My 1997 SC300 5-speed
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: nh
Thanks everyone!
@VWpride, I know they are extremely heavy. The first time I removed the seats in an SC, I removed all of the mounting bolts, and honestly thought there was another bolt holding it in because they were THAT heavy!
@1992Lexus, I don't currently have any interior pics, but it is very clean inside. The previous owner installed some wood grain trim stuff around the radio and window switches, which normally I am not a fan of, but it doesn't look horrible, so I have left it alone.
@ Tabaka, Good eye! When I bought the car it had rear-end damage from an accident. I acquired a 1993 SC300 with front end damage for parts. This is why the rear of the car is from an earlier model. At first, I planned on it being a temporary fix, until I could source some of the newer rear-end parts. Since then, the look has seriously grown on me, as I have always admired the tight and clean look of the original rear-end styling of SC300's.
The reason I asked about the seats, is that I have been considering going off the deep-end and building this car into a competitive autocross car. The inherent problem with the SC300 is it's weight compared to other cars that it would have to compete against (RX8, 1st-gen WRX, BMW 3-series). Seats are an allowable modification, which could save a large amount of weight from an SC.
Here is my predicament. Just last week I picked up a 2003 IS300 5-speed with Torsen differential. I cannot keep both of these cars, so I am researching the performance potential of both in hopes of making a decision as to which one stays, and which one goes. I know the IS300 is lighter, therefore faster, but I really do prefer the front suspension design of the SC300, as it is more like a Miata than an old Honda.
Can an SC300 get close to the weight of an IS300 with aluminum race seats, lightweight wheels, brakes and lightweight exhaust? I really want to keep the SC, as I have NEVER seen anyone autocross one, and I believe the platform would be close to ideal.
@VWpride, I know they are extremely heavy. The first time I removed the seats in an SC, I removed all of the mounting bolts, and honestly thought there was another bolt holding it in because they were THAT heavy!
@1992Lexus, I don't currently have any interior pics, but it is very clean inside. The previous owner installed some wood grain trim stuff around the radio and window switches, which normally I am not a fan of, but it doesn't look horrible, so I have left it alone.
@ Tabaka, Good eye! When I bought the car it had rear-end damage from an accident. I acquired a 1993 SC300 with front end damage for parts. This is why the rear of the car is from an earlier model. At first, I planned on it being a temporary fix, until I could source some of the newer rear-end parts. Since then, the look has seriously grown on me, as I have always admired the tight and clean look of the original rear-end styling of SC300's.
The reason I asked about the seats, is that I have been considering going off the deep-end and building this car into a competitive autocross car. The inherent problem with the SC300 is it's weight compared to other cars that it would have to compete against (RX8, 1st-gen WRX, BMW 3-series). Seats are an allowable modification, which could save a large amount of weight from an SC.
Here is my predicament. Just last week I picked up a 2003 IS300 5-speed with Torsen differential. I cannot keep both of these cars, so I am researching the performance potential of both in hopes of making a decision as to which one stays, and which one goes. I know the IS300 is lighter, therefore faster, but I really do prefer the front suspension design of the SC300, as it is more like a Miata than an old Honda.
Can an SC300 get close to the weight of an IS300 with aluminum race seats, lightweight wheels, brakes and lightweight exhaust? I really want to keep the SC, as I have NEVER seen anyone autocross one, and I believe the platform would be close to ideal.
Pit Crew
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 115
Likes: 2
From: South Carolina
The passenger seat weighs 68.5 lbs w/o the headrest. I haven't pulled the driver's seat out yet but I'll post the weight when I do. I'm installing new covers from leatherseats and breaking the seat down is a pia because I don't know where and how it's all fastened together. I don't want to break anything so I'm going real slow. I've tried numerous searches but not finding much. If anybody can direct me to a thread on taking the seats apart I would be most grateful.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: nh
@SC4Demon, here are a few pics. Not the best quality, I know. I will have more pictures soon.
@5spd97, Thank you! So I can expect to lose AT LEAST 100lbs from the SC seats alone. Class rules state that the replacement seats must weigh no less than 25lbs. I suspect that the car could get close to 3300lbs with the allowed modifications. Probably not enough for it to hang with RX8's and IS300's with the same modifications. Bummer. I may have to let her go.
@5spd97, Thank you! So I can expect to lose AT LEAST 100lbs from the SC seats alone. Class rules state that the replacement seats must weigh no less than 25lbs. I suspect that the car could get close to 3300lbs with the allowed modifications. Probably not enough for it to hang with RX8's and IS300's with the same modifications. Bummer. I may have to let her go.
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