didnt look at the NASA CCR, so it might be specifically allowed.

[Todd Green]

CCR:

 

19.2.2. The transmission tunnel may be modified for the purpose of installing a competition
driver seat. The floor pan must remain in its original position

 

GCR:

 

8. Driver/Passenger Compartment - Trunk
a. The driver’s seat shall be replaced with a one-piece bucket-type
race seat. All seat mountings shall be reinforced. Factory seat
tracks/brackets may be modified, reinforced, and/or removed
to facilitate replacement mountings provided they perform
no other function. The passenger seat must be removed.
The transmission tunnel may be modified for the purpose of
installing a competition driver seat. The floor pan must remain
in its original position.

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

CCR:

 

19.2.2. The transmission tunnel may be modified for the purpose of installing a competition
driver seat. The floor pan must remain in its original position

 

GCR:

 

8. Driver/Passenger Compartment - Trunk
a. The driver’s seat shall be replaced with a one-piece bucket-type
race seat. All seat mountings shall be reinforced. Factory seat
tracks/brackets may be modified, reinforced, and/or removed
to facilitate replacement mountings provided they perform
no other function. The passenger seat must be removed.
The transmission tunnel may be modified for the purpose of
installing a competition driver seat. The floor pan must remain
in its original position.

Todd, I saw the specific rule in the GCR, which is why I specifically asked the question. There have been enough people that have done it, that I figured (hoped) there would be some way to allow for an exception. I'm 6'5", so I figured I could qualify.

[HLF]

So if I drop the floor pan then no SM? Is this worth asking a NASA/SCCA officer?

 

 

Maybe a turbo and Super Touring is in my future...

[chris haldeman]

I don't know the exact spot in the gcr but it would be in the general section not sm section that reads along the lines of anything too allow for "proper installation of safety equipment" is allowed. Along those lines if you can not install a seat that allows the required head clearance and safe distance from other parts of the car would be deemed legal.

[chris haldeman]

General section of the gcr over rules the vehicle specific section

[Todd Green]

Is this worth asking a NASA/SCCA officer?

The official channel would be to submit a letter to the CRB: http://www.crbscca.com/  No idea what NASA does officially, email Mueller?

[mdavis]

I'm 6'3" and have a ultrashield seat mounted to the floor with the tunnel notched and a maitacage kit.  I fit fine.  Brian/Honey Badger/Hard Charger has even driven my car and seemed to fit ok.

[Todd Green]

I don't know the exact spot in the gcr but it would be in the general section not sm section that reads along the lines of anything too allow for "proper installation of safety equipment" is allowed. Along those lines if you can not install a seat that allows the required head clearance and safe distance from other parts of the car would be deemed legal.

From the GCR:

C. Conflicts among or between portions of the GCR are handled as
follows:
1. The Category Rules take precedence over the General Technical
Specifications.
2. Specific class rules in the Category Section of the GCR shall
take precedence over the general Category Rules and the
General Technical Specifications.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'd personally never protest someone for just trying to fit in the dang car, but I'd also not want to be on the other side of trying to defend the protest if someone did.

 

I would also consider the ability to sell the car down the road.   What happens if you sell it to someone who is 5'10" and they now have a lowered floor plan?

[Ron Alan]

Tall drivers come in different forms...those with long torso's vs long legs will always have to do something.  Seat on the floor, no pad, tilted back, notched tunnel, and raised steering wheel are generally the way to shoe horn in. I also think an oem top without a headliner is worth a fraction or 2?

[Bench Racer]

Might there be a fraction gain in a helmet?

[Adax]

The official channel would be to submit a letter to the CRB: http://www.crbscca.com/  No idea what NASA does officially, email Mueller?

I suspect it would no be allowed as one could make a valid argument that it is achieving a competitive advantage by lowering the car's center of gravity. Everyone would then want to do this.

 

And, there is already a provision for tall drivers - run with the top off.

 

AC

[HLF]

SO i found this pic of a 5'10" guy sitting in the PRO-ADV (see below). The head restraints look a little low. I think I am going to order a made to fit seat from Ultra Shield. I carry my height somewhat evenly and I think the PRO-ADV head restraints will sit too low. 

 

http://www.ft86club....light=sportster

 

BTW I got the constructors manual in the mail yesterday. I will convert the PS and do a brake job and tune up this weekend. Tire and wheels are in also.

 

I got the Hawk Blues and the manual said they are caustic  and will pit my wheels. I think I am going to switch them out for the PF pads.