Should I choose reacing seats with 4-point harness in my 575M? | FerrariChat

Should I choose reacing seats with 4-point harness in my 575M?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Elsi, Feb 6, 2012.

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  1. Elsi

    Elsi Formula 3
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    Markus
    #1 Elsi, Feb 6, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    As some of you already know, my tech crashed my 575M (see here: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=353855). Now, I am searching for a new car and found one that has my interest: Black/tan 575M 11/2005 with 26 000 km. I was test driving the car last Saturday and it really pleases me.

    But there is one thing: The car has racing seats (mine had Daytonas) and 4-point harness. This looks rather cool, but I spend 99% of my time on public roads and not on tracks. I mostly use this car to drive to my office which takes about 30 minutes over very nice hills and corners. Sometimes I use the car for longer trips but most of the time I take it for 20 – 30 minute trips.

    So my questions to owners how also have (or had) racing seats with 4-point harness and that do NOT race theirs cars (or just occasionally).
    1. Why did you choose the 4-point harness?
    2. Do you still like your 4-point harness?
    3. Did you change back to ordinary 3-point harness or would you like to do so?
    4. What do you recommend? Should I keep the racing seats with the 4-point harness or should I put in my old Daytona seats from the wrecked car and change back to 3-point seat belts?

    Thanks for any support

    Markus
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  2. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
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    #2 vrsurgeon, Feb 6, 2012
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2012
    I have the racing seats in my 360 and I find them very comfortable. My wife surprised me as well when she said they are comfortable. I think they would work fine for your commute.

    I use 3 point seat belts in my car.

    Ps, so sorry for your loss! Das ist ein bitzeli chopfweh..
     
  3. Bas

    Bas Four Time F1 World Champ

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    I've sat in these seats before and find them very comfortable. From experience, in any street car that isn't really driven on track, refrain from 4pt seat belts. Keep the racing seats, but add normal 3pt seat belts.

    With the 4pts you find yourself undoing the belts a lot or wearing them too loose (which makes wearing them at all pointless) because you do want to move about a little bit, lets say at awkward junctions you want to peak a little...the 4pt refrain you from doing so.
     
  4. texasmr2

    texasmr2 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    I had 5 point harness's in one of my vehicles and yes the entire process takes more time yet I personaly believe it is well worth it.
     
  5. dakharris

    dakharris Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 7, 2001
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    I do not have them, but I like them very much for several reasons. They are more snug, so you feel more secure in the car under hard cornering. The harness assures that you aren't moving around. You don't have to try to use your body or legs to brace yourself. You aren't going anywhere. They look cool and when a passenger hops in it makes the ride much more serious.

    Then why don't I have them? First, my car didn't come with them. Most Maranellos have power seats because it's a GT car and sport seats are not as comfortable over long periods behind the wheel. Usually, my wife is my passenger and she would not want to mess around with a four-point harness. A 200-400 mile trip on the highway is not one that you want to take strapped in line you are are circling the Ring.

    So it depends on how you are going to use the car. If comfort is not a consideration and looks are important, I would go for the sport seats. BTW, sorry for you loss and good luck on your search for a replacement. This car looks very nice.
     
  6. Elsi

    Elsi Formula 3
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    Thanks for the input; that really helps!

    Keeping the racing seats seems to be straight forward where the 4-point harnesses are a bit controversial. I see the point that I cannot move in the seat with the 4-points. So I asked the dealer about the previous owner of the car. He was a mid 60 gentleman when he bought the car new and he seems to prefer 4-point harness (he now has a 599 with 4-points).

    I’m considering the following: I keep the racing seats as well as the 4-point harness in the car as is. I will ask the dealer if he would change the 4-points to 3-points for free (he crashed my car) if I should think at some later time that the 4-point are too cumbersome.

    Thanks for the opinions and the help

    Markus
     
  7. Bas

    Bas Four Time F1 World Champ

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    perfect plan! The only real issue really is that they restrain your movement a lot. Good in a crash and on track, as well confidence inspiring during spirited driving...just not something I would tick the option for for a daily driver :).
     
  8. MisterMaranello

    MisterMaranello F1 Rookie

    Apr 5, 2011
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    Go for racing seats if you like, but drop the optional 4-point belts. Get the standard belts and install a 6-point set from Sabelt/OMP etc. then you can still drive normally with the standard belts but use the 6-point on trackdays ;)
     
  9. ross

    ross Three Time F1 World Champ
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    i have the 4 points in 2 cars....and i cannot imagine having them in my daily driver. they are fine for the times i drive the cars equipped in that way, but to get in and out multiple times in the day and have to strap on the 4 points would just be too much hassle.

    i would keep the seats, and keep the harness installed, but add the 3 point regular belts and use those for every day. then use the 4 points on the track days.
     
  10. ross

    ross Three Time F1 World Champ
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    here is my other piece of advice.....skip the 575 and just get into a 599. the extra money will be worth it.
     

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