Notices
RX-8 Discussion General discussion about the RX-8 that doesn't fit in one of the specialty forums.

All you short rx8 drivers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 05-29-2009, 10:24 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
desiz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
All you short rx8 drivers

I'm about 5'7 inches and I have a short torso and long legs. After getting an rx8 it got a little way too uncomfortable and I started using a cushion. It helps a little bit and all. The automatic seats seriously suck, any opinons, suggestions? Plus I drive small and local 3-5 mile trips.
Old 05-29-2009, 10:37 PM
  #2  
went back to srsly broke
iTrader: (2)
 
JinDesu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Flushing, NY
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
You've got the powered seats right? Did you explore all the options with the seat tilt, lumbar, back lean, and seat position?

I'm 5'-8 and got a pretty good position for most trips. Only time I had issues was with my knee getting really sore after a 4 hour drive..

I know my friend, who's also 5'-7, short torso and long legs, have issues with the passenger seat. He pulls the seat back all the way to get comfy.
Old 05-29-2009, 10:39 PM
  #3  
Has the whole shit.
 
Rhawb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 1,772
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm 5'4 and I've had similar problems in all my cars. Best I can tell you is to keep that seat back pretty close to upright and learn to use the clutch to the tip of your toes. I also put the front of the seat all the way up, with the back dipped down slightly - that seemed to help for some reason. It's also a big help to stay shoved back into the seat as far as possible to keep yourself from slouching. Sitting a bit closer to the wheel can bring you a bit higher too, but then you can get into questionable territory with the airbag.

To be honest, the 8 was probably the best car I ever owned as far as seat adjustments. I could always see out very well and I always sat nice and high. Just don't worry about "fashion over function" sit in a way that lets you see the corners of your car, that's what's important. Doesn't hurt that the seats get pretty comfortable when you sit in them as intended.

Last edited by Rhawb; 05-29-2009 at 10:44 PM.
Old 05-29-2009, 10:49 PM
  #4  
Registered
 
Marklar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 935
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Um, short? You guys are tall. I'm 4'11'', seriously.

I keep the seat forward and clutch in with the ball of my foot. I used to keep the seat back a couple of notches and use my toes to floor the clutch, but that sucked. I worry about the airbag, but my mom was 4'6'' and got nailed by the airbag in her Miata with the seat all the way up and was OK (after she came to) so I don't think my head is going to come off from having the seat all the way up.

So, in short, quit your bellyaching. I'm way shorter than you and I can drive my 8 fine. I do sit on a cushion but I have it covered by a seat cover so no one can even see it. And you still sit higher than I do without a cushion and I can see fine.
Old 05-29-2009, 10:52 PM
  #5  
Dr. Love
 
wlorton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Marklar
Um, short? You guys are tall. I'm 4'11'', seriously.

I keep the seat forward and clutch in with the ball of my foot. I used to keep the seat back a couple of notches and use my toes to floor the clutch, but that sucked. I worry about the airbag, but my mom was 4'6'' and got nailed by the airbag in her Miata with the seat all the way up and was OK (after she came to) so I don't think my head is going to come off from having the seat all the way up.

So, in short, quit your bellyaching. I'm way shorter than you and I can drive my 8 fine. I do sit on a cushion but I have it covered by a seat cover so no one can even see it. And you still sit higher than I do without a cushion and I can see fine.
pics or your 6 foot... lol jk
Old 05-29-2009, 10:53 PM
  #6  
It's a Cavalier
 
YaXMaNGTO's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 2 Posts
hmmmm.... Well, the car was built in Japan. The average Japanese fellow isnt going to be taller than you. If it works for them, should work for you, unless they use different seats for the US model.
Old 05-29-2009, 11:00 PM
  #7  
Registered
 
Marklar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 935
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by wlorton
pics or your 6 foot... lol jk
LOL, I can prove it if you want me too, but I would have to drag someone else in to take the shot or post a family pic or something, and I don't want to do that.

Take my word for it, I'm that short, I have dwarfism actually. Metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, type Schmidt. I just look like a short dude though, you wouldn't necessarily know it was a medical condition.
Old 05-29-2009, 11:58 PM
  #8  
2005 Black RX-8 GT 6M
 
CarAndDriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose Area
Posts: 6,350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm about your height and have no problem. I have the front part of the seat raised and the rear somewhere below that so I'm not sitting totally flat or pitched forward. I sit fairly upright and I try to push the seat back enough where I am using my toes on the clutch comfortably. With my arms stretched out, my wrists rest on top of the steering wheel. That is a good rough guide of how far you should be from the airbag (or around 10 inches away chest to airbag).
Old 05-30-2009, 12:23 AM
  #9  
Registered
 
ILoveFI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How is it possible to not find a comfortable position with the power seats? I'm one of the pickiest people I know in that aspect and I will admit it took me a month to get it right, but play around with it and you should find something that will be good.

If someone even touches my seat though it screws everything up and I'll freak out..
Old 05-30-2009, 12:25 AM
  #10  
went back to srsly broke
iTrader: (2)
 
JinDesu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Flushing, NY
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by ILoveFI
How is it possible to not find a comfortable position with the power seats? I'm one of the pickiest people I know in that aspect and I will admit it took me a month to get it right, but play around with it and you should find something that will be good.

If someone even touches my seat though it screws everything up and I'll freak out..
Well, I'll admit one thing.. the lumbar support doesn't push out enough for my preference. However, it's not such a big deal except for long trips =p

If it would only go a liiiiiittle further..
Old 05-30-2009, 02:16 AM
  #11  
I miss my 8
 
FreshLettuce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think it's weird, I'm 6 foot 7 and I sat perfectly in my 8.
Old 05-30-2009, 02:21 AM
  #12  
RX8 & RX7 owner
 
ZumnRx8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: So. California
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Im 5'7" and Im perfect in the correct upright position with the tilt flat and all the way down. I think you need to measure your height again u might be shorter than you think.
Old 05-30-2009, 02:26 AM
  #13  
^noob
 
cjkim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: socal
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
seriously, 5'7-8" ish and its hard not to be comfortable.
Old 05-30-2009, 02:30 AM
  #14  
RX8 & RX7 owner
 
ZumnRx8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: So. California
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
I think 5-7 to 5-8 is the perfect size intended for 8's afterall, I dont think JAPS are that tall, with that said I see some MIATA drivers that are like 6-6'6 and I have no idea how they climb into those tiny circus cars, maybe thats why they always drive with the top down (convertibles) or with the top off (hard top)
Old 05-30-2009, 11:39 AM
  #15  
Zoom x 2
 
XlYesterdaYlX's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: 209
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i'm 5'3.. honestly...the left side mirror is a major blind spot LOL.
Old 05-30-2009, 12:03 PM
  #16  
Registered
 
shazy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Montreal,QC
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm 5'8 and seriously, that isn't short. Just a bit lower than average. Now if you are under like 5'5... then you would be considered, you know, small. Don't wat the complaint is about the whole short thing with the people who are about my height.
Old 05-30-2009, 12:34 PM
  #17  
The Former PSNTLSS
iTrader: (3)
 
PSTNLSS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: South Plainfield, NJ/ Center Valley, PA
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm 5'8" ish and I guess longer legs and shorter torso. My chest is mayb 18 inches from the wheel. So when airbags deploy I'm dead. But I'm comfortable. I think it takes time. Took me a good few months to find my sweet spot.


I have a back condition too, I have Degenerative Disc Diease or Disorder whichever you call it. Which means I have the rapid degeneration of discs. I am one of the hardest people to make comfortable. The seats in my RX-8 are the most comfortable sitting I've been in.

The RX-8 is my first car(i'm 18). And other cars I've sat in I was discomfortable in.

You just need to play with the seats. They are poweredd with probably millions of combos of lumbar, back and seat itself.
Old 06-01-2009, 09:15 PM
  #18  
Stick Specialist
iTrader: (2)
 
UrbanOcho's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 911
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
I'm 5 foot 4. For the five weeks I've had the Ocho I've been tinkering with the seat because I can barely reach the clutch but if I move up too much I feel waaaay too close to the steering wheel. Not sure what to do to mess with it some more but I guess I should keep tinkering til it works.
Old 06-01-2009, 10:23 PM
  #19  
Registered User
 
Svickstc's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Im not short, but i dont see how you guys think being short and being uncomfortable, im 6'1 and obviously have the seat all the way back but i think the 8 fits me very comfortably....this coming from a Celica, and Scion TC which was real roomy....

Although i just picked up my 8 friday, that day i took an 1 1/2 road trip and was comfy the whole way....
Old 06-02-2009, 11:46 AM
  #20  
Registered
 
ecsw's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Marklar
Um, short? You guys are tall. I'm 4'11'', seriously.

I keep the seat forward and clutch in with the ball of my foot. I used to keep the seat back a couple of notches and use my toes to floor the clutch, but that sucked. I worry about the airbag, but my mom was 4'6'' and got nailed by the airbag in her Miata with the seat all the way up and was OK (after she came to) so I don't think my head is going to come off from having the seat all the way up.

So, in short, quit your bellyaching. I'm way shorter than you and I can drive my 8 fine. I do sit on a cushion but I have it covered by a seat cover so no one can even see it. And you still sit higher than I do without a cushion and I can see fine.
I thought I would beat you all, but I can only be 2nd now.

I am 5'2. I adjusted my seat right to the point that my knee slightly touch the front panel under steering wheel and yet left foot is comfortable with my clutch. I can use a bit more room on the knee. but all the manual car I drove are all like that because of my shortness. Juts have to get use to it.
Old 06-02-2009, 02:34 PM
  #21  
Driving makes me :)
 
lshu's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
5'4" here, perfectly comfortable. Actually, it seems like the perfect height for going to the track. I have JUST enough headroom with my helmet on.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Audio Concepts ATL
New Member Forum
21
09-26-2021 01:59 PM
Dokuji
Series I Trouble Shooting
8
11-01-2016 02:51 PM
vapor2
RX-8 Parts For Sale/Wanted
3
10-08-2015 02:08 PM
akagc
RX-8's For Sale/Wanted
7
08-11-2015 07:07 PM



You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: All you short rx8 drivers



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:39 AM.