Sparco EVO L QRT Seats with PCI Rails Install

[spcmafia]

Here is my guide as I install these seats. I will post links to Youtube videos I used for reference plus links to Amazon for the additional pieces needed.


So you decided to get yourself some bucket seats? Great. Maybe this helps.

Let me begin with highly discouraging anyone from removing their OEM seats and foregoing the airbags. This will also take you out of most classes for SCCA. So unless you want to be in XA Class for SCCA and remove a piece of safety from your car, then continue below.

A little information of why I went with Sparco QRT EVO L; I'm 5'11 and about 200lbs. I also have very broad shoulders and about 34-36 waist. I've been looking at other options but during one of my last Auto X events, one of my friends let me sit on his seat, which happened to be the one I got. So there is that. It fit me perfectly and I felt super comfortable.

I ordered the seats via Subimods and received them in about 3 business days.

Originally, I was going to use the Buddy Club rails, but one; the rails are notoriously loud (rattle), and two; BuddyClub did not have the in stock with a 9 Week wait time. This also meant that most, if not all websites that claim to have them in stock would suffer the same fate, trust me I tried about three different vendors, which I am not going to mention, and they all sent me an email repeating the same thing. Additionally, the BuddyClub Rails would be too narrow for the EVO L.

So I went with PCI. https://www.pci-racing.com/product/a...C35wXqcrlyRYp-

Next thing you need would be the Sparco Mounting Hardware. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYP77L9Q...fed_asin_title

You'll also need a 3.3 Ohm Resistor. I ended up with a 100 ct for about $2.

Next post is for installation process.

[spcmafia]

I just finished.
Let me tell you that the biggest pain is going to be assembling the rails. The instructions are basically non-existent. So PCI gets a paddlin’.

However, this guy has a great video. So watch this video.

After you’re done wrenching. Now comes the extremely easy part.
Removing the stock seat. (DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FIRST)

For this I watched this video.

Side note, you will need a 14mm bolt and nut short enough so that you can use the provided OEM seat belt relocation tab.


If you have seat warmers then dont be confused when removing 3 harnesses. One is for the airbag (Yellow), seatbelt, seat warmer.

Thats about it. I highly recommend watching the first video slowly and pause as much as possible. If this is your first time, be patient.

Another side note. Since youll be relocating the seat belt, grab zome zip ties to keep things tidy.

[spcmafia]

Photo 1 shows the relocation of seat belt with zip ties

Photo 2 is final product.

[spcmafia]

Initial impressions, I do sit slightly lower than stock, but is not life changing.

Getting in is a breeze. Getting out sucks.

The seat sort of feels slightly to the left. I pushed it as far to the right as possible when mounting to the car so it is better. Not perfect, but I can deal with it.

Got lucky when estimating OEM height , there is enough room to reach and change heights, Ill have to drive it more to make a decision.

Next post will be after a week and a autocross event.

[autoracer86]

Thanks for doing such a detailed post. Shame it doesn't sit much lower than stock but hopefully it's more comfy. I don't really get along with the stock seat and the Evo is high on my list of a replacement if I go with a bucket

Question for you. Did you happen to consider getting the seat brackets that attach to the OEM rails ?

https://www.bkauto.com/R_1487_Seat_M...s_p/r-1487.htm

[spcmafia]

Originally Posted by autoracer86

Thanks for doing such a detailed post. Shame it doesn't sit much lower than stock but hopefully it's more comfy. I don't really get along with the stock seat and the Evo is high on my list of a replacement if I go with a bucket

Question for you. Did you happen to consider getting the seat brackets that attach to the OEM rails ?

https://www.bkauto.com/R_1487_Seat_M...s_p/r-1487.htm

Actually, you can go much, much lower than stock. My slot estimation ended about just about the same height as stock so it worked out great.

I didn't know such component existed. Oh well. I guess I always had it in my mind that you have to get rails and mounting assemblies when you switch to bucket seats.

[spcmafia]

Right out of the bag, the cushioning around the thigh area is nice. Might need a little extra around the buttock area. No issues with lumbar but again, first test drive was to work (30 mins).

Depending on your suspension settings, which mine area quite stiff on RCE T2s, you will feel everything. Strangely enough, low bumps, cracks, holes, are better masked on the Sparco's than OEM.

Let me tell you that taking turns at a high rate of speed is fantastic, even better when you are not sliding out of shoulder holstering.

[autoracer86]

Originally Posted by spcmafia

Actually, you can go much, much lower than stock. My slot estimation ended about just about the same height as stock so it worked out great.

I didn't know such component existed. Oh well. I guess I always had it in my mind that you have to get rails and mounting assemblies when you switch to bucket seats.

Ah got it ! Getting a bit lower is definitely a goal of mine if I get a bucket. So good to hear

[gpvecchi]

Originally Posted by autoracer86

Thanks for doing such a detailed post. Shame it doesn't sit much lower than stock but hopefully it's more comfy. I don't really get along with the stock seat and the Evo is high on my list of a replacement if I go with a bucket

Question for you. Did you happen to consider getting the seat brackets that attach to the OEM rails ?

https://www.bkauto.com/R_1487_Seat_M...s_p/r-1487.htm

What is the maximum size for a seat with these brackets?
Recaro Pole Position ABE is 430 mm wide at the attach points.

[autoracer86]

Originally Posted by gpvecchi

What is the maximum size for a seat with these brackets?
Recaro Pole Position ABE is 430 mm wide at the attach points.

R-1487 Seat Mounts for OEM Sliders (395mm-433mm wide)

R-1486 Seat Mounts for OEM Sliders (433mm-460mm wide)

[spcmafia]

Getting more used to the seat. But a few things.

Thinking maybe I should have gone XL. Reason for this is because while I get to use the OEM seatbelt, there just isn't enough room between my leg and the right side hole to slide the belt thru. So I'm clicking the belt above the seat on the right side.

Additionally, I have to move the buckle all the way to the back so that the latch plate has enough room to click. The angle is a little awkward if you were to mimic the position of OEM.

I've had to make some sliding adjustments because I'm either too far to the pedals, or in this awkward position where my left foot sort of rests too much and pushes me against the seat.

I can technically get a harness and it would probably do a better job securing me, it would only take me out of Time Trials, but for XA Class it would be fine.

[Pat]

Have you considered a seat belt extender to position the receptacle a little higher? It allowed me to pass it through the hold in my Sparco and not over the top.

[smoltz]

I had Sparco QRT-R in my GR86 with stock belts and it didn't work that well due to the same issue mentioned above. I was unable to get the seatblet receptacle inside, which means I had to run the belt over and the lap belt wouldn't tighten by pulling shoulder harness, had to pull the lap belt tight manually.

If I were doing this again, I would definitely focus on a seat designed for 3 points (like pole position ABE).

[spcmafia]

Originally Posted by Pat

Have you considered a seat belt extender to position the receptacle a little higher? It allowed me to pass it through the hold in my Sparco and not over the top.

I have, I have also tried to run the buckle through the hole near my right leg and while it is possible with some wiggling, is kind of cumbersome having to that.



I think I might go with a RALLYE-3 if I remember correctly for harness. I just dread having to take apart the plastic trimming inside the car.