Seat Lowering Kit for 2013-2015 Vipers is almost here!

[SnakeOyl]

Even though its still the dead of Winter here in Wisconsin, and we can't enjoy our Vipers, We at SnakeOyl Products/Viper Parts USA have been busy getting ready for the Spring driving season by developing new products for Viper lovers everywhere.

Since the introduction of the Gen V Viper we have heard many tales about poor frontal visibility if you are tall or have an upright driving position.

VPUSA would like to announce a Seat Lowering Kit for the 13-15 Vipers. Our kit will give you the ability to sit at least 2.5 inches lower than stock and have the ability to fine tune your height by using the original height adjuster if 2.5 is too low. The kit is a fixed fore and aft position, meaning that you will not have the ability to move the seat forward or back once the kit is installed.

The seat will be positioned almost all the way to the rear but still have enough room to install the rear fasteners to secure the seat to the floor.

Look at the attached photos to show how much lower the seat sits compared to an unmodified one.

We anticipate the kits to be ready to ship in approximately 2-3 weeks. Pricing will be announced late next week.89058906

[mblgjr]

Assuming this will only work with the manual seat.

[Zybane]

This will work with the TA seat correct? I'm so in for one!

[Dman]

Cool, but bummer if it's for non power seats only.

[SilveRT8]

1" lower for power seat would do it for me.

[cashcorn]

Outstanding!

[Dman]

1" lower for power seat would do it for me.

I second that.

[sammyv]

I need this for my GTS. SnakeOyl can you can you confirm this will work on an electric seat? Thanks!

[Ryanr206]

If the seat can't be moved forward with this kit. How will you bolt in the rear of the seat?

And if it no longer puts the seat all the way back. Won't that be counter productive?

[mblgjr]

Im 5' 11" 30" inseam; I sit with the seat base moved about 1.5-2" forward from the rearmost position.

But; I move the seat fully to the rear for entry/exit to help avoid the bolster.

If there's anyone out there that has found a way to drop a G5 electric seat ANY amount Im all ears.


And please; we all know about the risers the 13's had... Im looking to drop that amount again.

[sammyv]

Any updates? Price?

[V10 Snake]

about time!!

[s_c5519]

Will the lowering also give you any extra leg room (away from the pedals), or only just height?

[SnakeOyl]

The seat with the lowering kit is fixed almost full rearward. We couldn't put it full rear as you would not be able to put the rear nuts on to secure the seat in place. We didnt measure but an educated guess will put it within an inch of being full rear.

My wife is very tall, 36" inseam and with the pedals all the toward the firewall, she has to tip toe the clutch as it is so far forward with the seat full down.

[BLUETA#1]

Can the set be positioned anywhere forward than the last inch from the rear? I understand that it cannot slide fore/aft after the install….I am wondering if you can at least choose any position as long as its not all the way back.

Thanks!



The seat with the lowering kit is fixed almost full rearward. We couldn't put it full rear as you would not be able to put the rear nuts on to secure the seat in place. We didnt measure but an educated guess will put it within an inch of being full rear.

My wife is very tall, 36" inseam and with the pedals all the toward the firewall, she has to tip toe the clutch as it is so far forward with the seat full down.

[Zybane]

In his first post he said the seat position is fixed in it's position almost all the way to the rear. Kinda makes sense, as if you are tall enough to need this seat lowering kit the vast odds are that you have long legs too.

[SmoknTires]

I talked to Steve about piloting this. I'm awaiting one for my car. IF this works for me, it'll work for anyone. I have confidence it's a good product, my only concern is that it isn't bolted full-rear. I need every inch I can get (insert joke here).

A 2.5" drop is much more than I ever could have hoped for given my own explorations on having something built. But distance from the dash is still important. Not sure if anyone else has this issue but - my knees are so close to the dash that when I exit, my left knee brushes the dash - and if I'm not exiting slowly it'll actually give me a burn mark on my knee and peel the skin. It's happened to me 20 times... sucks. It's amazing how "grippy" that dash is!

I'll try it anyway. God knows it's better than not seeing the road in front of you. I literally see the bottoms of the tires of the car in front of me due to the headliner.

[SnakeOyl]

Ok ...allot of questions have been generated with this new product. After listening to our Gen 5 customers and their complaints about not being able to see thru the upper windshield frame, visors poking you in the forehead and so on ... we went to work on a seat lowering kit for such. Our goal was to make a seat lowering kit that will work for 95% of our consumers. Too clear up some questions and or speculation on the product here is what we have. The lowering kit was designed for all seats........the kit eliminates your seat track assembly manual and or power seat track. The lowering kit thus makes your seat a direct mount to the floors OEM mounting points. The OEM seat belt system stays in tack. The elevation up & down part of your seat stays also operation & functioning. Which is nice. Being the pedals and steering column move lowering the seat 2.5 inches plus gives great vision ability and the fact one is lower their seating position (backside) .......the arch in your legs are reduced for more leg room clearing dashes and steering wheels.
The lowering kit was design to take as much movement downward and back the vehicle would offer us based on our past experiences with Vipers and their owners requests.
Now for people that need to be custom fit to their vehicle ......one could re-drill or re-index our mounting system.......unfortunately we would suggest a professional custom shop for such. Our mounting brackets do have some mounting adjustment in them (approx. 1.0") forward and aft. but this was designed into the mounts because of the variables in Italian made seats, Tubs manufactured in Mexico, and so on. Custom seating needs?? ....your calls are welcome. (608 849 9878)
We are in production and the estimated release date on these seat lowering kits is March 1st 2015
Thank you for your interest ......Cory & Steve (Viper Parts USA)

[BlknBlu]

Alex, what about a windsheild raising kit for you....lol

Bruce

[SmoknTires]

I had my hammer and duct tape ready until Steve told me that they had the kit almost ready. Whew, that was close!

[01sapphirebob]

They just need to cut the roof off the car. ;)

[BLUETA#1]

I need to figure out it I can reach the controls with the seal almost all the way back. I am 6'1"

Who in Austin has a Viper that I can sit and and check this out!

[cashcorn]

I'm 6'1". I put the seat all the way back & then move forward 1 notch. Then recline seat & adjust to the lowest. Perfect fit! 1" lower would be the ultimate

[Zybane]

Can the rail work for passenger seat too?

[Bruce]

I'm 5'11 but w/ long torso and would love to have the seat lowered a couple of inches for looking out and up the windshield and for helmet clearance (not just for the top clearance, but also for side of helmet). However I don't want to sit too far from the steering wheel, especially while driving aggressively or on track. So looks like some custom positioning of the rails will be needed. Could a close up picture of the seat rails be posted so at least I can see what can be done to them to have seat mounted forward more than 1" from its rearmost position?

[steve911]

Can the rail work for passenger seat too?

I asked the same question too. They are looking at it to see if it is doable. The weight sensing airbag "mechanicals" are in the base of the seat and actually sticks down a bit lower than the drivers side. Gotta make sure it doesn't interfere with proper airbag operation.

[I Bin Therbefor]

Is a Gurney "bump" needed here? :confused:

[Dark Overlord]

Count me in for this once its released...!

[Genelehmann]

I live in New Braunfels and would be happy to let you sit in my '14 GTS. They have a few new Vipers floating around dealers as well...

[Genelehmann]

I live in New Braunfels and would be happy to let you sit in my '14 GTS. I'm 6'5" and need all the room I can get!! They have a few new Vipers floating around dealers as well...

[Viper Girl]

my knees are so close to the dash that when I exit, my left knee brushes the dash - and if I'm not exiting slowly it'll actually give me a burn mark on my knee and peel the skin. It's happened to me 20 times... sucks. It's amazing how "grippy" that dash is!

Just wait until it's 120 in AZ and you see 9287 on that knee... thats gonna leave a mark...

[darbgnik]

March 1st has passed. I am looking at "test fitting" a 2015 in a few days, a few hundred miles from where I live. Hoping to see an update on the availability of this product, in case the fitting doesn't go well for me.......

[sammyv]

Keep us informed!

[mjorgensen]

We will be installing one of the first kits in our Blue #1 TA 2.0 build as soon as they ship and fitting the Teamtech harnesses in with it. Looking forward to this great option.

[Mag-Yum]

6'4" and in need of this as well. Doesn't show that its available in the store yet. When will it be?

[TexasTonka]

Hope you have a lot of them made when you open orders. I know I'm waiting on the list, must be 2 dozen of us at least.

[darbgnik]

Just test fit a 2015 SRT and confirmed I wont fit with the current seat. I technically fit in the car, but I have a great view of the headliner, sunvisors, hood, and not much else......
So I have two questions:
1. Does this kit lower the seat 2.5" from the 2014 2015 lowest position? Or from the higher 2013?
2. When I can get one? Don't really wanna pull the trigger on a car I can't really drive.

[mjorgensen]

Just test fit a 2015 SRT and confirmed I wont fit with the current seat. I technically fit in the car, but I have a great view of the headliner, sunvisors, hood, and not much else......
So I have two questions:
1. Does this kit lower the seat 2.5" from the 2014 2015 lowest position? Or from the higher 2013?
2. When I can get one? Don't really wanna pull the trigger on a car I can't really drive.

The last time I talked with them they said the parts should arrive to them this Monday, I have a customers car sitting waiting for one so as soon as I have it and installed I'll post pictures of the differences with the TeamTech harnesses.

[FLATOUT]

The last time I talked with them they said the parts should arrive to them this Monday, I have a customers car sitting waiting for one so as soon as I have it and installed I'll post pictures of the differences with the TeamTech harnesses.

Looking forward to this, thanks for the update Mark.

[darbgnik]

Just test fit a 2015 SRT and confirmed I wont fit with the current seat. I technically fit in the car, but I have a great view of the headliner, sunvisors, hood, and not much else......
So I have two questions:
1. Does this kit lower the seat 2.5" from the 2014 2015 lowest position? Or from the higher 2013?
2. When I can get one? Don't really wanna pull the trigger on a car I can't really drive.

Thanks Mark

I hope it's 2.5" lower than the 2015 seat height, if I have any hope of wearing a helmet!

[donk_316]

Replying to subscribe.

I discounted the Viper off my list because it's too small to fit comfortably.
With a seat lowered 2" that would take my shoulder out of the B pillar and the back off my head off the rear slope of the roof.

[timberwolf]

So just to clarify. This will only adapt to the furthest rear position? So a 6 foot, long torsoed person would not benefit from this as much as a 6'4" individual. Or can it it be bolted at the desired position, simply lower 2.5"?

Thanks,

Greg

[mjorgensen]

So just to clarify. This will only adapt to the furthest rear position? So a 6 foot, long torsoed person would not benefit from this as much as a 6'4" individual. Or can it it be bolted at the desired position, simply lower 2.5"?

Thanks,

Greg

" Our mounting brackets do have some mounting adjustment in them (approx. 1.0") forward and aft. but this was designed into the mounts because of the variables in Italian made seats, Tubs manufactured in Mexico, and so on. Custom seating needs?? ....your calls are welcome. (608 849 9878)"

From Snakeoyl

[timberwolf]

Thank you sir

[sammyv]

Spoke with Cory this morning he said their kit may be ready this week.

[BLUETA#1]

I hope so. This is what's keeping me from getting my car!

[TexasTonka]

There should be a waiting list so I hope a PM or email goes out soon for payment. Holding off on the Teamtech install until I can get this in my hand.

[darbgnik]

There should be a waiting list so I hope a PM or email goes out soon for payment. Holding off on the Teamtech install until I can get this in my hand.

Hmmm.I hope their first run is well above the list they have. I'm sure there's a few like me that are on the fence, waiting for the kit, that don't own the car yet....

[sammyv]

Just ordered my seat lowering kit from Steve at Snakeoyl! Give him a call their ready to ship!

[BLUETA#1]

Mine shipped out today. I am so close to getting my car. I wish that I had it for COTA this weekend. The first event will be TWS next month.

[TeamOrangeCrush]

" Our mounting brackets do have some mounting adjustment in them (approx. 1.0") forward and aft. but this was designed into the mounts because of the variables in Italian made seats, Tubs manufactured in Mexico, and so on. Custom seating needs?? ....your calls are welcome. (608 849 9878)"

From Snakeoyl

Mark,

Can you do me a favour and add this into my order! Thanks!!!!!

JP,

[mjorgensen]

Mark,

Can you do me a favour and add this into my order! Thanks!!!!!

JP,

Sure thing, I will have our first one tomorrow for the Blue TA, I'll check it out and then get yours coming. Your 15' PCM and front pads should be here Monday so I will rush the shipping for you.

Thanks,

[darbgnik]

Hi Mark,

Did you guys get the seat bracket installed? If so, could you tell if it was a 2.5" drop on the 2015? Or more like a 1.5"(2.5" being on the 2013s)?

[mjorgensen]

Sorry we have not got the kit in yet we are finishing up other Supercharger installs from last week. We will probably finish them Tuesday and try to have something for you then.


Hi Mark,

Did you guys get the seat bracket installed? If so, could you tell if it was a 2.5" drop on the 2015? Or more like a 1.5"(2.5" being on the 2013s)?

[darbgnik]

9855 Finally found a pic that illustrates the 6" swath of visibility us guys have been whining about. All we see is headliner and hood. No chance of seeing traffic 10 feet away. Lol

[Viper Girl]

9855 Finally found a pic that illustrates the 6" swath of visibility us guys have been whining about. All we see is headliner and hood. No chance of seeing traffic 10 feet away. Lol
No way that is safe... I think you tall guys just need to let a 5'5" short woman drive you around. We can see everywhere, making women much safer Viper drivers... LMAO

[darbgnik]

No way that is safe... I think you tall guys just need to let a 5'5" short woman drive you around. We can see everywhere, making women much safer Viper drivers... LMAO

LMAO, that's what my girlfriend, whose 5' just said to me.

[gpearl]

No way that is safe... I think you tall guys just need to let a 5'5" short woman drive you around. We can see everywhere, making women much safer Viper drivers... LMAO

My wife agrees with you. She still hasn't figured out there isn't a brake on the passenger side of the car.

[darbgnik]

So I got a definitive response from Cory at Snakeoyl below..... Now just to see if my local dealer can get me the car I want!

All 13-15 seats , all years drop approx 2.5 plus inches that we have done here (several)

We see this increase of head to headliner room but this varies from vehicle to vehicle slightly based on each vehicle is slightly different, peoples backside, cushion variables and so-on..

So for the those who hold the tape measure different we had elected to advertise the seat lower kit at 2 plus inches......

As for the phone we are sorry to here you didn't get thru the phone tree......We are a small company combined with Spring has arrived in our area..Thus there isn't currently enough hours in a day

[Mag-Yum]

just ordered my seat lowering kit from steve at snakeoyl! Give him a call their ready to ship!

Yay!!! Just saw this and calling them tomorrow. Great news. Gonna miss not needing sunglasses! You 6 and over guys know what I'm talking about. Ha!

[cashcorn]

Are they also making a passenger side as well? thanks.

[donk_316]

Anyone have these installed yet? Need an update on this.

[BLUETA#1]

Anyone have these installed yet? Need an update on this.

I am waiting for an answer to a question that I have before I take the unit I have and install it. I know the seat is in a fixed position once installed. What I need to know is if I have ANY other position option other than "all the way back." All the way back puts my helmet against the downslope of the roof.

[TexasTonka]

Mine was installed at ViperExchange this week- I won't be able to pick it up until next week. I'll see if they can post some pics of it here.

[darbgnik]

I am waiting for an answer to a question that I have before I take the unit I have and install it. I know the seat is in a fixed position once installed. What I need to know is if I have ANY other position option other than "all the way back." All the way back puts my helmet against the downslope of the roof.

The installed position is a little further forward than all the way back. Maybe a click? I think if a guy wanted to, he could re drill all the seat mounting holes 3/4" ahead of what's there, to get the seat even further forward, from what I remember when I installed the kit.

But something else to consider, is the fact that with the seat that much lower, maybe that part of the roof will be a non issue...... I would install the seat as it comes, and try it on, it's pretty east to remove and readjust after the fact. Don't ask me how I know.

If the roof is still an issue, I would move the holes forward that amount. This would also make the seat easier to mount, by making the rear nuts more accessible.

[Voice of Reason]

I sat briefly in my neighbors '14 that has the lowering kit installed and it's something I do plan on ordering later this year. Note that I didn't take it for a drive, but the lower position does help out with visibility. I'm 6'2" and can drive the car ok without it, but I expect this will make it just right.

[dasvolk]

Sounds like this will fit me just about perfectly. Is this a DIY job for a car with manual seats?

[darbgnik]

Sounds like this will fit me just about perfectly. Is this a DIY job for a car with manual seats?

Yup. Nothing complicated about it. Just need someone with small hands and skinny forearms to tighten down the rear nuts.

[gpearl]

I've been driving with my seat lowering kids for a few weeks. It is awesome. Now all I see is windshield. Thanks for this product.

[SnakeOyl]

Thanks for the kind words. We have had nothing but positive comments from customers like yourself. The lowering kit has proven to be very popular, with literally dozens sold to date.

[donk_316]

Hey guys, any more real world updates? I'm 6'4" and do not fit in a viper without touching the roof and B-pillar at the same time.
I'm really hoping this is the cure I'm looking for. I am specifically not ordering leather interior in the hopes that the ballistic seat is wider and lower.

[SnakeOyl]

Hey Donk,

We have had very positive feedback from folks in your height range who have installed the lowering kit. One guy on the forums is the Illinois Chapter pres. and he is at least your height. He has the lowering kit in his car and is VERY Happy with it...

[SmoknTires]

It made a big difference. I'm also 6'4" and it definitely helps us big guys see the road better. My head used to touch and I could never rest my head back on the seat because of the slope of the roof. While we could use 4-5" lower, nothing short of cutting the floor will get you there. This is a good solution.

[darbgnik]

I'm 6'2" 265lbs with only a 32" inseam. So I sit very tall in the car. I also have a 36" waist, so I guess I'd be considered top heavy, lol. There was no way in hell Ifit without the seat drop. Definitely worked for me.
Also, the ballistic seats work way better for any bigger guys than the GTS seats. Ive sat in both, and the GTS seats are much too tight for a bigger guy. I dont understand why, as they're supposed to be the same frame, but the difference is there.

[darbgnik]

Do you live anywhere near Edmonton? I have a track day on August 15th and if you're near by you can test fit my car.

[Bruce]

SnakeOyl,
I'm only 5'11 but like to sit close to the wheel Nascar style w/ the rear of my seat 5" in front of the rear bulkhead. When I put my hand to feel under the seat, I don't even feel a gap of one finger width so without moving the seat further back, could I lengthen the mounting holes toward the front of the car to mount the seat forward enough and still 1" or more in headroom?http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff112/bli8/IMG_20150731_114400796.jpg

[donk_316]

Do you live anywhere near Edmonton? I have a track day on August 15th and if you're near by you can test fit my car.

That would be really fantastic man I would appreciate that.
I'm out of the country until around mid August but I'm betting I will be back by then. I'll keep you posted. If I fit better with the seat drop kit, I'll order one before the car even shows up.

[darbgnik]

That would be really fantastic man I would appreciate that.
I'm out of the country until around mid August but I'm betting I will be back by then. I'll keep you posted. If I fit better with the seat drop kit, I'll order one before the car even shows up.

I was in the market for this car, and didn't actually buy it until the kit was officially out. Didn't want a hundred thousand dollar paper weight I couldn't drive......

[gpearl]

That would be really fantastic man I would appreciate that.
I'm out of the country until around mid August but I'm betting I will be back by then. I'll keep you posted. If I fit better with the seat drop kit, I'll order one before the car even shows up.

You will absolutely fit better with the kit.

[dewilmoth]

Is there any way to lower the passenger seat? I drove an ACR with a set lowering kit and it was great. When I rode in the passenger seat, I was looking at the headliner. I'd prefer both seats lowered if I buy the car.

[unclgreggy]

I just got my car back today after having the seat lowered. Best mod I've done. Makes a big difference.

[dewilmoth]

Yeah, the Gen V I just bought (not delivered yet) has it, and I felt like I was driving in the car vs on it. It's a must-do mod. But I'd really like to lower the passenger seat too. The higher seat position really makes the interior feel confined.

[V10 Snake]

how long to install this kit for someone with better than average 'do it yourself' skills?

[PTP]

how long to install this kit for someone with better than average 'do it yourself' skills?

About an hour and a half to two hours depending on how lucky you get with lining up the brackets the first try. Make sure you go overboard with taping the door sills up. Also wrap some thick towels around the door itself so you don't scrape the arm rests.

[darbgnik]

Ya. About an hour and a half maybe? It took me a bit longer, waiting for my friend with skinny arms to show up to install the rear nuts.........

[Dr.Ron]

Do you lose any ability to move the seat back with it lowered at all?

Ron

[darbgnik]

Do you lose any ability to move the seat back with it lowered at all?

Ron
Well it's bolted to the floor, in one position, maybe one click up from all the way back.

[Dr.Ron]

You can't slide the seat forward or back with the seat lowering kit?
And the area behind the seat is angled. Lowering the seat I imagined would have the seat back hit that area sooner forcing you to tilt the seat forward some, no?

[nx91notch]

You do loose your forward/back movement. That is how it gains the extra room by taking the sliding adjustment out. Like stated it basically sets the seat one click up from being all the way back. You have room to still recline the seat back pretty far.

[SnakeOyl]

The seat lowering kit takes us approx. 1.5 hrs to install taking our time to not damage any interior components. We will not evaluate anyone's mechanical skills over the internet for the same reason we don't do our own do our own dental work. I have installed these seat lowering kits in less than 1.0 hrs but prefer to take our time......First time installer.....2-3 hrs with proper tools would be realistic.

[SnakeOyl]

One could modify the seat lowering bracket to move seat further forward but we do not endorse or promote these modifications.
One major thing most people aren't aware of......you are now changing the air bag deployment force rate by move your face & body closer to the steering wheel.
But its better than the alternative

[ssjcreeper]

Wanted to add, I'm 6'9" 275lbs and while nothing is comfortable to drive, this kit was THEE difference between me owning a Viper vs not. My previous Gen III convertible had a seat lowering kit and it gave me just enough room to drive it (knees completely crammed against the dash and head touching the convertible top). Wanting to go to a Gen V coupe, I thought there'd be no way in hell I'd ever fit, especially after trying a stock 2014 on for size at a local dealer. Just a 1/2" less room than my Gen III would arguably make the car undriveable. After reading these posts and talking with Rob Buckman (thanks Rob!), I had one of these kits sent to John at Roanoke Motors and rolled the dice that I'd fit in one of his Gen Vs. Happy to report that not only do I fit, but I actually have a tiny bit more room than I did in my Gen III. Your fitment may vary, but the takeaway here is that the seat lowering kit was a godsend!!!