I did a search and was not satisfied. I am buying myself a couple racing seats for the 348 as a christmas present. I would like: Black cloth, or suede, no leather Fit 5 point harness Bolt right up to the existing holes Under $1500 for both, all included. From a recognized brand like Sparco, Recaro, Corbeau Prefer reclinable seats, but will accept fixed position seats. I am smallish, under 6 feet. Please recommend something that you know will fit, and if you have pictures, that would be very nice. Comments on fit and qualify greatly appreciated.
OMP has some surprisingly inexpensive fiberglass seats that look very similar to Challenge seats. You really won't need a recline function as you can adjust the seats in the brackets for yourself. (?) Congrats on your decision. You will IMMEDIATELY notice the performance difference over those 54lb each seats. Like kicking a fat chick out of the car! You thinking of joining the G-FRT?
Both the 348 & 355 used similar type OMP seat design? I think 348 used Kevlar and 355 used Carbon Fiber, what would be the direct replacement for the F355 these today? I see some of the newer seats are actually taller which don't look right in the 348/355. These new taller seats look good in a 360/430/458 as the car interior is MUCH larger. ciao, SRR
I think you will have to make some other compromises. Here are a few things. Seats are DOT legal/certified, FIA certified, not certified. Pick a seat that meets your use. If you us a FIA seat illegally in a streetcar remember that an FIA seat is only legal on track for 5 years past the manufacture date but some clubs like NASA/SCCA will let you run with an additional back brace. With race seat the cloth is alcantera and fire resistent. Leather is not fire resistent and not used in real race seats. Also a race seat is design with a "layback" where the seat cushion is angled and that angle with the cloth grip you and help to keep you in the seat when properly belted i.e. part of the seat's safety system. 20 degree layback is pretty standard. Sit in the seats and see what you like. Current safety with race seats encourage various degrees of "full containment" designs which suck on the street due to lack of visibility. Consider these things if your goal is occasional trackdays. 5pt harnesses are like the dodo bird. Make sure you set the car up for 6 point which means in a dual use car some consideration must be given to the sliders. Consider your comfort and buy formula style or hybrid style 6 points. They are also safer than other 6 point designs. A fixed back seat will be lighter than a recliner. IMO I see no advantage to recliners in a 348 where you got 6 inches until the headrest hits the firewall. The sparco fixed seat rails are kinda universal and fit many seats like most OMP's. These rails can also be bolted to the sliders if you are not too tall. Layback will effect how upright you can mount your seat. Wearing a helmet and head n' neck restraint (like HANS) will further effect this. While you can tilt a standard layback seat to gain clearance for helmet and HANS some seats are "HANS compatible with more room cut out at the neck. For a dual use car I would stay away from HANS seats and just tilt the seat for trackdays to gain clearance. Increasing the head to rest distance on the street is less safe in a collision.
Yes, the 355C used a carbon fiber OMP seat. I believe the modern day replacement from OMP is the HTE model. In fact I just ordered one for my 355C to replace my original outdated seat. Personally, I am less concerned about looks and more concerned about safety. The newer seats are taller and add a halo around the head to improve its safety performance in a crash.
I would buy something like this: http://www.racing-seats-usa.com/853.html They are $739 each, 8.6kg!! so you will save 30kg (66pounds!!) Then I would pay someone to put leather on them just how you like them. You could even have the 348 logo stitched onto them. OK it will cost a bit more then what you wanted, but I think this would be the best way. Best weight for price and have the exact color you want.
What was the reason for the change from Carbon Kevlar vs. Carbon Fiber with the F355 Challenge? I know the Carbon Kevlar material was also used in the F40. Which is better and why? Seem's to me like an industrial era move as Carbon Fiber was the new player with a stronger lighter seat for less money? I have to wonder if the seats are different by any giant means as far as weight vs. price? PS. jakermc, I sent you an email. ciao, SRR
I cant talk for the seats only the material. Carbon is lighter and stiffer. Now thats not to say Kevlar is not, but for stiffness to weight carbon is just better. Where Carbon loses over Kevlar is impact strength. You could take a hammer and hit through a carbon top tube on a bicycle without any effort at all. If the same top tube was made from Kevlar then it would hold up rather nicely. Of course you can make products from both materials. I dont believe those Kevlar seats where just make from Kevlar. I think it would be a mix of Carbon and Kevlar.
Does anyone have a set of good OEM NEW or USED Ferrari Challenge seats for the F355 or 360CH they want to sell? Or better yet know where to find them? With these cars now outdated for any race series they would have to upgrade to a modern FIA approved seat. Time to scout your Ferrari Challenge Garage... They make good for any Driver's Education (DE) type car. Ciao, SRR
I found this old ad in the classifieds: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=1782 Anyone know where something like this could be found for cheaper? I'd like a set with red, instead of black stripes.
I actually called the place and found that they only sell universal side-mount and they have no pre-fab brackets to drop the seats into the Ferrari 348. And, I am not looking to do too much fabrication to make the seats fit. Did anyone do this before, and what solution were there for your application?
understood. I had the same seats put in a different car and had someone make a adopter (?) to run on the same seat rails. I would suggest the same. But I understand it could be a lot of extra work.
Sounds to me like you are looking for something like these seats, which means buying a set of Chalenge seats out there somewhere. Best of luck. Apresto. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
And since you wanted black seats you might consider covering the 348 Challenge seats like the ones pictured. Apresto Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I was looking around and found these for the F348 Challenge. I am looking for the black carbon fiber type for the 97 F355 Challenge. These were used in some of the early 95 F355 cars as well. http://nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php?t=147638 Ciao, SRR
