Those long drives!
 

I have owned an FR-S for two years now. The first one I owned was a base model and after I transitioned to the RS 1.

Like all you other owners I always enjoy driving the FR-S except extensively. This is my daily driver and commuting is about 50% of my occupation. As one can imagine this makes for a lot of thinking time. Problem is, after the first hour or so of consistent driving this car becomes very uncomfortable.

There's no denying the cockpit is a wonderful place to be and other drivers often watch in awe and envy of the low and grounded seating. I understand the perception that comes with owning this vehicle and I realize it's not a creature comfort focused vehicle.

I'm thinking it's time to upgrade my seating and making a few interior modifications (maybe armrest, aftermarket seats). Are there any suggestions for what I'm looking to get into?

Thank you! :w00t:

I think biggest issue is seat position. Second is ride cushion. Lastly, armrest, although for me It'd be useless unless it was built into brake lever. Maybe softer shoulder padding too.

I'm 26 though, so for another 6ish years can handle this stiff ride. In fact, hoping to add some struts and wider tires.

All, in all, I love it the way it is.


I suggest adding a thin pillow, real thin for your butt, then a seat cover. Like the Clazzio's or similar. I sit on a baby pillow or a thin baby blanket. Makes difference in 2hr+ rides when bumpy.

Hmm, Packofcrows seemed to have nailed everything. Maybe larger profile tires for softer ride?

Most of my miles come from 6-8+ hour spirited adventure drives on weekends, and I'm pretty beat up after the adrenaline wears off - usually during the drive back home. Though I'm more beat up mentally than physically.

comfort is very subjective. i think the frs is plenty comfortable. If you want to know real discomfort drive a 90s viper for more than an hour.

There is an oem armrest you can buy:
http://www.cabriault.com/temp/1armrest3.jpg

Adding a new headunit or phone mount can also help out. I usually load up youtube videos when i get tired of music or stuck in traffic.

Might want to look into a new suspension setup too. A nice set of KWs or Ohlins will make a world of difference in ride comfort if set up correctly.

dynamatting the doors/trunk will also cut out alot of road noise and vibrations.

I've been trying for exactly the same thing. :)

These little cars can be super cozy with just a few small changes. I started with the automatic gearbox, 16" wheels and a re-upholstery. It's defanitely not for everyone but I'm sure happy with it. I don't want to clog up your post with enormous pics but you might browse my build thread-comfort was my goal from the outset...

Are you sure you have your driving position set correctly?

I find the FRS to be super comfortable, even on long trips but I'm pretty picky about getting my seat and steering wheel set correctly.

This is vital^^^^
I spend 14 hours a week in mine and even with the lowering spring bounce (or lack there of) I am totally comfortable. With the seat set right I feel all comfy and secure on all my long highway commutes.

I agree with the seat position theory. My daily commute is about 1.5 hours each way plus I've done a good amount of 6+ hour trips and never had any issues with comfort.

I put 30,000 miles on my car in the first year because of the long drives I make for work. I have a five hour drive ahead of me today. I don't find this car to be uncomfortable, and it's definitely more comfortable than my Cherokee.

However, I have done a few things to make the cockpit a little more comfortable:

1. I bought a set of the Emdom seat belt pads. I haven't seen a better seat belt pad than these, and they take care of the seat belt neck irritation issue that some of us experienced. Plus they look like they came with the car.

2. I installed the JDM padded knee rests on the center console to replace the hard plastic triangle. I rest my knee there when I have the cruise on, and that tiny bit of padding makes a big difference in comfort. There's also a padded speaker panel available for the doors, but my leg doesn't rest there so I didn't bother with them.

3. I installed the USDM Scion sliding armrest, which is different from the one pictured above. For one, it's higher, which puts it in a better position for taller US drivers. For another, it allows the for use of the cupholder for coffee during the long drives.

http://www.trademotion.com/sfimages/...mage194770.jpg

My only real complaint about driving this car long distances is that the steering wheel doesn't telescope out enough. My legs are long, so if the seat is in a comfortable position for my legs, the seat back is just slightly too far from the steering wheel for my arms. I've gotten used to it, though.

Yeah I've adjusted a bit since I've owned it but I've always kept it lowered all the way down and seat reclined back a bit because I have back issues.

I like to hang my arm off the door while I'm driving but after some time this becomes a chore. My leg (right) even hurts after a few hours of driving because I feel the thigh support isn't adequate. I never really had much of an issue before when this car was just a weekend car but now I sometimes... dare I say? dread the long drives.

I'm thinking I'm gonna buy that bad ass looking armrest though. I usually have my arm resting on the e brake but that armrest looks pretty sweet and maybe it'll even alleviate some discomfort while driving. :burnrubber:

I had no issues driving from Los Angeles to Jackson, WY and back in 3 days.

-alex

Personal preference I suppose, but the FR-S is the most comfortable long-hauler since my old '87 Celica. I'm 40 years old and I've done fifteen and a half hours only stopping for as long as it takes to fill up, Texas to Ohio (and then back the other direction four days later) with no ill-effects. The only thing I've added is the armrest like the one in Humdizzle's post. Meanwhile, my wife's Yaris - and most every car with more chair-like seating position - kills my back and legs after 45 minutes.

I will admit that I wouldn't mind having the wheel telescope a bit more. Like Extrashaky, my longer legs have me with the seat all the way back and that put's the wheel the tiniest bit too far. I drive like that normally and I've grown used to it, but on long road trips I've found it's a bit more comfortable over all to drive with the seat one click forward from full back.

My only complaint on long boring interstate driving is that I wish 6th gear was a little longer.

I find that an armrest and a seat cushion (5/8" closed cell foam covered with a black pillow case), works for me.

Mrs humfrz just reclines the seat ........;)


humfrz