How to put FC seats in an SA/FB

[P71]

Step 1: Get FC seats (you don't even need the tracks).
Step 2: Take out old seats, remove tracks.
Step 3: Install SA/FB tracks on FC seats.
Step 4: Re-install.
Step 5: Profit!

This is only for manual tracks, I don't know if power tracks will work.

I've actually had the FC seats in my FB for 2 months now, but one of the 3 bolts holding the driver's seat in came loose, so I took it out to inspect (using FC tracks the passenger seat bolts right in and the driver only works on 3/4, the front inside bolt doesn't line up). I still have my original seats, so a little curiosity netted me the realization that the lower and lighter FB tracks bolt right onto the FC seats. Problem solved!

[Eatmyclutch]

lol I need to bolt on my passenger seat. I need bolts and brackets, maybe even replace the seat.

[WE3RX7]

I have T2 seats in my FB.

Some extra things to note.

When using FB sliders on the FC seats, the FB sliders are only single lock, not dual which is why some people prefer the FC slider over FB. Personally, I didn't care. I wanted the lighter weight and lower.

If you use the FC slider on an FB seat on the driver side, you'll need to notch the fourth hole (make the circle hole a rectangle). This way it'll fit and you have 4/4 instead of 3/4.

Using FB sliders on the passenger side with FC seat, the FB slider doesnt bolt EXACTLY up. There is one of the threaded holes that doesnt line up.. luckily though Mazda had another hole about an inch further up the rack that lines up perfectly. You just need to get a bolt/lock washer/nut assembly since its not threaded.

I'm pretty sure I have thread here with pics I'll see if I can dig it up...

[P71]

I left the FC sliders on the passenger seat since it bolted right in 4/4.

[WE3RX7]

Perhaps a difference w/ S4 T2 seats vs what you used?

[P71]

I don't know what year/model/trim my FC seats came from. They're blue cloth with thick side bolsters and high backs. Look an awful lot like the seats in my 86 GXL if I'm remembering correctly though.

[Eatmyclutch]

So can I just use the FC seats and brackets into a 1st gen?

[P71]

No. You have 3 options.

1: Use the FC tracks an re-drill the driver's front inboard track to match the FB bolt hole.

2: Use the FB tracks on the FC seats with a bolt/washer/locknut holding in the off bolt to a pre-drilled hole on the passenger seat track.

Or 3: (What I did) Use the FB tracks on the driver's seat and the FC tracks on the passenger seat, then it all bolts right in.

[WE3RX7]

^ Ah I see - theres our difference. I used my stock FB sliders on both sides. Was no trouble at all... I didnt find the thread here so I'll repost the pics in here.. ya know, keep it in the family.

[Kentetsu]

Anyone ever do a writeup on mounting 3rd gen seats in a 1st gen? I've got a set ready to go in.

[djjjr42]

Originally Posted by Kentetsu

Anyone ever do a writeup on mounting 3rd gen seats in a 1st gen? I've got a set ready to go in.

While we're at it let's get one for the RX-8 seats. I've got 2 waiting to go in.

[WE3RX7]

Been so busy lately, I never got my install pics up. Dont think its magazine quality Phil, but its what I've got.

I tried showing the dimensions the best I could. They do sit up a little taller, which I actually like.

I also included a picture of the passenger rail issue I ran into.

I used '87 T2 seats with factory FB sliders (both sides). The threaded hole on the passenger inside rail (the one that goes on the trans tunnel) didn't line up. But using a bolt and nut w/ lock washer through another factory hole worked just fine.

[Whizbang]

does any one have an exact idea of how much lower it is? im 6' and the FB seats don't cut it for me.

[P71]

I'm 5'11" or 6'0" depending on who you believe, and I can now sit in the FB (which has a sunroof and a sagging headliner) WITH my full-face Snell-rated race helmet on, and not touch the headliner (with the helmet, at all). I couldn't do that with the FB seats.

[impulsive-RX7]