OEM seat upgrade options?

My car has the standard electric heated seats, I have a 36" trouser inside leg measurement and also love the more modern looking 991+ seats. On top of that I notoced a little lower back discomfort when I went for the 1st drive. Has anyone upgraded to newer OEM model seats which also give more legroom, or what is a good aftermarket modern equivalent that people have used ? I have seen the recaro CS seat which looks quite good but apparently leg room gets reduced. Thanks

I have a set of 997 leather backed standard electric but non-heated seats sitting in my garage if they are of interest - I understand they fit a 996 but can't verify it because I have not done - no doubt others will know (black btw)

Thanks 160dmb for the offer, I think those seats are very similar to mine to change unfortunately.

i have to get my seat positioned perfectly otherwise i get a similar back pain! I have the same standard seats, i'm upgrading to the sports variants when i can afford it... I think the 997 seats are better ergonomically, i think with a heavy clutch it doesn't help either. There are a few aftermarket options out there, but i would start with getting the position perfect. I went to SEAT factory and they took us to a race track and one of the sessions was on seat position, they even had a simulator to help you get the best from setting up correctly. It was one of those moments where you think afterwards that was so much more interesting than i thought it would be at the start. Good seats and setting up are the key to enjoying a car. Good luck

They do fit, I had 997 seats in my previous 996 when I bought it. The only issue is that they are slightly taller so in certain positions can touch the roof lining when you tip seat forward. You can see the seats fitted here https://porsche911owner.blogspot.com/2013/08/porsche-996-driving-first-impressions.html

A major contributor on here Dammit is a tall guy, he did gt3 style console delete and fitted a bucket seat. You will find his post on here.

I have 997 Sports seats in my 996, installed by the previous owner. I have similarly long legs to you and find the seats/seating position one of the most comfortable I've ever had. When I was looking for a 996 the seats and seating position were one of the biggest let downs for me, until I found out about the 997 seat retrofit and then found this car. They are night and day better than 996 seats. Pictures of them in the link in my signature. Cheers, Rob

If it's lower back sort of lumbar type support you need you can get a small rolled up towel or a piece of nice solid foam and insert it in the gap between the seat back and the seat frame...they aren't sewn together. It certainly helped with mine.

Try the lower console delete as well. Im not that tall but was always banging my knee of the centre console and after doing the GT3 delete its one of the best things Ive done. So much more room.

Thanks I might try that if adjusting the seat doesn't work. I have ordered the longer seat runner which apparently gives 3 inches more rearward seat travel.

Didn't you lose the heated seat button space :?:

The buttons can be relocated to any blanks by simply extending the loom e.g. main upper console or centre console... The 997 seats are definitely better made and more ergonomic that the 996 equivalent - I went from 996 sports to 997 sports, mine sit lower, have better side bolstering and weigh less due to less motors... which was a win, win, win for me... (although if you make the switch and want to preserve the heated function you need to splice a pigtail section of loom from a 996 to the 997 seat i.e. the 996 placed the relays under the seat, whereas the 997 placed the relays in the dash)

My cars not that fancy to have that option :lol: To be honest I wouldn't care about that if it came to it for all the time that you would ever use it. Interested that the 997 seats so appear better, I might look into that.

My legs are 2 inches less lanky than the OPand I had a horrendous time behind the wheel of a loaner 996 with the full electric seats. My own 996 has the standard part electric poverty seats and they go lower and slide further back so leg room isn't a problem. I believe the electrical gubbins on the full electrics mean they can't go as low or far back. What I do still find uncomfortable is the seat back. It's too narrow at the mid back and shoulders for me and the support is all in the wrong place. Like the lumbar support is halfway up the back rest. I may try some 997 seats.

I have the same problem in my 996, any moderate to long drive gives me lower back pain, I dont get this is my 997, and had no issues in my old 991 GT3 with comfort seats. I have the option to buy some brand new Recaro Profi SPGs with Recaro 997 seat bases. Will these fit in a 996?