Here's the issue... I had back surgery Dec 22nd last year for a herniated disc in my lumbar (L5 disc). I also have severe arthritis in my L3/4/5 discs at age 30. I have healed up great from my surgery yet I have a problem that I hope some of you can help with...

I find that when I drive my Z my lower back in my surgical area really hurts and then the pain will radiate up my back. I have been driving my fathers Pathfinder (with leather) for a few days since my Z is down from deer damage. My back doesn't bother me at all while driving it and it even has adjustable lumber.

So I was wondering if an aftermarket seat would be something I should look into. I was dead set on trading the Z for an suv but now realize I would not be happy with that as long as I have wanted a Z.

Sparco makes the chronos road seat that looks nice but I have no way of knowing if it's comfortable since there are no shops in my area that I can go look and sit in seats. Cipher looks like they make some nice suede seats too but again I have no way of knowing how comfortable they are.

I realize the Z will never be as comfortable as an suv but maybe you all can give me some input on aftermarket seats with a supportive lumbar section.

I am also 6'0 tall, 200lbs and a 34 waist.

 

Everyone is different, i have 2 colapsed disks (both sides of T8) , T8 is crushed and severe arthritis in my lower back. With my stock seats i find my back pain isn't that bad ( made a few 1k mile trips) if i keep my seat near vertical. Also my back feels great when i have my fixed bucket race seats in the car (near vertical seating )

The race seats i use are Corbaeu FX1 pro and FX1. The pro is narrow , i'm 6'1 170.

BTW my stock seats are leather, my 05 has cloth seats and i can't get comfy for more than a 100 mile drive.

 

That's what my 05 has... cloth.

 

maybe strengthen the back? do some supermans every three days.

 

Not allowed to lift any sort of weights and restricted to 35lbs if I lift anything. I do work out with an elliptical machine to stay active but weights are out.

 

problem is that everyone's idea of comfortable is different, and it's even more compounded with an injury. Your only real option is to attend some local meets, can be for any variety of car, and try to sit in some aftermarket seats, to help narrow your field. I can tell you my seats are way more comfortable than the stock cloth ones are...and they are (have done numerous 5+ hour drives, longest one was 14 hours one way). But it won't translate to how you might feel in them

 

What seats are you using... and that's a good idea about attending meets. I never thought about that and if I go aftermarket I will be asking a bunch of guys if I can sit in their car! LOL

 

I would start with Corbeaus imho, reclinable versions I've sat in are more comfortable than any other a/m seat I've sat in, and they are cheap. Recaro reclineables are also tied with Corbeaus for comfort imo, but more expensive.

 

I'm in the same boat, I have 4 bad disc(1 neck,3 back) and I am 6ft 200lbs 34w, just haven't had back surgery yet. I currently have Bride lo max. They came with the car, I have made the drive to zdayz in them from FL with minimal problems. I have found mine to be ok, but not for a DD. Why i have a truck. Just make sure you don't hard time getting into them, that causes me the most of the pain for me. As Z1 said it all your opinion, but you could go to a local track, shop or a event like a cars and coffee and see if someone has some seats you could sit in and try out. Just my 2cents. GL

 

Good luck when and if you have surgery.

Unfortunately there are no shops even local to me so that's not an option. I would be looking for a reclining back seat as a fixed back may be hell on earth lol. I'm either going to have to go to a meet or take a chance on the opinions of others.

 

+1 more upright seat back, also I make sure the bottom is cranked up all the way too if you have that adjustment (I have 2008). I was in pain too till I found this position.

 

I'll have to check my seat...

 

Recaro SRIII V2 (a Japan/Euro edition seat though it's discontinued). I was around 215 lbs when I got them back in 2007, now 185 lbs

 

Some of the Corbeau's are very comfortable. Problem is their fabric doesn't wear very well in my experience, especially if you frequently wear jeans. Whereas the more expensive seats like the Recaro and Bride's for example, wear much better over time. I previously had a set of Bride's in my car that came from a customers 2002 WRX (seats purchased in 02), he used them every day for 4 years, I put them in my car, got another 1.5 years worth, then they were sold, and now reside in a 4th persons car

 

Fixed back seats are where its at for back comfort. My Sparco fixed backs would leave me back problem free even after 8+ hour trips. If you have the money, Recaro fixed back seats are the way to go. hit me up if you want pricing on any seats.

edit: Corbeau has optional lumbar support in their seats