Guys, I need your help. I do not have enough head room in my car to sit in it with a helmet on. My helmet touches the ceiling. I have a 2005 Cooper S with a sunroof.

I'm hoping an aftermarket seat will sit lower in the car and give me more headroom. I've sat in a Sparco Torino 2 and I like the lateral support of that seat. But, I need to know if it will set me lower in the car relative to the stock seat.

Can anyone tell me the distance from the floor to the top of the seat cushion of the Torino 2 or Milano 2 with the slider and flat seat base? I will compare that measurement to the same of the stock seat. See sketch below:


Alternatively, can someone tell me the height of the Sparco slider and flat base? See sketch below:


Any other suggestions. I've got to come to a resolution because I can't continue to AX or do DEs with my head as cramped as it is.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

The lowest way to mount a seat (or so they say) is with the VAC adapter plates and side mounts - no slider. But then you cannot easily move the seat fore / aft.

The VAC plates are 3/4" thick.

Sorry, I don't have sparco sliders / bases to measure.

 

TBH, there's not much to be had. I have Sparco Evo 2s, so no reclining mechanism and pretty thin seat pads. I use side mounts and I recon I'm only 1" lower than stock at most. Much more support and comfort of course, and 25lbs lighter for each seat, but lower...mmmm, no.

 

I am using the flat adapters and sliders on my Sparco Modenas. The Modenas wont accept a side mount, so the slider adds a bit to the height (about 3/4"). I noticed a bit of an increase in headroom (I'm 6'3), largely because of the Modenas "deep seat" design (very comfortable). I can wear a helmet in mine without hitting the roof.
BTW-my "S" is an 05 with a sunroof as well.

 

Shooler, would you measure for me the vertical distance (no angle) from your car's ceiling to the top of the seat cushion? Take the measurement close to the seat back. I would like to compare that to my car with the stock seat. Also please measure the thickness of the slider and base. I would appreciate it very much.

I like the Modenas, but they are a bit pricey. I would like to make sure Torinos or Milanos don't work before I sart to consider Modenas.

 

No problem. It's 38" from the top of the seat cushion to the headliner (measured close to the seat back). The bracket and slider measures 3" from the floor.
As for the seats, they were a bit pricey. I sat in a lot of different seats and found these the most comfortable with adequate support. A definite improvement over stock and rates right up there with the JCW steering wheel upgrade.
I got my Modena's from Speedware. They made me a great deal on the whole package.

 

Thanks, Shooler. My car measures approximately 36.5" to 36.75", so at least your setup will gain me 1" to 1.5" qhich will be great.

Anyone out there with Torinos or Milanos want to chime in?

 

I've got the same brackets and Recaro slides on my Recaro seats (like Sport). I'm 6'2" and I clear with my helmet on. I'd say I'm 2" less than stock. I do believe Sparco has the dimensions you need on their website

 

PGT, do you have a sunroof?

Unfortunately Sparco's website does not give the height of the bracket or slider, nor the thickness of the seat base.

I talked to Speedware Motorsports and they said I would not gain any headroom with a tuner, reclining seat. They recommended I go with a fixed back seat, which I do not want to do. I find what Speedware is saying hard to believe because there are many MINI owners who have posted on this site saying they gained headroom with their tuner seat.

 

I have a sunroof. I have Recaro sliders and Speedware brackets and Evo IX Recaro's. I gained 2 inches easy. It's noticable to everybody who sits in the car. I wish it was a bit higher for daily driving, but the fact I fit with a helmet and am 6'2" means it's perfect.

 

Bump...

Anyone out there with Torinos or Milanos? Or Recaro Speed S?

 

i don't know if this will help, but......Brey Krause sells plates that bolt to Sparco seats and the stock MINI sliders. this may allow you to use the OEM height adjustment to gain some room. i'm short, so i haven't really looked too closely....greg

 

i'd try to msg MSFITOY, he's got milano prestige

 

I've determined with MSFITOY's help that a Sparco Milano or Torino will not set me any lower in my car than my stock seat, thus not gaining me anymore headroom. I'm wondering if the Sparo Modena or Recaro Sportster is thinner between the top of the seat cushion and bottom of the seat (where the slider would mount) relative to the Milano or Torino. Does anyone know?

 

For comparison, this is the room I have with my stock seat. Again, I have a sunroof.

 

I have Torinos...let me see if my fat **** can go out and measure for you...

 

Ok....on my Torino's from the top of the seat cushion to the moonroof is about 37.5". And the seat slider brackets are 3" high. That answer enough questions? I think you can get the VAC plates that dont use the slide mech for the additional 2 inches...