Porsche 911 Seat Swap: Review of the Recaro Seats I Put In My 86 Porsche (Should You Buy?)

Рет қаралды 9,397

Күн бұрын

Considering switching out the seats in your Porsche 911 for something different? 100% real, straightforward review of my Porsche 911 seat swap.
0:00 Start
2:30 Porsche 911 seat swap - Recaro Experts with the car parked
5:51 Porsche 911 seats - In-car driving review of the Recaro Experts
12:36 Should You Buy? My Recommendation
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About My Channel:
Rennthusiast is an air cooled Porsche 911 channel centering on experiencing air cooled Porsches, but will also feature other vintage, analog vehicles I add to the collection.
The channel is the result of my deep passion for air cooled Porsches, my interest in the air cooled Porsche community, my obsession with modding, improving, buying and selling cars in general and my desire to put myself out there on KZfaq and share these passions with other enthusiasts.
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Porsche 911's I currently own or have owned:
1986 Porsche 911 Carrera in guards red
1992 Porsche 911 964 in Amazon Green metallic
1995 Porsche 911 993 Coupe in polar silver
2007 Porsche 911 997.1 Turbo in guards red (SOLD)
2009 Porsche 911 997.2 C4S PDK (SOLD)
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#porsche911seatswap #classicporsche911 #rennthusiast

Пікірлер: 97

@davidsherley2652 2 жыл бұрын

I have Recaro seats in my 964; their shape fits me well and I’m really pleased with them. At the time I bought them, I lived in Chicago and had the fortune of being relatively close to Northstar Motorsports. Although they’re primarily a mail order business, they have a small showroom, but have examples of seats from 4 or 5 different manufacturers in the showroom . I sat in all of them - they were notably different. I now live about 4 hrs away from Chicago; but if I had to do it again, it would be worth the drive in order to sit in the seats myself. To pass it along, I continue to do business with Northstar (over the phone), their sales staff really know their stuff and have always guided me well in making decisions.

@jeffreyb.1657 2 жыл бұрын

Doing a seat "comparison try" is invaluable and something we just don't get to do enough - these are super comfortable seats and lightweight, the looks are personal - and changeable.

@smote911 2 жыл бұрын

I personally like the original seats but it's your car and if you like them...that's all that matters! Thanks again for taking time to produce video!

@nadacool 2 жыл бұрын

Nice review, Will! They’re growing on me. I think you’re right, the black dash and accents inside your 86 make these work. Love your content!

@gr182 2 жыл бұрын

Great of you to highlight this superb brand. As another guy pointed out Porsche use seats manufactured by Recaro in their road cars, or at least they used to! It began I believe with the legendary Carrera 2.7 RS where Recaro Rallye 1 seats were an option. These seats were available too aftermarket and period seats in virtually any condition go for big money. In my opinion Recaro seats are the best in the business. I have a number of these seats, including ones from the 70's, 80's and 90's to match the era of my classic cars. There are many different types, some more biased towards comfort with electric adjustments, or orthopaedic features for people with serious back issues and light weight sport derivatives. I'm a big fan mainly of the Rallye sports seats (German spelling) as they are incredibly comfortable and also hold you in a vice like grip. Finding them in good condition though is no easy matter.

@TxGerman 2 жыл бұрын

I have a set of Recaro Classic LS-C in my '82 SC. They came with the car when I bought it and were covered in the original black fabric (corduroy type) with black piping. The fabric was in pretty good condition considering their age but the piping on the driver seat was in pieces. I completely updated my interior last winter and as part of that process I also changed the material on the seats. I changed them to a two tone combo: Spezia (reddish-brown to go along with my guards red exterior) and black, both in italian nappa leather. The black was used for the inner portion of the seats (seat back, seat pan) where many might use pepita (I did my front and rear seats). I think they turned out looking fantastic and I get a ton of compliments when I'm out at shows, driving events, etc. So, Will, to your question of changing the material, I say do what makes you happy, there are lots of examples out there to look at and I think whatever you choose would likely look great. As for your question of comfort, I think these seats are marvelously comfortable and I have lower back issues so if they weren't comfortable, my back would let me know quickly. I think yours look great, can't wait to see what you decide to do.

@donnybrooks13 Жыл бұрын

Informative and enjoyable content Wil, I am going to purchase a set of these Recaro’s for my 87. It sold me 👍

@alenseven11 2 жыл бұрын

I think they are great, quality seats, great upgrade/change and it looks good as well. More benefits than not. Well done!

@damage98 2 жыл бұрын

Thats a lovely car. I personally believe that 911 rear side windows were made for stickers :). I keep a rotation of various Redbubble stickers in mine, love the look.

@OS993 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent choice of seats, fabulous, period correct. Upgrading the headlights and polybushes will make a bigger difference

@attilazsigmond9965 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve got Recaro seats in my ‘72 Targa that I need to restore. Love the look and feel and the fact that they’re rare like mine are. 👍👍

@TorneroCarlos 2 жыл бұрын

Keep them as is, and yes ideally try them out before buying them, but if it’s not practicable, then ya gotta do what ya gotta do. If you change the insert or reupholster them to match the interior it seems like you’re trying to hide the fact that you bought recaros. I like the in your face mod! Besides as you say it’s always reversible. I’m terms of comfort, I think there’s also a break-in period where your muscle memory forgets the stock seat feel and gets use to the new feel, would be interested in knowing your thoughts on the comfort/ride feel after a year or so of use. With regard to the low ride height, I do like seeing the the shape of the hood and the two tubes running up to the headlights on the 911…so as long as you don’t lose that. Envious of your NC roads; you’re lucky to have good/fun driving roads so close to your home. Finally I like the term… “sprightlier”

@JosephJoseph-rj2dj 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the content Will, glad you like the seats. Your 3.2 is a gorgeous classic example and a perfect build of guards red on cashmere interior. Those seats cheapen the 911 and don’t look good at all. If you really like these seats, I would actually re-do them in cashmere interior to match the car. That might look really nice. My biggest question I want to leave you with, are you try too hard to fall in love with this car? Enjoy! Thanks for the content - JJ

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

I’m gonna drive and enjoy for now. Regardless of what feedback I’m getting I really do like these a lot and they have made me want to drive the car more. Multiple projects going on so the idea here is to make this 86 more fun in a low impact, efficient way. Clearly I am torn on the car but can’t let it go (yet). I have heard it said - and I know it’s true from my experience - that our tastes change and mature over the course of our Porsche ownership. There was a time when guards red was the cat’s meow for me but now I’m intrigued with something more interesting and perhaps built. But for now, gonna leave it and RIP it!

@aboyandhisdog 2 жыл бұрын

Another terrific video, Will! This is the kind of useful information we're looking for. BTW, I like the black even in your tan interior, but for me, with my two hairy dogs, they would look like a ChiaPet in no time!

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir!

@stevechiarchianis6439 2 жыл бұрын

Very good and informative video. I've got a black-on-black '78 SC. I'm considering the Recaro Expert M Seat (I believe that's what you have), except in the black leather with the Houndstooth insert. You mentioned that the seating position is lower than with the stock seat. How much lower would you guess it is?

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

That’s a tough question as changes in seating positions feel more pronounced than they really are. Maybe 2”?

@NN-wd2vi 2 жыл бұрын

Did you ever consider the OE Sports seats? There is the older and newer style sports seats. The old you also find in the 930`s and the newer you find in late 3.2s and 964s. I have both sport and non sport seats. The difference is huge, but the biggest difference in renewing the foam which over time have flattened quite a bit.

@jeffryrosen3438 2 жыл бұрын

I like the look, I think Changing the inserts will tie it all together 👍

@algeniscorrea187 2 жыл бұрын

I am a big fan of the seats, I would just need to recover them in leather to match the rest of the interior. Looks great.

@greggbull9543 2 жыл бұрын

I personally like the stock seats but I think changing out the centre’s might make the seats look less industrial. Thanks for the informative video Will, cheers 👍🏻

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Purpose built for now. I’m just happy with the change in the driving experience. Thanks for watching. Keep your eyes peeled for the next What the Fuchs video on Tuesday. Your answer is going to be one of the ones featured.

@alabastersmom 2 жыл бұрын

I put Recaro seats in my 1970 911 as the originals were heavy and had no side support. Now I am looking for something more period correct or modifying the Recarso with a houndstooth or tartan center piece. You probably saved at least 30 pounds on the pair which is a nice weight reduction. I would look at a tartan with some red in it that ties it to the exterior color of the car. Are you now running 17 inch wheels? I hear a Steve Wong chip is the best way to wake up your 3.2.

@jeffreyb.1657 2 жыл бұрын

Dual nature of them: Comfort: 9/10 A+. Not deep enough for high G's but for a cruiser, great. Style: 5/10 Don't match well....just a re-upholster and you 'd be golden...same leather as the OEM originals and it would be perfect. Given what you have into these cars....not a lot to totally make the car just right. Add lumbar and heat too if you re-upholster.....and even better. So: 7 or 8/10. Not bad but just needs more style. A 911 is inherently cool, classic, nice looking...the seats need to not detract or distract. These do both. But easy (not cheap) fix.

@runestenersen4372 2 жыл бұрын

Another fantastic video Will! As I find you open for discussions on the topics you present, I dare to challenge your decisions on the seats. I find the seats a bit too square and take up more space than the stock seats. Are they filling up the space a bit too much ? They kind of remind me of vintage rally car seats. I think it would look better if they were a bit more “bucket” or round shaped. Am I wrong or am I biased by all of the Singer/Gunther Werks tyoe cars I have seen? PS: Where is the gearknob from? It's lovely!

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Rune - I welcome disagreement on my decisions so thanks for expressing your opinion. I have found them to be a great option so far and am really enjoying them from a function standpoint. I also view them like a pair of shoes. Easily swapped out when I’m not in the mood for them. Clearly they’re not for everyone but I’m digging them. Thanks for watching. Knob is from pelican, I believe.

@timwilliams2343 2 жыл бұрын

I'd always try seats before buying as they are surprisingly different. These black Recaros look retro cool to and I'd not bother with any inserts as I think that it'll be hard to find a colour that really works with the interior and exterior colours.

@glennarmstrong2893 2 жыл бұрын

I like your '86 with the Recaro seats, but would not change the center seat or back cushion fabric. The black dash and floor mats tie the seats in well with the tan interior and adding more complexity (busyness) to the seats will disrupt the visual flow.

@nunyabusiness4188 2 жыл бұрын

Great addition - reupholster them! Tan leather bolsters and pasha centers

@salangchoi02 2 жыл бұрын

Hi mate. What is your tire setup? Looks line 205 &225.

@ralleyquattro 2 жыл бұрын

The best seats IMHO for the car are the stock optional Sport Seats (1985-89). I have yet to sit in more supportive and more comfortable seats. They are not cheap and hard to find but worth every penny. I am about to have a set recovered and installed in my '88 and have used a spare one as an office chair for years. ;)

@JeffJacquesmd 2 жыл бұрын

Love the look of the Recaros. Wonder if there is a way to make them blend into the interior better from an esthetic perspective.

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, would need to do the centers or the whole seats in a different fabric or leather

@johnguanci2316 Жыл бұрын

Having never ventured into the realm of Porsche ownership I have owned two different sets of Recaro seats and I wish I still had them. They are all that you've described them to be and, I would add, they are of heirloom quality that should never be sold with a car, should be pulled and put in storage and then used in the next project. Excellent review and thank you for doing it. That said, love the black, all business, always looks good, always appropriate...they look great.

@Rennthusiast Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for the positivity…🙏🏽

@salangchoi02 2 жыл бұрын

I have enjoyed your content. What is your shift knob? Thanks.

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

This or similar: www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/PELBEECHGTKNB.htm?pn=PEL-BEECHGTKNB&gclid=CjwKCAiA9aKQBhBREiwAyGP5lcrrug2yx9K-WyDWQY0mgC5ncpNaaCpnhTdfy7WdsjRIDimq1gIjuBoCucEQAvD_BwE

@jeffgagnon4557 2 жыл бұрын

Will Great job

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I appreciate that. This video hasn’t done well at all compared to many of my recent ones but hopefully people will find it useful over the long term as they do research into seats like these. There doesn’t seem to be any great reviews on these in a g body.

@lovetoride9646 2 жыл бұрын

I know this video is about the Recaro seats but I must say, on my screen the red paint looks like high gloss lipstick. I love it!

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Guards red 🙌🏼

@DOM41N 2 жыл бұрын

May i know what size is the momo prototipo?

@daytona765 2 жыл бұрын

why dont you get custom seat belt(like color match to outside or pattern)

@stevedavey9250 2 жыл бұрын

I installed Recaros in my 1998 C2S and they looked so amazing, however they were so uncomfortable that I put the originals back in and sold them. I don’t remember the model since I sold the car 15 years ago and have regretted it ever since.

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

I got the sportster CS’s bc they are adjustable. I have tested them and they feel good.

@damage98 2 жыл бұрын

Its the cocomats, they make everything better. I have black and yellow ones in my black interior 996.1. They pop.

@ShootsVal 6 ай бұрын

How well do you fit these seats? And how tall are you if you don’t mind me asking? I am considering such seats for my car (it’s not a 911, but it doesn’t matter that much I guess), but I am worried they might be a tad small for me (I am 6’4” or 194cm).

@Rennthusiast 6 ай бұрын

5’ 9”

@ShootsVal 6 ай бұрын

@@Rennthusiast got it. So, how do you like the backrest? Do you think there is enough height of the backrest to properly support shoulders? Will the headrest be able to extend enough to support the back of my head?

@rozinant1237 2 жыл бұрын

Just so we are all clear, the factory seats are made by Recaro as well. Recaro has been supplying factory seats for Porsche for over 70 years!

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Wow. Didn’t know that. Thx.

@jeffreyb.1657 2 жыл бұрын

My 996TT seats had them on small labels under the seats - amazingly, the stock seats are super heavy so Will's move for weight savings is reasonable -

@Darkpixel2 2 жыл бұрын

ouch not a fan but glad you like them

@jaapthieme6561 2 жыл бұрын

Looks great| Why not change it to an European rear bumper?

@xxhotelcrazyxx 2 жыл бұрын

Will, are those seats installed on the correct sides? Most if not all cars I recall always had the lumbar support adjustment on the inboard side of the seat. That would resolve your issue with the seat belt snagging on the lumbar support adjustment knob if they can be swapped to the opposite side.

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Hey. Good eye. The lumbar adjustment is on both sides, as is the seat back adjustment.

@netlawman2001 2 жыл бұрын

That’s not lumbar support. It moves the side bolsters narrow and wide.

@gr182 2 жыл бұрын

@@netlawman2001 I don't believe the Expert has that feature, I would hazard a guess it is for lumbar adjustment. The adjustable width side bolsters came on the Idealsitz C77, C81 & C-Classic seats and maybe also the CSE. Was a very cool feature!

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Actually Net is right and I was wrong. It definitely loosens and tightens the seatback bolsters

@gr182 2 жыл бұрын

@@Rennthusiast never knew it came on this derivative!

@skygod1067 2 жыл бұрын

I’m sorry they look wrong to me. Each to their own

@TechnoloG84 2 жыл бұрын

Nice seats. Just curious, what road is that?

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Plainfield

@frasertones8519 2 жыл бұрын

As a creator of high quality content and somebody who's videos have always garnered high ratings, I'm curious as to how you feel about the new KZfaq like/dislike policy?

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

I’m aware they made the change and am not exactly sure why they did it so haven’t paid much attention. I frankly notice that my videos with 100% thumbs up and 0 thumbs down actually drop more quickly, though. It’s almost like it’s a bad thing not to get thumbs down. I think YT rewards relevancy and impact and if a video doesn’t get some dislikes then perhaps they see it as milquetoast. I have also stopped trying to figure out what they’re doing. At the end of the day the algorithm measures how good the audience thinks the content is so if you’re focused on the right things then you should be rewarded. What are your thoughts? You might have more insight into the why behind it?

@Voncid 2 жыл бұрын

I had a 1973 911T set up as a RSR, it came with RECARO sport seats that were like yours but with vinal I put a role bar in the car and five point harnes they were great loved my set up, the seats were very comfortable for compition or on long drives from the SF bay area to southern California. Hope you get the enjoyment like I did. If you could send me a email address I will send some pictures. I could not get your email address. I'm on face book 993 group/ PCA group.

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Therennthusiast@gmail.com, thanks!

@ferdinandhuergas6040 2 жыл бұрын

Braids fuch wheels?....

@anthonyfunderburk7871 2 жыл бұрын

Im in the Air cool 😎 family just purchased a 1987 911Carrera Cabriolet from Lake Norman Auto Exchange 🚘 😎

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Congrats bro! 🙌🏼

@anthonyfunderburk7871 2 жыл бұрын

@@Rennthusiast i appreciate your compliment and im in Greensboro NC looking forward to meeting you sometime 😎💯

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Send me an email at therennthusiast@gmail.com and maybe we can set up an owner interview sometime if you’re interested.

@chuckvickrey120 2 жыл бұрын

So tell me again. Did u look at stock recaro sport seats.

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

No. Got these and a set of Sportster CS’s for the 993.

@chuckvickrey120 2 жыл бұрын

Sportster seats are the best. Watching. For that.

@sniper_pancakes 2 жыл бұрын

what size did you get? S, M, L?

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

@911thom9 Жыл бұрын

@@Rennthusiast and what is your length?

@Rennthusiast Жыл бұрын

@@911thom9 5’ 10”

@911thom9 Жыл бұрын

@@Rennthusiast thanks 👍

@aragrox 25 күн бұрын

@@Rennthusiast I thought anything M and above comes with extendable seat cushion? Yours dont?

@ron993 2 жыл бұрын

In the driving video, looks like you are driving in a Golf Mk1 or Mk2 GTI or GTD 🤣 The seats are nice but I would prefer real buckets seats ...

@jim99west46 2 жыл бұрын

In case you didn't know, Porsche owns Recaro.

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Didn’t know that, but it’s super interesting. But doesn’t that technically mean VW group owns Recaro?

@jim99west46 2 жыл бұрын

@@Rennthusiast No. Recaro is owned by Porsche Holdings ...Wich owns VW Group. I owned a 86 Carrera coupe. You might want to lower the front end a little. That way it's rock solid at a indicated 160. As you know the car feels kinda heavy and balky at low speeds or until you load the chassis is up with torque. There's no real fix for that. Your next Porsche should be a 964 RS America. 964s drive so much better than the 8Os cars. Try one.

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. I have a 92 C2 but not an RSA. Thanks for watching 👍🏼

@lepepus 2 жыл бұрын

Well, glad the changes are reversible! Those seats just dont look right on such a classic car. And the wheels...... PLEASE DONT CHANGE THE FUCHS!!!!

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

Variety is the spice of life.

@lepepus 2 жыл бұрын

@@Rennthusiastfor sure, as long as it makes the car more enjoyable to YOU, that is what these cars a supposed to be. I'd still rather see a classic car modified but driven, as opposed to kept original and stored in a garage as an investment!!!

@Dexterrrrrrrrrrrrr 2 жыл бұрын

Meh - visually doesn't cut it imo

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

I don’t know. I like them myself. At least for now. Change is always good. Plus the weight reduction is there.

@nicolabennington203 2 жыл бұрын

Nope just don’t like the look. Original just work in my opinion.

@Rennthusiast 2 жыл бұрын

These function way better. Change is always good and the originals can always be sold with the car or can go back in.

@madfemurfast 2 жыл бұрын

Not my cup of tea...

@allanlai_ 2 жыл бұрын

congrats on the latest mod! sitting low and having proper bolster really make big difference to the experience. I'd always try a seat before buying. too much hassle if I end up not liking it.