All of these seats are on display in our showroom and available to view and test. If you’re not sure which XL seat is best for your build, our team is on hand to guide you through each option. From shell shape to harness slot position, we’ll make sure you leave with the right fit for your body and your car.
Honda Civic FK8 Type R with Sparco Evo XL & TRS Red Harnesses – A Track-Ready Interior Setup
When it comes to preparing a car for high-performance driving, few upgrades are as impactful as fitting race-ready seats and harnesses. One of our recent customer builds is the perfect example: a Honda Civic FK8 Type R fitted with a pair of Sparco Evo XL QRT bucket seats and a set of TRS Magnum Superlite red FIA harnesses. The results speak for themselves—a cockpit that looks aggressive, feels incredibly secure, and is now fully track-ready. Supplied by us at GSM Performance, this setup doesn’t just look good; it performs exceptionally under pressure.
This blog covers the full breakdown of the components used in this build—from seat dimensions to harness benefits and installation tips—giving you a complete reference if you’re planning a similar upgrade. We’ll explore why these parts were chosen, how they fit within the FK8’s spacious cabin, and which fitting equipment made it all possible. If you’re considering turning your hot hatch into a circuit contender, this Civic build is a perfect blueprint to follow.
Why Upgrade to Bucket Seats and Racing Harnesses?
Swapping out factory seats for a fixed-back bucket seat dramatically increases lateral support, safety, and driver confidence. Whether you’re attacking corners on a circuit or tightening up your driving position for a more connected feel, a bucket seat locks you in place and improves your car’s driving dynamics.
Pairing this with FIA-approved harnesses adds another level of safety and precision. Harnesses spread braking and cornering forces across your body more evenly, reducing fatigue and increasing car control—especially at high speed. These upgrades aren’t just for performance; they redefine how your car feels on track.
Sparco Evo XL – Built for Bigger Drivers
The Sparco Evo XL QRT bucket seat is designed specifically for larger drivers. With deep side bolsters, full FIA 8855-1999 approval, and lightweight QRT fibreglass shell construction, it provides serious support for motorsport use. The Evo XL offers ample room while still delivering excellent driver containment—making it ideal for long track sessions and hard cornering.
- FIA 8855-1999 approved
- QRT fibreglass shell (lightweight)
- Deep side supports and ergonomic seat shape
- 5 harness slot layout for full harness compatibility
- Weighs approx. 7.1kg (shell only)
This seat is suitable for waist sizes between 38 and 42 inches. It fit into the Honda Civic FK8 perfectly, without contacting the door cards, centre console, or other interior trim—something that’s not possible in many other cars due to the seat’s 615mm shoulder width.
TRS Red 4-Point Superlite Harnesses
Our customer opted for TRS Magnum Superlite 4-point FIA harnesses, finished in bright red to match the car’s Type R interior and add a race-inspired pop of colour. The Superlite designation refers to lightweight alloy adjusters on the shoulder belts—ideal for track-day builds where you may switch between belts and factory seatbelts often.
- FIA approved
- Lightweight alloy adjusters
- 3″ lap and shoulder webbing
- Snap hook fittings with eye bolts
- Perfect match for Sparco 5-slot seats
The use of factory seat belts alongside the TRS harnesses adds daily driving convenience while ensuring safety on track.
Sparco Evo XL Dimensions – Will It Fit Your Car?
The Sparco Evo XL QRT is one of the largest FIA-approved bucket seats in Sparco’s QRT range, designed specifically for larger drivers who need more room at the hips, shoulders, and thighs, without sacrificing support. It offers a wider fit across the key contact areas, ensuring both comfort and secure containment during aggressive driving.
Here are the key measurements of the Evo XL as shown in the size guide:
- Shoulder Width: 615mm
- Seat Base Width: 560mm (external) / 505mm (internal)
- Seat Height: 930mm overall
- Mounting Bolt Width (side): 290mm
- Side Mount Length (base): 570mm
- Front Fixing Width (base): 475mm
- Rear Fixing Width (base): 443mm
- Harness Slot Height (to shoulder holes): 665mm
This seat is suitable for drivers with a waist size between 38–42 inches, but the wide shoulders (over 600mm) mean it won’t fit all cars without interior modifications. That said, in the Honda Civic FK8 Type R, the seat fits beautifully—no contact with the door cards, B-pillars, or console, even when two are fitted side-by-side.
If you’re unsure whether your car can accommodate the Evo XL, we strongly recommend checking your internal cabin width and comparing it to these dimensions, or visiting our showroom, where we have the Evo XL on display for viewing and testing.
Installation – Planted Frame + 405mm Sliding Runners
To make everything work in the Civic FK8, our customer used a Planted Technology subframe—designed specifically for the 10th-gen Honda Civic platform. What makes Planted unique is its multi-pattern base that supports:
- 345mm (standard side mounts)
- 291mm (Cobra recliners)
- 405mm (wide seats like the Evo XL)
This makes it the most versatile bracket we offer. Paired with Corbeau 405mm sliding runners, it allowed side mounts to be positioned far enough apart to align with the wide Evo XL shell.
- Bolt-in solution
- Suits side-mounted bucket seats
- Compatible with adjustable setups using runners
Popular XL Seat Alternatives – What Else Can You Choose?
While the Sparco Evo XL QRT is a fantastic choice for larger drivers, it’s not the only option available at GSM Performance. We stock and display a range of FIA-approved XL bucket seats that cater to different preferences in frame construction, bolstering style, and budget. Whether you’re after a steel-framed seat for durability or a lightweight fibreglass shell for performance, we’ve got you covered.
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From £600.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Final Thoughts – FK8 Track Build Done Right
This Honda Civic FK8 Type R setup is a perfect example of combining performance, comfort, and style. The Sparco Evo XL seats provide excellent support and driver engagement, while the TRS Superlite harnesses give a track-ready feel without compromising convenience. Backed by the right fitting equipment from Planted and Corbeau, it’s a bulletproof install that enhances both aesthetics and performance.
Thinking of upgrading your Civic interior for track days? We’re here to help! Drop us a message, or visit our showroom to try the seats in person and get hands-on with the hardware.
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