The only thing about the Z I don't like is the drivers seat. No matter what I do, I can not find a comfortable position. The seat is not wide enough for me and after about a 1/2 hour or so, I am so uncomfortable I can't stop shifting. Now before you think I am a fat A$$, I'm not. I am 5'11" and weigh 185 - 190 with a 34" waist. I do lift frequently and have somewhat of a wide back but not what I would consider large.

Short of buying new seats, does anyone have any suggestions?
If I should replace the seats, what is a reasonable and comfortable alternative?
Do the Z Touring seats offer more comfort?

I know the Z is a performance vehicle and I was not expecting a luxury ride but I am just way to uncomfortable.

 

Have you had your Z for long? I am about the same size as you, and when I first got my 04 Performance, I found myself getting a sore back after being in the car for about an hour.
After a few months of driving, I have no back pain at all.
Maybe it jst takes getting used to.

R.J.

 

I haven't found that the seat bottom is too narrow--I'm about the same size as you. My right leg developed cramping because my upper leg was not supported by the seat bolsters. I had a local upholstery shop add more padding for more support for my right upper leg. I've not had any cramping since then.

I also had him shave a bit of the foam padding on the seat back and it grips me better now.

Over the past 10 years, I've taken most of my cars to this upholstery shop to have the seat cushion changed so that it fits me better. This has definitely helped on longer drives.

 

Does the whining ever stop?

 

I'm also about the same size as you. I've had my Z Touring Roadster for about a month and I'm getting use to the tight fit. It helps to put your wallet in your front pocket.

At first, I developed a sore mid-back on my left side. A friend suggested that I stop putting my elbow on top of the door. I followed his suggestion and the pain went away.

Suggestions? I wonder if one could put something heavy on the seats at night to help flatten the side foam.

 

It is not a matter of whining ........... I love this car and have never seconded guessed my decision to buy it.

Apparently you are comfortable and that's great!!! What good is this board if I can't I can't share my problem and ask for others opinion with the same. There are two others that felt the same way and offered alternatives.
I certainly hope next time you ask for help or opinions, someone does not perceive it as whining. Have an open mind and offer help, not criticism.

 

mplc,

i have the same problem. and i'm bigger than you. i'm 6'4 220lbs, consider myself in pretty good shape athlete as well..

but.. the seats are just a little too narrow being that it is made to hug smaller guys than me and apparently you. the thing here is i have to agree with R.J._Vancouver. After awhile or driving it, being that i've had my Z for over a year it really gets quite comfortable.

buying new seats.. i do not think you really need to but it is up to you, but as far as i know racing seats are even more snug than ours but you can buy ones that are adjustable, but i'm not really familiar with those. maybe someone who is can help you out?

 

i haven't noticed it on short trips so much...but anything over 2 hours i definitely start to feel it. i'm about ur size and i get serious back pains whenever i take long road trips.

i think it's just the fact there isn't very much support in the lower back area like some racing seats have. it would have been nice to have adjustable lumbars in the car but then again, it IS a performance car and the price i paid for my Z causes me not to *****. I had sparco torinos in my last car and those were great so i think i might end up changing to torinos again....but GAHDAMN they're expensive...

 

Same problem here, and I'm 5' 9" and 165lbs. Thinking about getting some racing seats...but for now, hopefully I'll just get used to it.

 

Ahhh, sometimes I'm glad I'm a small guy. Never had any back pain issues when riding/sitting in performance cars where extra space is nill.

 

I agree...

 

those nismo seats look awfully comfy to me, its only the price that is uncomfortable.

 

i agree as well, The seat hug me perfectly, glad i'm moderately built... hehehehe

 

This is the first car I've had where the seat actually felt good, even on long drives.
I'm short and stumpy, though.
Maybe you need to pack on some weight? Get to eatin some Krispe Kremes!

 

I know the Z is a performance vehicle and I was not expecting a luxury ride but I am just way to uncomfortable. [/B][/QUOTE]

the seat itself seems to be okay for me. maybe a little narrow in the a$$, and I am a thin guy. 5'10" and 155 pounds, but then again big a$$ses run in the family.

my main complaint is the way and angle my driving (right) leg has to be in in order to operate the pedals. If I have to city drive for anything over a half hour or so, something where i cant use the cruise control, i start to develop a cramp/tired feeling in my inner thighs. havent been able to figure it out yet, have tried all kinds of different seat positions.

not whining at all. never really even dawned on me untill i read this thread. just thought I would add my 2 cents.

 

See how the passenger seat fits you. It's got less bolstering. I immediately notice how different it feels whenever I sit in it.

If you don't have side airbags, you could unbolt it from the frame rails and possibly switch seats. Not sure if it would work, but it's worth checking. Better yet, see if the backrest can unbolt from the seat cushion and swap it that way. Then you won't have to deal with the seat adjustment controls being in the wrong place.

Otherwise (or if you have side airbags), see if an upholstering shop can swap the bolstering between the two seats. Probably only a matter of a couple hrs labour. Cheaper than new seats...