VAC Motorsports Complete Race Seat & Harness Installation Instructions
BMW E36 / E46 Chassis
Professional Safety. Effortless Installation.
Package Contents
Please use these instructions and guidelines to aid in the installation of your new product.
Your kit should include the following components:
Primary Seat Mount Components
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(2) Floor Mount Adapter Bars - Inner and Outer
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(4) Bolts - M8 x 1.25 x 25mm Hex Head
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(4) Washers - 8mm ID, 24mm OD
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(2) Side Mount Brackets
Harness Integration Components
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(2) Heavy-Duty Lap Belt Mount Brackets (Left and Right)
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(1) Stainless Steel Anti-Submarine Mount Bar
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(4) M8 x 20mm Cap Screws
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(4) M8 Small OD Flat Washers
If you are missing any components, please contact VAC Motorsports immediately at 215-462-4666.
General Installation Notes
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This kit is designed for BMW E36 and E46 chassis only.
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Installation is 100% bolt-in -- no drilling, welding, or cutting required.
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Always test fit all components before final tightening.
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Apply medium-strength thread locker (blue) on all hardware.
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Recommended torque for M8 fasteners: 18-22 ft/lbs.
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Inspect Your Kit
Verify all listed components are present. Small hardware may be lodged in packing materials -- check carefully before discarding packaging.
2. Prepare the Vehicle
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Disconnect the vehicle's battery if factory airbags are present.
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Remove the factory seats, seat rails, and OEM seatbelt mounts.
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Clean the floor area to ensure proper seating of new brackets.
3. Identify and Position the Floor Mount Adapters
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The wider Floor Mount Adapter bar mounts closest to the outside (door side) of the vehicle.
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The narrower bar mounts on the transmission tunnel (inner side).
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Lightly bolt both adapters to the floor using the M8 x 25mm bolts and 24mm washers.
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Keep the bolts slightly loose for adjustment.
For vehicles with carpet or insulation: It's acceptable for the adapters to compress into the carpet. If desired, you may add a washer under each mounting location to slightly raise the bracket.
4. Install the Heavy-Duty Lap Belt Mount Brackets
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Remove the front two bolts from the inner and outer Floor Mount Adapters.
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Slide each Lap Belt Mount Bracket between the Floor Mount Adapter and the chassis floor.
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Reinstall the bolts through the Lap Belt Brackets and torque to 22-25 ft/lbs.
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Attach the lap belt eye bolts or snap hooks directly to these tabs.
Note: These brackets allow direct installation of your harness lap belts without drilling into the chassis.
5. Mount Side Brackets and Seat
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Attach the VAC Superior Side Mount Brackets to your racing seat using the seat manufacturer's hardware.
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Place the seat assembly on the Floor Mount Adapters (or sliders, if used).
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Adjust for proper height, recline, and steering alignment.
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Keep hardware loose for final positioning.
If your side mounts are too wide for the floorpan, consider upgrading to VAC Universal Narrow Side Mount Brackets, designed for tight-fit modern chassis.
6. Mark and Align Mounting Holes
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Once your ideal position is found, identify which mounting holes to use.
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Mark the correct holes on the brackets with masking tape or a marker.
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Depending on seat manufacturer, you may need to slightly elongate mounting holes for fine adjustment.
7. Install the Anti-Submarine Mount Bar
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Remove the seat assembly for access.
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Position the Anti-Sub Bar across the lower rear holes of the Floor Mount Adapters.
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Secure with the supplied M8 x 20 Cap Screws and Flat Washers.
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Torque to 18-20 ft/lbs.
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Attach your 5th or 6th point harness belt to the bar using either snap-in clips or bolt-in eyelets.
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Verify belt angle -- the anti-sub strap should route rearward and slightly downward (10°-20°) beneath the seat base.
VAC Tech Tip: For optimal geometry, position the Anti-Sub Bar as far rearward as possible before tightening.
8. Final Assembly & Torque Sequence
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With all components loosely installed, confirm final seat position:
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Torque all bolts in the following order:
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Floor Mount Adapters to chassis: 22-25 ft/lbs
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Lap Belt Brackets: 22-25 ft/lbs
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Anti-Sub Bar: 18-20 ft/lbs
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Side Mounts to FMAs/sliders: 18-22 ft/lbs
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Apply thread locker on all fasteners.
9. Inspection & Testing
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Verify all seat bolts are tight and the seat does not move or rock.
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Ensure no harness webbing is twisted or obstructed.
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Check that each harness anchor aligns with the driver's body properly:
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Shoulder belts: 0° to -20° below shoulder height
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Lap belts: even or slightly rearward of the driver's hips
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Anti-sub belt: 10°-20° rearward angle under the seat
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Confirm steering and pedal operation are unaffected.
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Remove any tools or loose items from the vehicle.
10. Completion
You're done! Test your installation by applying pressure to the seat and pulling firmly on each harness strap. Everything should feel rock-solid with no movement.
Enjoy your new sport seat setup -- and remember: precision, comfort, and safety go hand-in-hand.
Important Safety Notice
This installation should be performed by qualified individuals familiar with racing safety equipment.
Improper installation may result in injury or equipment failure. Always inspect mounts and hardware after the first track session.
For questions, guidance, or replacement parts, please contact:
📞 VAC Tech Line: 215-462-4666
📧
tech@vacmotorsports.com