Another tall driver post (same same, but different)
 

Hello all,

I’m finally in a financial position to be able to pick up a low mileage s2000, a proverbial dream car of mine since it came out. I know this is more than likely a topic that comes up all too often, but doing a quick search I wasn’t able to find specifically what I’m looking for:

I’m unfortunately a tall fellow. 6’6” to be exact. However, I’m more legs than upper body. I wear 36” inseam length pants. I’ve all too often seen posts about tall owners that have head clearance issues, but for me, my head seems to fit just fine, even if just barely. What I have noticed is my legs being the issue with my knees hitting the steering wheel and making it difficult to steer.

I’m not interested in modifying the factory seats. I’m the type who doesn’t mind doing mods, so long as they are easily reversible. I want to keep the car as original as possible (the seat rail being likely the only mod I’d do). I know there’s at least one brand out there that sells aftermarket seat rails that lower the position of the OEM driver’s seat and that is exactly what I’m looking for. However, my question is: are there any owners on here that fit my size description? Who’s the longest legged owner here and did an aftermarket seat rail fix your issue for fitment?

Because this would be a weekend car for me, I’m not necessarily worried about comfort issues on extended drives. I’m sure back issues will be unavoidable no matter what. I’m just curious to know if the seat rail will allow for enough clearance to be able to actually drive the car hard. In a completely stock interior, I’m not able to turn the wheel with ease because my knees get in the way.

Thankd in advance. Hoping someone can chime in who’s in the same boat I am.

I have the bys lowering rails. Only lowers about 3/4". But it makes a lot more difference than you'd think, but only for headroom.

I have opposite issue. Shorty legs, loooong torso (even with the rails bottom of rearview mirror still below eye level).

You will also gain a little knee room, but I don't think its going to make a real difference.

I suggest you look for aftermarket drivers seat. Something much thinner in base and back. This will allow seat to go back much further, while also mount lower. Both combining to give more onee room.

You can store seat, nice and preserved in good shape. Easy mode that is easily reversed.

This seems the logical path forward to me.

But I’m sure some rail/seat combos are going to be better for tall folks than others.

I know no one really makes an aftermarket oem looking seat for the s2k, but is there anything that looks like it suits the car better than, for example, the Recaro Pole Position seats? I've seen that seat be a popular option for the s2k, but I'm wondering if there's anything without the big "RECARO" badge up top, and preferably even in leather. Hell, even being able to adjust the backrest would be great.

I know such a seat isn't cheap, but given how tight the s2k interior is, I'm wondering what options really exist.

I'm really hoping I don't have to pass on the s2k. Nothing else really tickles my fancy like it does.

I’m 6’2” and the BYS seat rails were a big improvement in my 06. It gave me leg room under the steaming wheel and put my field of vision lower under the windsheild frame.
I have friend with a 2000 model and his has more leg room under the steering wheel stock than mine did. I’m fact it’s at least an inch better. I don’t know if the AP1 steering wheel is smaller or if the seats are just different but with a BYS seat rail his car would definitely fit a taller driver than mine by probably a couple of inches.

Steering wheels same, its the seats that are different.

This is what I'm hoping to hear. I intend on buying a seat rail to mount in my friend's s2k just to ensure this will work out for me, prior to buying a car. I'm really hoping for an AP2 for no other reason than the bit of additional torque since I don't intend on modding the engine. Maybe I should try sourcing a pair of AP1 seats to swap out for the extra room all while preserving the AP2 seats. I know the seats aren't cheap, but such is life.

At the end of the day, I need like 0.75-1.0" more room below the steering wheel to fit comfortably.

BYS rail gives a bit more room, but it only lowers the seat pan so it throws off the lumbar position on the seat back. I used a BYS rail on mine for years but got tired of the back ache, switched to Pole Positions years ago and have zero complaints.
I hear you completely on the Recaro logo on the seat back, you could opt for custom upholstery for the Recaros like I did but more money of course. Aftermarket seat is really your best option at 6' 6".

You mentioned needing .75-1 under the steering wheel. When I bought my car, my hands would hit my legs when steering tight turns. The BYS rails fixed that. They will give you the amount of space you are looking for I believe. Of course all of us are built differently so good idea to try first
on your friends car. ​​​​​

I don't mind the longer distance between lowered seat back and static backrest with bys, in fact it feels better than stock since long torso. To me, the more you need bys, the more its change to seat geometry is a benefit, not a drawback.

But I did find myself submarining under seatbelt though. So I raised the front of seat significantly using washers. That made me sit down further into butt of seat, further augmenting the lowering. Short legs so don't care about steering wheel clearance.

But you have opposite issue, long legs. Aftermarket seat can be both lower and go back further.