Crazy idea: swap Nismo Recaro seats for Sport?

analogman

I'd like to ask you for your thoughts on what is probably a completely insane idea (I've had a lot of those in my life, both professionally and personally...).

I've been equivocating over buying a Nismo 370Z Nismo. I love the car, but, at 60, 6'0", and 200 lbs, I'm 'older' and 'larger', and I don't think the Recaro seats will be comfortable in the long term (my much shorter and smaller wife found them uncomfortable after 20 minutes).

What do you think of swapping out the Recaro seats for base seats out of a Sport or Touring? Does anyone happen to know if the frame rails are the same size? Would this be a straight slide-in swap? Would it totally destroy the value of the car when I go to sell it down the line? Do you think there would be any Sport or Touring owners who would be willing to trade their seats (plus some amount of cash) for a pair of Nismo Recaros? How much do you think that would be worth?

Or do I give up on my Nismo obsession and just get a Sport?

Thanks everyone!

SG4247

At 5'-11" 250 lbs I've had the same thoughts.

Hell, I barely fit the Touring seats.

Hope someone can answer....

babyzilla

Well...for what it's worth:
The recaro seats out of the nismo are REALLY expensive from the factory...and because of that you'll probably lose a lot of value if you try to the sell nismo down the road with base seats installed (lol). They go on sale here on the forums for much less from time to time, but they're still expensive. A lot of members love those seats, as they should since they're high quality. That being said, yes, I'm sure you'll be able to find people to trade you plus cash as the seats are highly sought after.
Sorry, I'm not sure if it's a direct fit, but I'm sure someone else can chime in on that. Either way, you could always sell the recaros and just buy something more comfortable.
I'm not sure what your reasons are as to purchasing a nismo over any other trim since you're saying you could just go for the sport. You should probably think about what you really want/need first.
I've heard and personally believe the base seats are comfortable, but I'd suggest looking for the touring seats as they are leather and nicer. I still think the recaros are the best though, but they're just not a fit for everyone.
My two friendly/helpful suggestions for you (not knowing what you're really looking for):
1. Look for a '14 and older model year nismo. They have the seats similar to the base.
2. OR look for an older sport-touring model, so you can have all the bells and whistles of the sport model, plus the luxuries of the touring model.

Sway

I’ll tell you what, you buy that nismo and I’ll swap your seats with mine free of charge!


It’s not crazy if that’s what you want, but it would be hard to sell it later. Maybe there’s a different aftermarket seat that you’d prefer? That wouldn’t hurt the value AS much...

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cooltoy

I did not think that the nismo seats were that comfortable either, but I only tried a juke. I am sure there would be plenty of people willing to make a switch with you plus cash.

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Jmatchley86

I'm in a touring and we are about the same size, i'm looking for aftermarket seats if that tells you anything. They arn't the most comfortable when your over 6ft

RumbleFish

Beat me to it

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KCZ

I've been debating this exact thing. I was going to buy a Nismo, but I have a back injury and the seats just don't have enough lumbar support. The sport or touring seats are much more supportive for my back. I even asked the dealer how much it would cost to put sport seats in the Nismo and it's over $5K apiece.

So I'm stuck in the quandary of buying a Nismo then buying aftermarket seats sight unseen and hoping they're good for my back. Or buying a sport to get the brakes and LSD, and having the suspension upgrades done, when I'd really prefer the touring seats anyway.

analogman

Thanks guys, I appreciate the (in)sanity check. I'm getting the picture that this idea came out of an acid flashback.

I guess I'm back to my previous dilemma of buying a Nismo vs a Sport. I'm settled on a 370Z; I want one because it's one of the last 'old school' analog sports cars (naturally aspirated engine, manual transmission) that's a dying breed. Now I just need to resolve Nismo (which is what I emotionally want) vs a Sport (which would serve my real world driving needs just fine, as well as be cheaper).

Thanks again!

bthomas87

Have you test driven the nismo and sport back to back?
I'm 6' 1 and I do long distance driving a few times a year. After about 8hrs or so I end up sticking some type of clothing from my bag behind my lower back to get some lumbar support. I can imagine the nismo seats would be even worse.
Personally I'd buy a USED nismo (tons of them around with low miles at a great price), get aftermarket seats, and sell the nismo seats here on the forum to someone will appreciate them.

KCZ

I test drove them back to back. The Nismo seats were worse in terms of lumbar support and general comfort.

OTW Z-Boy

Direct swap on all 370Z’s. If you do decide to get the Nismo (which is my preference as well) I have a -5k mile set from a 2014 Nismo that I would trade you plus cash on my end. Lemme know I’m in no rush. Even if you’re not interested go get that Nismo!

Thanks

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nis350

I am surprised to hear that. are you referring to the cloth sport seats or the touring leather power seats that have lumbar adjustment?

vil9j

Wow I would make the trip from SoCal to swap my sport seats for your nismo plus make a whole adventure exploring Portland while at it

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Cyber370

In my opinion, I don't think the Nismo is what you want. It's not just a question of the seats. It also has a firmer race-tuned suspension and wider wheels making it a little less comfortable than standard models.

You sound like you'd be happier with a sport Z. I don't believe in swapping out seats in a brand new car. This would probably void your warranty as far as seat airbags and other seat related issues are concerned. Just buy the version with the most comfortable seats and be done with it.

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