I installed these seats + rails late last summer and have been enjoying them quite a bit.
The seats are a "JDM" Recaro, so it takes a couple months to get them here in the USA. Evasive Auto and Art of Attack are 2 shop options to import them. In the basic all-black fabric colorway that I have, they're not very flashy and they're somewhat common in Japan but still kind of a cool subtle look overall. Maybe I'll reupholster them someday.
The seats are a
big improvement in comfort. The butt and back cushions are soft, in a good way that’s different than the OEM seats. The OEM seats (to me) got a little annoying after about 30 minutes. The Recaros also have a little lumbar insert cushion that's subtle but makes a nice difference. The step-less/continuous recline adjustment is really nice to get the angle just right.
They're a step more supportive than stock, especially thigh support. It's not huge and it’s not close to a real race bucket, but it feels good. I'm skinny so not too snug for me at all...if you're a bigger person it's not far off OEM but is tighter.
The improvement in comfort is bigger than the difference in support. For a more “sport” oriented but still reclinable seat, the SR6 is what you want. More bolstering, slightly firmer cushioning. I have not tried those.
The rails are not as easy to get here in the USA. Kawai Works in Japan recommended that I work with Jesse at Street Corporation...everything went well but it was a slightly confusing experience. The quality of the rails seems great so far and everything works well. There are other seat rail options but as far as I can tell these are the lowest for a reclinable seat.
Kawai works has specific rails for 2nd gen so do your own research on that.
As for 40mm change in seat height, the difference is noticeable and
awesome. I’m 6’1” and have a whole bunch more room over my head. The lower position feels great day to day and is just a huge improvement in overall seating position. Your legs will be straighter, so my seat is all the way back…and if I was super tall then maybe it would be concern.
The lower seat height and the taller thigh bolsters do make getting in and out (especially out) a bit more of a pain. Parallel parked next to a curb is not fun.
I’d say the Recaro Sportster CS, which are more easily available here in the US, feel slightly more "upscale" overall. You can decide on the looks yourself, but I think the Sportster has better materials. They’re a bit more expensive though and for 2 seats that difference isn’t small. You also apparently can’t use the super low down Kawai Works rails, but I think you can use their “regular” rails (T130). You'll want to double check.
Hope this review helps.
- Andrew