Seriously considering a power seat retrofit

[twintrbo]

I love power seats, I dont like not having one and I feel the OEM seat could use some more adjustment on it. I stopped by a dealer today to measure the track width on a Mazda 6 seat. It seems to be very close to the width on all the Mazda models, I didnt have a tape with me so I had to improvise, but I feel my measurement was accurate enough.

I know the Mazda 6 has memory seats, I also believe it is self contained in the seat. What I basically want to do is buy a power seat from a wreck and adapt the mounts for the track for the 5 and install the 5 cushions on it as well. Maybe even heated seat?

What are some opinions on this? I really don't see too much difficulty in doing this, fabrication is needed but its not particularly complicated work either. Just some brackets that wont be seen anyway and probably painting the trim around the controls to match my interior. The seat I'm looking at is only about $200.

 

[DKaz]

The upper trims of 2010+ Mazda 3s also have 8-way power driver seats with 3 memory function. In Canada it's the GS with Luxury Package and GT. Not sure about the US of A. But if you're sure the 6's seats will fit, go for it. You can just sell it if it doesn't work. The stock 5 seats are pretty narrow.

 

[twintrbo]

I think they have power seats here as well. From what I can tell, the tracks seem to be the same width. I'm not looking to bolt in different seats though, I want to make the 5 seat a power seat. I wish someone on the 6 forum would measure their tracks exactly for me, over 50 views and no one can take 30 seconds to measure it.

 

[Sounbwoy]

Are there any modules for the driver seat as there are for the passenger seat? How would you deal with that?

 

[Silentnoise713]

May be this can help in your cause. Might be cool to just have a unique ‘drivers’ seat but you might sit a bit low, but that can be fixed with some spacers.

RX8 driver seat (power, leather, w/ rails) - $100
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/pts/2430449707.html

 

[twintrbo]

As far as I can tell, its part of the seat and mounted to the bottom cushion.

Are there any modules for the driver seat as there are for the passenger seat? How would you deal with that?

 

[twintrbo]

Thats a cool seat but it would look pretty silly in the 5 and I dont know if that has memory in it, plus the airbag is extra weight and complexity I dont need. The seat from the 6 looks more adaptable.

May be this can help in your cause. Might be cool to just have a unique ‘drivers’ seat but you might sit a bit low, but that can be fixed with some spacers.

RX8 driver seat (power, leather, w/ rails) - $100
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/pts/2430449707.html

 

[Sounbwoy]

Do you really think a power seat will give you more adjustability? Don't forget that they'll also be heavier. Why not look at a Corbeau or Cobra seat, or if you have the $$$ get a Recaro...

 

[twintrbo]

Do you really think a power seat will give you more adjustability? Don't forget that they'll also be heavier. Why not look at a Corbeau or Cobra seat, or if you have the $$$ get a Recaro...

Have you ever had a power seat? Do you really see a way it WONT have more adjustability? The 5 has none at all. The reason I'm not looking at aftermarket is I am not driving a rice boy special. You dont put race seats in a small minivan that runs a 10 second 0-60. No offense but I'm surprised you asked either question. 30 extra pounds for the power seat is invisible as as I'm concerned.

I am not looking to "tunerize" the car, I just want to push a button for my seat setting and another button for my wifes setting. As a bonus, I can add some tilt to the bottom cushion for thigh support without sticking washers under the cushion like I have now.

 

[GoFast]

Do you really think a power seat will give you more adjustability?...

Yes

 

[Sounbwoy]

Firstly, yes. I have had cars with power seats. The adjustability depends on the design of the seat and the available room in the vehicle. Based on what I see in my 5, I don't see where a power seat would offer significantly more adjustment other than the regular seat, and that is MY opinion.
Secondly, have you ever looked at the range of seats that the manufacturers I mentioned offer? It would help before you assume that I'm suggesting that you put a race seat in your car because I wasn't. Look at the companies and offerings first before being offended by suggestions from people that you ask for ideas.
To help you along, here's one: http://www.corbeau.com/products/reclining_seats/gts_ii/
What you choose to do with your vehicle is your own business, but don't ask for opinions/suggestions in a public forum if you're not willing to consider them or you have already made a decision.

 

[twintrbo]

Based on what I see in my 5, I don't see where a power seat would offer significantly more adjustment other than the regular seat, and that is MY opinion.

Secondly, have you ever looked at the range of seats that the manufacturers I mentioned offer?

What you choose to do with your vehicle is your own business, but don't ask for opinions/suggestions in a public forum if you're not willing to consider them or you have already made a decision.

Considering the bottom cushion on the 5 does not move at all, I still dont see how you think it wont be more adjustable if you can tilt the seat up or down in the front or back. Just how much adjustabililty is significant in your opinion? Granted its not the sea of buttons on an early 90's Pontiac Bonneville but its still an improvement.

I will give you credit, I didn't realize that those companies offered such street oriented seats now. The one you pointed out however, is not power. That was a major theme as stated in the title of my thread.

I asked for opinions and suggestions on my idea to retrofit a power seat base from a mazda 6 in order to have memory settings as well. While you went outside the box and suggested another route, it really isn't what I had in mind in the first place. I know that those seats are really good but again, not power and slightly more than I wanted to spend as well. I thank you for your suggestions, sorry if it came off rude that I wasn't receptive to it.