GR86 Driver seat comfort issue

I

Irek

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Hello,

I'm aware that the question regarding driving comfort in terms of GR86 may be weird, but after 3 months of daily driving, I went to dead end with this car.
Let me start from the fact, that I'm driving sports cars on daily basis for years including track day ones with bucket seats and roll cage, and never had any issues with that even after long journeys.
But with GR86 which I'm currently using as my only daily car on very smooth Swiss roads I suffer back and right leg pains and I have no doubt it's coming from driving Toyota.
I'm simply curious if it's something wrong with me (I'm 172cm/65kg, so no much body compensation) or anyone else experience similar discomfort on daily driving?

My impression is that stiff suspension is very effective with transferring all bumps to driver seat which is quite hard which impacting my skinny body. I would be grateful for any useful feedback instead of joking because I'm close to decision of replacing almost new car o_O
 
I did Scotland and back, 1100 miles and found it pretty good. Lumbar support would be nice and having long legs, if the seat was a little longer to support the legs a bit better but is nitpicking really. If anything I'd like the seat even lower.
 
I find that if I have adjusted the seat in any way at all (to get into the rear/do some vacuuming etc), that it takes me ages to find a comfortable position again. I do find that if poorly adjusted it can 'dig-in' to behind my knees and, if not sorted, can start to bring on a bit of sciatica in the left leg with all of the clutch work. I'm thinking that maybe a slim seat cushion and a soft lumbar roll might make for the next additions?
 
@Irek , Sure you know that body shape are quite different and what works for one person doesn't for another. It is not uncommon for people to change cars because of seat issues. What I would say is that if you know (from your experience with other vehicles and track cars) what seats work for you and you want to keep the GR then look into replacing the OEM seats.
 
Grblue86 said:
What I would say is that if you know (from your experience with other vehicles and track cars) what seats work for you and you want to keep the GR then look into replacing the OEM seats.
Click to expand...
I would agree with this.

@Irek Take a look at this thread:

GR86 - S18 RSG - Halo White Manual

Very nice. I'm guessing some yellow harnesses are next. I think a half cage at some point (although maybe not yellow), at which point some yellow harnesses would go well. At the moment it's still my daily, until I figure out what I want to daily alongside it, so I'm sticking with normal belts...
www.gr-zoo.com www.gr-zoo.com
 
We are all built differently and what suits our body will be different, hence so many variations of mattresses and sofas! Car seats are no different, it won't be the stiff ride contributing to it, its going to be the seat and driving position . I think you need to replace the seat or adjust your driving position (including the height and reach of your steering wheel) something is applying pressure somewhere your body doesn't like.
 
I use a memory foam cushion to get support under the thighs, otherwise all the pressure is towards the back of the seat base and coccyx (long legs).
 
90kg and 188cm - big fan of the seats. Love the whole GR86 package [though tempted by the AWE Touring exhaust]
 
I do find the seat base has side bolsters that dig into my hips even though I'm pretty slim-hipped. It can get uncomfortable but I've never had any pain from that. My guess is that's the cause of your problem.

Not sure what can be done about that beyond replacing the seats.
 
So tricky to get seating position just right, but I’m guessing we don’t have the same issues 🙃 (I’m about 6’ 4” - 195cms) I had a really sore neck when I started driving mine - until I added the steering wheel spacer. (Steering wheel too much of a stretch when seat base was far enough back)
By way of saying that lots of folk seem to find one position where they’re comfortable, and anything else is uncomfortable. So many options for steering wheel height and rake / angle of seat back / height & position of seat base🤯
 
FRAJ said:
I use a memory foam cushion to get support under the thighs, otherwise all the pressure is towards the back of the seat base and coccyx (long legs).
Click to expand...
Similar to that, I bought this for my passenger seat, my partner was used to a mini / bmw with the extendable seat base thing so felt like it could do with a longer seat base. It's a hit!

www.aliexpress.com

Car Seat Extender Leg Cushion For Driver Leather Universal Leg Support Pillow Cover Memory Foam Auto Seat Extender Padding Mat - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.com www.aliexpress.com
 
Thanks a lot for very useful feedback. As I though, car itself can't be so wrong and issue is somehow caused by mine anatomy. Still weird for me since I have many years experience driving less friendly vehicles.
So far I was playing with position and some pillows, but at the end it was not helpful. Maybe this memory foam will be an option, going to investigate options here.
Unfortunately, swap of seats is not an option in Switzerland, like any other modifications (at least from cost perspective). That's why I bought GR86 which is reasonable fast and responsive out of the box for daily use.

I'm going to try last resort seat position "for grandpa" so will move seat forward together with back support... which is totally opposite to most comfortable position in my Miata for ex. I will give this one more chance, maybe during the summer I will find my way.
 
Irek said:
Thanks a lot for very useful feedback. As I though, car itself can't be so wrong and issue is somehow caused by mine anatomy. Still weird for me since I have many years experience driving less friendly vehicles.
So far I was playing with position and some pillows, but at the end it was not helpful. Maybe this memory foam will be an option, going to investigate options here.
Unfortunately, swap of seats is not an option in Switzerland, like any other modifications (at least from cost perspective). That's why I bought GR86 which is reasonable fast and responsive out of the box for daily use.

I'm going to try last resort seat position "for grandpa" so will move seat forward together with back support... which is totally opposite to most comfortable position in my Miata for ex. I will give this one more chance, maybe during the summer I will find my way.
Click to expand...
As a professional chauffeur I’d say don’t under estimate thigh support. Years ago we would put extra washers on Escort XR3i’s front seat mounts. For my 86 I think a bit more lumbar support would be beneficial.
There’s a video link here on how to fit an adjustable air bladder in back of seat.
Being a brand whore, I’m looking at the recaro air bladder for £81 plus vat and shipping. There are others available for £47 through Exmoor trim. Good luck.

 
Irek said:
Thanks a lot for very useful feedback. As I though, car itself can't be so wrong and issue is somehow caused by mine anatomy. Still weird for me since I have many years experience driving less friendly vehicles.
So far I was playing with position and some pillows, but at the end it was not helpful. Maybe this memory foam will be an option, going to investigate options here.
Unfortunately, swap of seats is not an option in Switzerland, like any other modifications (at least from cost perspective). That's why I bought GR86 which is reasonable fast and responsive out of the box for daily use.

I'm going to try last resort seat position "for grandpa" so will move seat forward together with back support... which is totally opposite to most comfortable position in my Miata for ex. I will give this one more chance, maybe during the summer I will find my way.
Click to expand...
Good luck with finding a solution.

I might give that inflatable bladder thing a go myself.
 
sim61 said:
Good luck with finding a solution.

I might give that inflatable bladder thing a go myself.
Click to expand...
This might be opportune timing perhaps, from Sunday in your local aisle of dreams in the middle of Lidl

www.lidl.co.uk

Parkside Air Wedge/âPlastic Wedges - | Lidl UK

Parkside Air Wedge/âPlastic Wedges - 3-year warranty Choose from: Air Wedge Set - 2 pack Use to temporarily adjust or move objects into the desired
www.lidl.co.uk www.lidl.co.uk

A pack of 2 so you can do both front seats:)

I have no idea on suitability but it might be worth checking them out or even as a blind buy as they're only £8
 
v8s said:
This might be opportune timing perhaps, from Sunday in your local aisle of dreams in the middle of Lidl

www.lidl.co.uk

Parkside Air Wedge/âPlastic Wedges - | Lidl UK

Parkside Air Wedge/âPlastic Wedges - 3-year warranty Choose from: Air Wedge Set - 2 pack Use to temporarily adjust or move objects into the desired
www.lidl.co.uk www.lidl.co.uk

A pack of 2 so you can do both front seats:)

I have no idea on suitability but it might be worth checking them out or even as a blind buy as they're only £8
Click to expand...
Hahaha.. I might just do that. They do sell some weird stuff!
 
Managed to get one, will try it later. Hope it doesn't bend any of the seat structure? Says it's rated for moving 135kg!!

PXL_20240630_150710434.webp
 
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