ACR Seat Lowering Kit

[fireball]

Where is the best place to get a seat lowering kit for a new '08 ACR? I understand that the new car has some different equipment under the drivers seat and I want to make sure everything will be OK. I still need adjustability so I'm thinking 1". Is Snake Oyl the one?

Thanks for your help.
Greg

 

[rocman]

Mark @ Woodhouse did the 1" kit on mine. The 2" kit wont fit, and even with the 1" kit, you can not move it back and forth without cutting part of the car. I am sure Mark can chime in on this.

I will say, I fit perfectly in the car, and it sits in the perfect position anyway.

 

[CitySnake]

I'm faced with the same issue. The 1" kit is the only one that you can consider and as mentioned, even with that, there's some issues (underseat box and airbag sensor) that complicate the install.

 

[rocman]

I will say it is definitely worth it. The passenger side is really cramped in comparison to the driver's side. I should have done both.

 

[Grant]

The 2" kit won't fit even if you relocate the electronics under the seats?

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

I may fit but I would bet you are going to spend HOURS trying to get at the nuts/bolts to do it. The Gateway would definitely have to be relocated to behind the seat on the bulkhead wall for this also. You would more than likely also need to "chisel" the bracket under the seat off for clearance.

The 2" kit won't fit even if you relocate the electronics under the seats?

 

[fireball]

I'm faced with the same issue. The 1" kit is the only one that you can consider and as mentioned, even with that, there's some issues (underseat box and airbag sensor) that complicate the install.

So does the 1" still work? Can the kit be modified a bit?
I'm pretty sure that I'll fit in the car but with a helmet on I'm sure I'll need the extra space.

BTW I'm 6'2" and about 260lbs.

Did Woodhouse use the Snake Oyl kit?

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

1" kit can be made to fit but will not work flawlessly. You will be relocating under seat items and the seat position sensor for the airbag.

 

[CitySnake]

I'm planning on putting on (more) weight in order to compress the seat cushion. My understanding is that 10 McD's Angus Bacon Cheesburger's = 1/4 inch of cushion compression.

But seriously, see Mark's post above.

 

[fireball]

OK. Thanks for the information guys. I'll order the kit from Snake Oyl tomorrow and maybe get a little creative with the install. I don't expect to pick my car up for a few weeks but I want to hit the ground running.

Greg

 

[JonB]

You could chisel or angle-grind off the 2 module brackets...cut the carpet and snip about 10 zip ties and relocate the module and harness, to a no heat, no static location........but the further issue is the new AIRBAG SENSOR in the seats!

The above liability issues are why PartsRack chose NOT to offer Greg and others the existing seat lowering kits for 08......sorry to disappoint.....

and it gets worse in any 2010 model.........

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

Very true Jon, as I have stated this is a "risk" and the owner is responsible for any problems that it may cause or be the fault of.

Use with caution!

 

[09 Venom]

I guess this thread answers my question whether to trade in my '05 for the '08. I need 2in lowering kit at 6'3 for helmet clearance and overall comfort.

 

[09 Venom]

You could chisel or angle-grind off the 2 module brackets...cut the carpet and snip about 10 zip ties and relocate the module and harness, to a no heat, no static location........but the further issue is the new AIRBAG SENSOR in the seats!

The above liability issues are why PartsRack chose NOT to offer Greg and others the existing seat lowering kits for 08......sorry to disappoint.....

and it gets worse in any 2010 model.........

Why 2010 Jon?

 

[Viper X]

"I guess this thread answers my question whether to trade in my '05 for the '08. I need 2in lowering kit at 6'3 for helmet clearance and overall comfort."

You've really got to wonder about these types of decisions. Most Viper owners, not all, tend to be above average size and height. It just doesn't make any sense to put things under the seat that will preclude a number of us from fitting in these cars. Put the damn things in the trunk, please! If there is an air bag issue, find a way not to invade seating space. The interiors in these cars are crowded enough already.

I have lowered the seats the full two inches in all three of my Vipers and still barely fit with a helmet on. At 6'4", 240, I'm not the biggest guy on the block either.

My response is the same as yours. I was planning to buy an 08 or 09 ACR. Unless someone comes up with an effective method of lowering the seat so that bigger guys can fit in these cars with a helmet on, I'll just buy and mod a 2006 coupe. I do fit in the new Z-06 pretty well with a helmet on and the seat in the OE position.

Question for Mark J, will a race seat (Cobra, Racetek, etc.) fit in the new ACR? If so, would that allow taller guys to fit in this car?

Any other ideas?

Dan

 

[rocman]

"I guess this thread answers my question whether to trade in my '05 for the '08. I need 2in lowering kit at 6'3 for helmet clearance and overall comfort."

You've really got to wonder about these types of decisions. Most Viper owners, not all, tend to be above average size and height. It just doesn't make any sense to put things under the seat that will preclude a number of us from fitting in these cars. Put the damn things in the trunk, please! If there is an air bag issue, find a way not to invade seating space. The interiors in these cars are crowded enough already.

I have lowered the seats the full two inches in all three of my Vipers and still barely fit with a helmet on. At 6'4", 240, I'm not the biggest guy on the block either.

My response is the same as yours. I was planning to buy an 08 or 09 ACR. Unless someone comes up with an effective method of lowering the seat so that bigger guys can fit in these cars with a helmet on, I'll just buy and mod a 2006 coupe. I do fit in the new Z-06 pretty well with a helmet on and the seat in the OE position.

Question for Mark J, will a race seat (Cobra, Racetek, etc.) fit in the new ACR? If so, would that allow taller guys to fit in this car?

Any other ideas?

Dan

Hey Dan,

Ron is taking my ACR up to Willow on Sunday. You are more than welcome to sit in it and see how you fit with your helmet on. Remember, I only have the driver's seat lowered, so don't try fitting in the passenger side.

Mark

 

[Brad04Mamba]

Hey Dan,

Ron is taking my ACR up to Willow on Sunday. You are more than welcome to sit in it and see how you fit with your helmet on. Remember, I only have the driver's seat lowered, so don't try fitting in the passenger side.

Mark

Mark

How did Ron fit in the passenger seat?

 

[rocman]

Mark

How did Ron fit in the passenger seat?

He seemed to fit ok, but when I was in it, my head was at an angle because of my helmet. In the driver's seat, I was really comfortable.

 

[09 Venom]

They need to relocate this module and sensor for the '09 and '10 models....ANYONE LISTENING!!!!

 

[JonB]

They need to relocate this module and sensor for the '09 and '10 models....ANYONE LISTENING!!!!

If you are a VCA member, you can pose this question to THE GRAILKEEPER.

He has the ear of EVERYONE and thay have and need HIS ear.....

 

[fireball]

I don't have my new car yet so I haven't been able to see what's under there, and what is or isn't possible, but I'm pretty sure I'll need it lowered. If I do I'll make a new post after I get the seat pulled out and have had a chance to look around.

When I started this post I thought that I'd get advice on who to buy the kit from, I'd order it and it'd be ready to install when my car arrived. This took a bit of a sideways bounce for me!

The best thing, obviously, is if I fit without lowering the seat.... Of course I'll need to try sitting in the car to find out.

It's interesting that I've purchased an ACR although I have yet to even see one let alone sit in one.

Soon my sun will shine!

 

[caseyse]

I purchased my 2" lowering kit from Northwind Engr., and installed it on my driver's side '08 seat.

I looked at the seat position sensor (a metal proximity sensor), and found that it would be adjacent to metal when the seat was from midway to the far back position, so I zip tied it to the metal frame of the seat. I believe the purpose of this sensor is to either reduce the air bag charge, or turn the air bag off if the car is driven with the seat positioned all the way forward, on top of the steering wheel (i.e., someone's face would get blown off).

I installed the seat over the stock electronics, reconnecting both of the wire connectors. While there was no added clearance underneath the seat, the fit was fine.

I'm now driving with a 2" lowering kit on an '08. 2,500 miles, and there have been no malfunction/error codes. I did notice that the kit, which I ordered directly from Northwind for an '08, did not include two cross section metal supports that were to be installed under the seat (per the instructions). Had these been installed, I'm sure I wouldn't have had the necessary clearance.

I believe I continue to have a working air bag, and I hope I never need to test this.

 

[09 Venom]

I purchased my 2" lowering kit from Northwind Engr., and installed it on my driver's side '08 seat.

I looked at the seat position sensor (a metal proximity sensor), and found that it would be adjacent to metal when the seat was from midway to the far back position, so I zip tied it to the metal frame of the seat. I believe the purpose of this sensor is to either reduce the air bag charge, or turn the air bag off if the car is driven with the seat positioned all the way forward, on top of the steering wheel (i.e., someone's face would get blown off).

I installed the seat over the stock electronics, reconnecting both of the wire connectors. While there was no added clearance underneath the seat, the fit was fine.

I'm now driving with a 2" lowering kit on an '08. 2,500 miles, and there have been no malfunction/error codes. I did notice that the kit, which I ordered directly from Northwind for an '08, did not include two cross section metal supports that were to be installed under the seat (per the instructions). Had these been installed, I'm sure I wouldn't have had the necessary clearance.

I believe I continue to have a working air bag, and I hope I never need to test this.

caseyse, I am glad to here you have had no problems. Your situation lends a ray of hope for a future purchase for me.

Just a side bar if I may, I spoke to two service techs at e-town tonight (neither were Viper techs) and both said that their departments would never touch or relocate an air bag module or sensor. They said there would certainly be warranty issues and possible auto insurance issues if there ever was any accident.

 

[SoCal Rebell]

I am 6'2" 250 and I fit fine in Rocman's ACR, in fact even in the passanger seat instructing I was fine. I guess it boils down to you "torso length" I have long legs and shorter torso. When I jump in Rocmen's car I have to re-adjust the mirrors, so he's a long body

 

[fireball]

I am 6'2" 250 and I fit fine in Rocman's ACR, in fact even in the passanger seat instructing I was fine. I guess it boils down to you "torso length" I have long legs and shorter torso. When I jump in Rocmen's car I have to re-adjust the mirrors, so he's a long body

So there's hope for me! Thanks.

 

[rcl4668]

I am 6'2" 250 and I fit fine in Rocman's ACR, in fact even in the passanger seat instructing I was fine. I guess it boils down to you "torso length" I have long legs and shorter torso. When I jump in Rocmen's car I have to re-adjust the mirrors, so he's a long body

Agreed on the "torso length" part. I am only about 6' and even with a 1'' lowering kit, the top of my helmet barely falls below my Autoform rollbar.

/Rich

 

[Westxsrt10]

I bought a 1" lowering kit for my 08 from Mark J a few months ago, he said he had one on the shelf so i'm not sure what brand it is.
I had to do some hacking for it to work, took some photos of the install. I am 6'-3" 225 with a long torso and the kit did wonders but there is no way i can ware a helmet.

 

[Y2K10 SRT#39]

"I guess this thread answers my question whether to trade in my '05 for the '08. I need 2in lowering kit at 6'3 for helmet clearance and overall comfort."

You've really got to wonder about these types of decisions. Most Viper owners, not all, tend to be above average size and height. It just doesn't make any sense to put things under the seat that will preclude a number of us from fitting in these cars. Put the damn things in the trunk, please! If there is an air bag issue, find a way not to invade seating space. The interiors in these cars are crowded enough already.

I have lowered the seats the full two inches in all three of my Vipers and still barely fit with a helmet on. At 6'4", 240, I'm not the biggest guy on the block either.

Question for Mark J, will a race seat (Cobra, Racetek, etc.) fit in the new ACR? If so, would that allow taller guys to fit in this car?

Any other ideas?

Dan

What he said- When the new coupe first came out, I tried to sit in it without a helmet...and my head hit the roof (I'm 6'6"). I have continually asked SRT for MORE head room, NOT LESS! But it seems my (our) requests have NOT and WILL NOT be listened to.
Thank goodness for Northwind Engineering for my past two Vipers. The 2" kit worked for me in my 96 GTS and my 05 SRT Yellow Fever VCA edition. (yes my head hit the roof in the 'vert!)
I WAS going to place an order for an '08 ACR with Billy P., but now there is no way to make me fit. Looks like I will not buy another Viper unless there is something that can be done to fix these problems. I'll have to find a different track car! I'll stay tuned in on this issue to see if someone can resolve it, but I sure don't have much hope.

PBR

 

[rcl4668]

I seem to recall someone on this board or over at the Alley having some custom work done to the stock seats, essentially removing some seat cusion padding material to gain extra head clearance. Would this have a negative impact on any of the airbag sensor components?


/Rich

 

[Viper X]

When I bought my 2006 VOI 9 Coupe, my wife had to test drive it and drive it home. Fortunately, she's a pretty good driver. Like the originator of this post, I had two NWE 2-inch seat lowering bracket kits waiting for the car at home. Have to lower both sides so that I can ride in the car on trips.

No way to drive that car with the seat so damn high!

Perhaps we can get some attention on this issue at VOI 10 - perhaps .....

Dan