Navigating Space Constraints: Choosing the Right Aftermarket Seats for Your Porsche Cayman
When a customer with a 38″ waist and wider hips visited our store seeking a sport seat for his Porsche Cayman, we embarked on a comprehensive selection process. The primary challenge was to find a seat that would fit both the customer comfortably and the confined cockpit of the Cayman. After testing numerous seats in our showroom from brands like Cobra, Corbeau, Recaro, OMP, Sparco, and Mirco, we narrowed down the options to the Recaro Pole Position ABE and the Cobra Nogaro.
Key Factors to Consider When Installing Bucket Seats
When considering the installation of aftermarket seats in a Porsche Cayman, understanding the constraints of the cockpit space is crucial. The Cayman, known for its compact and driver-focused interior, presents unique challenges for fitting larger or wider seats.
The Cayman’s cockpit is designed to provide a snug, sporty feel that enhances the driving experience. However, this design also means limited space, particularly in terms of width. The transmission tunnel and the side bolsters of the car intrude into the seating area, leaving less room for wider seats or larger occupants. This compact design helps maintain the structural rigidity and performance characteristics Porsche is known for, but it does pose a challenge for those looking to install aftermarket seats​.
Additionally, the low roofline and the integrated design of the dashboard and center console further restrict the available space. This makes it essential to choose seats that not only fit the occupant comfortably but also fit within the dimensions of the cockpit without compromising the ergonomics or the ability to use controls effectively.
In our store, we address these challenges by offering a variety of seat options and allowing customers to physically test different models. For instance, the customer with a 38″ waist found that many of the seats were too narrow. However, the Recaro Pole Position ABE and the Cobra Nogaro were suitable due to their design, which accommodates wider hips while still fitting within the Cayman’s cockpit constraints​
Recaro Pole Position ABE And Fixings
The Recaro Pole Position ABE is an excellent choice for larger drivers due to its wider leg supports. It’s designed for waist sizes up to 38 inches, which makes it suitable for our customer. This seat is made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic (GRP) and features an integrated headrest, providing both safety and comfort. It’s optimized for road and track use, though it’s not FIA-approved. The specific fitting kit for the Porsche Cayman is essential for proper installation, ensuring the seat is securely mounted. This includes Recaro’s steel side mount brackets, which are tailored for this seat model and vehicle​
All You need For Installation
For the Recaro Pole Position ABE, the fitting process involves using Recaro’s side mounts and their Porsche-specific fitting kit. These components are designed to work seamlessly together, ensuring the seat is properly aligned and securely fixed in the vehicle. This installation requires precision to maintain safety and comfort standards.
Cobra Nogaro And Fixings
The Cobra Nogaro also caters well to drivers with wider hips, offering a slightly more customizable fit compared to the Recaro. The Nogaro uses a GRP shell, similar to the Recaro, providing a strong and lightweight seat. For fitting into the Porsche Cayman, it utilizes Cobra’s specific fitting kit and side mounts, ensuring a secure and proper installation. The Nogaro is known for its comfortable yet supportive design, making it suitable for both daily driving and track use​
All You need For Installation
On the other hand, the Cobra Nogaro uses Cobra’s side mounts and a specific fitting kit tailored for the Porsche Cayman. This kit includes brackets and mounting hardware designed to fit the car’s original mounting points, making the installation process straightforward while ensuring the seat is securely fixed.
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Recaro Pole Positions Fitted
 We love finding drivers that have fitted bucket seats in each car we are looking at when creating our blogs. In this video, we can see the driver installs the Recaro Pole Position ABE Velour seats into his Cayman.
In the video “How to install RECARO Pole Position into Porsche Cayman S 987.2,” the presenter provides a step-by-step guide on installing Recaro Pole Position seats in a Porsche Cayman S 987.2. The video covers the necessary tools, removal of the factory seats, and the installation process of the new Recaro seats using specific side mounts and brackets. The presenter also highlights important considerations such as ensuring proper alignment and securing the seat for both comfort and safety. The detailed walkthrough ensures viewers can confidently perform the installation themselves
Recaro Pole Position Trim/Shell Options
The Recaro Pole Position ABE is available in several luxurious trims such as Ambla Leather, Dinamica Suede in different colors, Leather, and Perlon Velour. This seat is designed to provide a racing-inspired feel with features like an integrated headrest, lumbar support cushions, and optimized shoulder support for lateral hold, ensuring both style and comfort for your driving experience
Cobra Nogaro Trim/Shell Options
The Cobra Nogaro also offers multiple configurations, allowing you to customize your seat to fit your vehicle’s interior perfectly. Known for its exceptional support and comfort, the Nogaro is suitable for both everyday driving and track use. With various trim options and materials, you can tailor the seat to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your Cayman’s cockpit
- From £524.17 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- From £2,182.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- From £2,182.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- From £657.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Final Thoughts
Both the Recaro Pole Position ABE and Cobra Nogaro are suitable options for a Porsche Cayman, particularly for a driver with a 38″ waist and wider hips. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding seat feel, material, and minor differences in fitment. Both seats, when installed with their respective fitting kits, will provide a secure and comfortable driving experience.