What Are the Best Lightweight Racing Seats for a Subaru Impreza WRX?

When it comes to giving your Subaru Impreza WRX a racing upgrade, few modifications can match the impact of lightweight racing seats. Besides providing increased comfort and support during high-speed maneuvers, these seats also significantly reduce your vehicle’s overall weight for enhanced performance. In racing, every kilogram counts, and shaving off some weight can lead to quicker lap times and a more responsive car. Let’s delve into some key considerations and the best options for Subaru WRX lightweight racing seats.

Choosing the Right Racing Seat

Before we get into our top picks, it’s important to understand what to look for when choosing a racing seat for your Subaru WRX. Why? Because the right racing seat can drastically improve your driving experience. However, it’s not just about selecting the lightest or the most aesthetically pleasing seat; there are several factors you need to consider.

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Material

Racing seats come in various materials, each with its unique pros and cons. The two most common materials are carbon fiber and steel. Carbon fiber racing seats are incredibly lightweight and strong, making them an excellent choice for any race car. However, they can be costly.

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On the other hand, steel racing seats are more affordable and still offer excellent strength and durability. However, they are heavier than their carbon fiber counterparts.

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Universal or Custom Fit

Another critical consideration is whether to go for a universal or custom-fit racing seat. Universal racing seats are designed to fit into a wide range of vehicles, including your Subaru WRX. The advantage here is versatility and a wider selection of styles and designs.

Custom fit seats are designed specifically for your WRX. While they might cost a bit more and offer fewer design choices, they often provide a better fit and increased comfort, especially for long races.

Seat Type

Lastly, the type of racing seat can also impact your choice. Full bucket seats offer the most support and are ideal for high-speed, high G-force racing. However, they can be less comfortable for daily driving. On the other hand, reclining racing seats can provide a good balance between comfort and performance, making them an excellent choice for drivers who use their WRX for both racing and everyday use.

Best Lightweight Racing Seats for Subaru Impreza WRX

Now that we’ve covered what to look for, let’s dive into our top picks for the best lightweight racing seats for your Subaru Impreza WRX.

Sparco Pro ADV TS

The Sparco Pro ADV TS combines comfort, performance, and safety in a single package. Its shell is crafted from a mix of fiberglass and carbon fiber, offering a balance between lightness and durability. Its unique design includes deep side bolsters for improved lateral support during high-speed corners, a critical feature in any racing seat.

Bride VIOS III

The Bride VIOS III is a popular choice among Subaru drivers. It’s a full bucket seat made from high-quality, lightweight FRP (fiberglass-reinforced plastic). Its design provides excellent hold and protection, with the added benefit of being compatible with a 4-point harness for added safety.

Recaro Pole Position N.G.

The Recaro Pole Position N.G. is a top-tier racing seat designed for the serious racer. Its shell is constructed from glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP), which provides an excellent balance between weight and strength. It offers outstanding body support, thanks to its pronounced side bolsters and integrated headrest.

Installing Your Racing Seat

Once you’ve chosen your ideal racing seat, the next step is installation. Regardless of your mechanical skill level, you must remember that correctly installing your racing seat and safety harnesses is crucial for your safety.

Placement

You should position your racing seat so that your body fits snuggly within the seat, your arms are at a comfortable distance from the steering wheel, and your legs can reach the pedals without straining.

Adjustment

You should adjust your racing seat to ensure that your eyes are approximately level with the top third of the windshield. This position offers the best visibility without straining your neck or body.

Safety Harness

Finally, ensure that your safety harness is correctly installed and adjusted. The harness should be snug, but not overly tight. It should hold you firmly in the seat without causing discomfort.

Lightweight Racing Seats: A Worthy Investment

Investing in lightweight racing seats for your Subaru WRX can make a significant difference in your car’s performance and your comfort on the track. By considering factors such as materials, fit, and seat type, you can find the perfect racing seat that not only improves your car’s performance but also enhances your overall driving experience.

The Impact of Lightweight Racing Seats on Subaru WRX Performance

It’s undeniable that lightweight racing seats play a critical role in enhancing your Subaru Impreza WRX’s performance. If you’re a serious racer or a car enthusiast, upgrading your vehicle with lightweight racing seats can be a game changer. This modification isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making your Subaru WRX lighter, faster, and more agile on the track.

The Subaru WRX’s stock seats are not designed with the rigors of racing in mind. They may be comfortable for everyday use, but they lack the support and lightness required for high-speed maneuvers. Consequently, they can make you feel disconnected from the car during high-speed cornering and braking.

By swapping them out for lightweight racing seats, you can reduce your car’s overall weight, thereby improving its speed and handling. Some of the most popular lightweight racing seats, such as the Sparco Pro ADV TS, the Bride VIOS III, and the Recaro Pole Position N.G., are made from materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), which are both strong and light.

Additionally, a good racing seat will hold you firmly in place during high G-force maneuvers, resulting in better control and responsiveness. This is particularly important in a car like the Subaru Impreza WRX, which is known for its powerful turbocharged engine and sharp handling.

Making the Most of Your Lightweight Racing Seats

If you’ve decided to invest in lightweight racing seats for your Subaru Impreza WRX, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make the most of your investment.

Firstly, make sure that your seats are correctly installed and adjusted. This can make a significant difference to both your safety and comfort. Remember to adjust the seat so that your body is held snugly, your arms can comfortably reach the steering wheel, and your legs can operate the pedals without straining.

Additionally, a quality safety harness is a must. Not only does it enhance safety, but it also ensures that you remain firmly held in the seat, even during high-speed cornering. A 4-point harness, like the one compatible with the Bride VIOS III, is a good option for most racers.

Finally, don’t forget to take care of your racing seats. High quality racing seats, like the ones mentioned above, are a significant investment, so it’s worth protecting them. Use a high-quality, non-abrasive cleaner to keep your seats looking their best, and remember to check for signs of wear and tear regularly.

Conclusion: A Racing Upgrade Worth Considering

Upgrading your Subaru Impreza WRX with lightweight racing seats is a modification that can truly enhance your car’s performance and your driving experience. From the speed and agility benefits of the weight reduction to the improved car control from the enhanced seating position, the advantages are considerable.

Whether you choose a seat like the carbon fiber Sparco Pro ADV TS, the FRP Bride VIOS III, or the glass fiber reinforced plastic Recaro Pole Position N.G., you’re investing in a product that is designed to deliver performance, safety, and comfort, making your Subaru WRX even more of a joy to drive.

The process of selection may require considerable thought and research, but the end result is worth it. After all, as a Subaru WRX owner and enthusiast, you deserve the best driving experience possible. And with the right lightweight racing seats, that experience can be significantly enhanced.