Our Definitive Bucket Seat Guide To Your MEV Exocet
The MEV Exocet, a lightweight and agile kit car, offers a thrilling driving experience. One of the key areas where owners often seek to personalize and enhance their vehicle is through the selection of aftermarket seats. Given the unique dimensions and design of the Exocet, choosing the right seat requires careful consideration of fit, comfort, and functionality. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision
OEM Miata (MX-5) Seats
The Exocet was originally designed to accommodate the seats from its donor vehicle, the Mazda Miata (MX-5). These seats can be reused with some modifications:
- Front Slider Mount: Straighten the slight bend on the front slider mount.
- Mounting Holes: Drill holes through the Exocet floor seat tube and use a 1/2″ or M12 bolt to secure the slider to the chassis tube.
- Fitment: Miata seats are a practical choice, providing a straightforward installation with a bit of modification
Top 5 Aftermarket Seat Choices
We’re going to look in detail at the top 5 choices for your Exocet. Each of the following seats is available in fabric or vinyl.
- Sparco Sprint
- Cobra Roadster 7
- Corbeau LE-Pro
- OMP TRS-E
- Cobra Monaco Pro
Sparco Sprint And Sprint Sky
The Sparco Sprint seat is a popular choice among MEV Exocet builders due to its balance of affordability, comfort, and performance. This entry-level racing seat is made with a durable tubular frame and is available in both fabric and vinyl finishes, catering to different aesthetic preferences and practical needs. The seat features medium-height bolsters that provide ample lateral support without compromising ease of entry and exit, making it suitable for both street and track use.
- Construction: Tubular steel frame with a fabric or vinyl cover.
- Comfort: Medium-height bolsters for lateral support.
- Adjustability: Can be mounted on sliders for fore and aft adjustment.
- Harness Compatibility: Supports 4-point harnesses, enhancing safety for spirited driving.
Installation Considerations: The Sparco Sprint can be installed using aftermarket sliders or fixed mounts. It fits well within the compact dimensions of the Exocet, though some modification to the mounting points might be necessary for optimal positioning.
Cobra Roadster 7
The Cobra Roadster 7 combines classic styling with modern comfort, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a vintage aesthetic in their Exocet. This seat is available in fabric and vinyl options, allowing for customization to match the interior theme of the car. The Roadster 7 features a steel frame with integrated headrest and medium-height side bolsters that offer good support without being too restrictive.
- Construction: Steel frame with fabric or vinyl upholstery.
- Comfort: Integrated headrest and moderate bolsters for comfort and support.
- Design: Classic look suitable for vintage-themed builds.
- Harness Compatibility: Can accommodate 4-point harnesses.
Installation Considerations: The Cobra Roadster 7 can be mounted using adjustable sliders, providing flexibility in seat positioning. Its classic design ensures it fits well within the Exocet’s cockpit, though like other seats, custom mounting brackets may be required for a perfect fit.
Cobra Monaco Pro
The Cobra Monaco Pro is a well-regarded racing seat that combines safety, comfort, and durability. This seat features a steel tubular frame and is available in fabric or vinyl, making it suitable for a range of applications from street to track. The Monaco Pro’s high side bolsters and integrated headrest provide excellent lateral support, ensuring the driver remains firmly in place during high-speed maneuvers.
- Construction: Steel tubular frame with fabric or vinyl cover.
- Comfort: High side bolsters and integrated headrest for superior support.
- Durability: Robust construction designed for rigorous use.
- Harness Compatibility: Supports 4/5/6 point harnesses.
Installation Considerations: The Cobra Monaco Pro can be mounted using aftermarket sliders or fixed mounts. Its dimensions fit well within the Exocet, although adjustments to the mounting points may be necessary for a secure and comfortable installation.
- From £395.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- From £235.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
OMP TRS-E
The OMP TRS-E seat is a versatile and affordable option for MEV Exocet owners, known for its robust construction and ergonomic design. This seat features tubular steel framing and is available in both fabric and vinyl, offering a durable and comfortable seating solution. The TRS-E’s medium-high bolsters provide excellent lateral support, making it suitable for both daily driving and track use.
- Construction: Tubular steel frame with fabric or vinyl upholstery.
- Comfort: Ergonomic design with medium-high bolsters.
- Design: Versatile for various driving conditions.
- Harness Compatibility: Compatible with 4-point harnesses.
Installation Considerations: The OMP TRS-E can be installed using solid mounts or modified stock runners. It fits well within the Exocet’s dimensions, though custom mounting brackets may be necessary for optimal fitment.
Corbeau LE-Pro
The Corbeau LE-Pro is a high-performance racing seat known for its lightweight construction and superior support. Designed with a GRP/Kevlar shell, this seat is available in fabric or leather finishes, providing both durability and a premium feel. The LE-Pro is particularly popular among track enthusiasts due to its compatibility with 4/5/6 point harnesses and its snug fit, which enhances driver control and feedback.
- Construction: GRP/Kevlar shell with fabric or leather cover.
- Comfort: High bolsters and ergonomic design for maximum support.
- Weight: Lightweight, contributing to better performance.
- Harness Compatibility: Supports 4/5/6 point harnesses for improved safety.
Installation Considerations: The Corbeau LE-Pro can be directly mounted onto the Exocet’s OEM frames with minimal modifications. Its compact dimensions and lightweight design make it a practical choice for performance-focused builds.
Overall Installation Considerations
- Mounting Options: Depending on the seat model, you can use original Miata sliders, aftermarket sliders, or static mounts. Static mounting provides a firmer seat position but lacks adjustability​​.
- Fitment and Adjustment: Measure the available space in the Exocet and compare it with the seat dimensions. Adjustments to mounts or custom brackets may be necessary to achieve a secure fit​.
- Reclining Seats: While some builders consider using reclining seats, such as the Sparco R100, they are generally not recommended for use with harnesses due to safety concerns​.
- Harness Bars and Safety: Ensure that the chosen seat has provisions for harnesses if you plan on installing them. Most current Exocet kits come with a harness bar, which is the preferred method for securing harnesses​​.
Available for Immediate Dispatch or Collection
We stock a wide range of high-quality aftermarket seats perfect for your MEV Exocet. Whether you’re looking for the affordability and performance of the Sparco Sprint, the classic style of the Cobra Roadster 7, the high-performance features of the Corbeau LE-Pro, the robustness of the OMP TRS-E, or the durable support of the Cobra Monaco Pro, we have you covered. All these seats are available in various finishes including fabric, vinyl, and leather to match your specific needs and preferences.
Our seats are available for immediate collection or delivery, ensuring you can upgrade your Exocet without delay. For more details or to make a purchase, please contact us directly. We’re ready to assist you in selecting the perfect seat and ensuring a smooth and satisfying purchasing experience. Reach out to us through our website, email, or phone for personalized service and expert advice.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right seat for your MEV Exocet is crucial not only for comfort but also for enhancing your driving experience and safety. Given the compact dimensions of the Exocet, the seat size and choice are constrained by the available space within the vehicle. However, the perfect seat should also match the driver’s body shape and size to ensure optimal support and comfort during drives. The right seat will provide proper lateral support, fit well within the cockpit, and accommodate any harnesses you plan to use.
To ensure you find the perfect fit, we recommend booking an appointment to visit our showroom and try the seats in person. This allows you to sit in each seat, evaluate its comfort, and determine how well it suits your body size and driving style. We will be available to assist you in making an informed decision, ensuring that you leave with a seat that enhances both your comfort and performance. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards upgrading your MEV Exocet’s seating.