Looking for a cheap alternative to S13 seats?

[Harris]

As everyone here probably knows, the S13 seats are not the most comfortable seats out there. Most people usually replace them with S14 seats or go for something aftermarket. I found a cheap alternative that may work for those who are good at some drilling. More on the alternative later.


First, let me introduce myself. I am a former 1994 B13 SE-R owner. I had just started to tune up the car for race-track use, when last year, my car was unfortunately involved in a hit-and-run accident. Soon after the accident, I searched around for another car, this time wanting a RWD car. I found a 1989 240SX for a good deal at a used dealership. It was in bad shape, but I had plans to fix up the whole car soon as the summer came.

Now that summer's here, the car's been getting a whole redo, which involves complete rust removal (we're talking rust holes here), new rear hatch, and a new paint job. While the car was being readied, I started thinking about whether this would be the time to think about the seats. I no longer could tolerate sitting in those seats and getting a backrub at the end of the day, especially when I have to travel 70 miles a day. So, with that thought in mind, I took on the task of figuring out what to do. The light bulb in my head came on right when I looked at my B13 SE-R seats that I had sitting in my basement.


IMHO, the B13 SE-R seats are by far the most comfortable OEM seats Nissan has ever made. And with that in mind, I went ahead with figuring out what I had to do in order to install them in my 240.


The swap was fairly easy, although it does require a little bit of careful measurement. In order to use the SE-R seats, the seat rails from the S13 seats need to be used. Because the holes in the S13 rails don't line up with the SE-R seats, new holes had to be drilled in the rails. This is where the measurement comes in. You have to align the rails on the seats, make markings and measure it all in order to drill the rails in the right spot.


Here is what it all looks like after I got done with the swap.










SE-R seats can be had for much cheaper than what's out there in the aftermarket. Finding them should be no hard task at all.

All in all, this swap was worth it for me. With these seats, you feel like you're locked in, so that means no more hanging on to the steering wheel at turns . And the best thing of all is that my back won't hurt anymore at all.


Let me know what you guys think.

[vinhisbored]

Good idea.. congrats on the success.

[nlzmo400r]

They sure are ugly, but hey if its functional .....I never thought my s13 seats were uncomfortable at all,just not supportive.....I bought an r32 GTR seat and am happy with it- Rob

[Harris]

Function is exactly why I got them. As I said, they are very supportive compared to the S13 seats.


I did feel a lot of discomfort with the S13 seats as well as having no support. My back would really hurt a lot after just 20 minutes of driving. I guess these seats affect different people in different ways. Anyhow, I highly recommend people using this seats if they can get their hands on a good set.

[SochBAT]

S14s feel just as nice. And Just as pretty, if not more so. Simple boltup, right? With no mods?

[phrozen]

do they sit higher then stock? did you have to weld anything? or was it pretty bolt on besides drilling

[sr240mike]

I just found me a pair for $100, im gonna go get em today. Bye bye s13 seats

[Harris]

Originally Posted by phrozen

1)do they sit higher then stock? did you have to weld anything? or was it pretty bolt on besides drilling

1) They sit maybe about a centimeter or two higher than stock, if that. Being 5'6", it worked out real great for me. There's still a good amount of legroom between the steering wheel and the seat nonetheless.


3) Nope, other the the drilling, it was pretty straightforward.