Start '15

Shopping for a race seat could not come soon enough as my tall torso and stock seats pushed my helmeted head sideways into the sunroof area causing a sore neck and shoulder at the last autox.

For the driver side I chose to go with a Buddy Club adjustable seat bracket because the design mounts the seat low and it works well with most all popular side mount bucket seats.  Price was very reasonable which gave me concern about quality or fitment, but initial inspection showed good welds and sturdy 3/16' steel construction. Slides are tight and difficult to move, but smooth and double locking. I am sure they will free up a little with some use.  A tab is provided for the seatbelt buckle receiver, however the factory Acura SRS integrates a bulky and complicated auto-tensioner into the buckle receiver so it will be replaced by a simple unit from an Evo8.  Weight is 9.8 lbs. for the complete kit (one seat).

My previous Miatas all used older model bottom mount Momo Start seats and I was happy with their comfort, quality, and price so I purchased a newer side-mount Start for the RSX.  Probably due to safety certifications and design changes, the Start seats have gained weight over the years as this current seat weighs 19.3 lbs. Combine that with the Buddy Club rails and seatbelt receiver and the total is 30 pounds; five pounds over the minimum allowed weight but still a full 20 pounds less than the factory leather driver side seat which weighs 50 pounds even.

Rail mount and side bracket assembly onto the Momo seat was quick and easy and mounting the complete seat into the car was simple using the factory mounting holes and bolts.  Seating position is very low, but the side brackets give a huge range of adjustability in both height and recline.  At full forward there is some contact with the center console and about an inch or more clearance from the door panel at both the shoulder and leg.  Plenty of room rearward for long legged drivers.  As anticipated, the slides are stiff, but should get better.