Building a first aluminium-profile cockpit is less about buying every accessory at once and more about matching the frame, wheelbase, pedals, seat and display. The SimXPro X80 GT Sim Racing Cockpit is a modular 40 × 80 mm profile platform with a GT driving position. This guide explains what the X80 includes, where its practical limits sit and which extras complete the setup.
Why choose the SimXPro X80?
SimXPro positions the X80 above its simpler R80 for drivers who want more positioning room and a choice of standard or profile pedal deck. The manufacturer lists a recommended direct-drive wheelbase limit of 14 Nm and a pedal-force recommendation of up to 150 kg. Treat those as selection guidance, not a reason to ignore the mounting pattern or how a particular pedal set transfers load.
The standard flat universal wheel deck is for a compatible bottom-mounted base. A front-mounted base requires a separate mount. Check the wheelbase's bolt pattern, the selected X80 configuration and the manufacturer's mounting instructions before ordering. SimXPro lists an approximate cockpit footprint of 125 × 64 cm excluding the seat; leave additional space behind for driving position and access.
Plan the cockpit in five steps
1. Choose the pedal deck and wheelbase mount
Pick the standard or profile pedal deck for your pedal-mounting needs. The profile version gives more freedom for a modular pedal layout; check the exact variant offered on the product page. Start by setting the wheel height and reach, then align the pedal deck with the chosen seat. Do not assume a front-mount wheelbase bolts to the included flat deck.
2. Add a seat with the correct mounting hardware
The cockpit frame and seat should be specified separately. For a side-mounted fixed bucket seat, the SimXPro GT Sim Racing Seat pairs with the SimXPro Universal Seat Mount, left and right. The mounts carry the side-mount interface; confirm the seat's hole spacing and hardware before assembly. For a shared rig, consider the SimXPro Universal Double Seat Slider to make fore-and-aft changes easier. A bottom-mounted reclining seat can need a different mounting route.
3. Place the monitor at the right distance
The SimXPro Single Integrated Monitor Mount is listed for the X80 and accepts VESA 75 × 75 or 100 × 100 mm screens. Check the monitor's VESA pattern and its size and weight against the mount information before buying. Manufacturer information about this mount's maximum display size is inconsistent, so a matching VESA pattern alone is not proof that a large ultrawide is supported. A freestanding monitor stand can be a better choice when independent screen positioning is the priority.
4. Set the braking position before final tightening
Sit in the seat and check that you can reach full braking pressure without lifting your hip or twisting your ankle. A SimXPro Heel Rest 500 can support a repeatable foot position if the chosen pedal-deck geometry matches its stated 500 mm inner-profile spacing. Test the whole travel range before tightening the pedal hardware.
5. Leave space for later upgrades
Route cables through the aluminium-profile slots, allow clearance for the wheel's quick release and leave room beside the seat for a future shifter. SimXPro says a shifter mounting profile is not included with the X80. A separately chosen mount and device-specific hardware may be needed.
Assembly order that avoids repeated adjustments
Build the lower frame on a flat floor first and square the corners before tightening every bracket. Fit the uprights and wheel deck, then position the seat and pedals loosely. The initial aim is a repeatable driving posture, not the final wheel height. SimXPro estimates roughly 60–120 minutes for cockpit assembly, with more time for a seat and accessories.
- Measure the available floor space and choose whether cables will run behind or beside the frame. The quoted X80 dimensions exclude the seat and screen.
- Set the seat position first. With your shoulders against the backrest, your arms should reach the wheel without locking the elbows. Test the farthest paddle and button before you tighten the seat brackets.
- Bring the pedals toward the seat until you can press the brake firmly without your pelvis lifting. A side-mounted bucket seat needs the appropriate left and right brackets; check whether a slider changes the seat height.
- Bring the wheel deck to the driver rather than moving the driver to meet the wheel. Confirm knee clearance at full brake travel and hand clearance under the monitor.
- Mount the display last and use a real on-track view to fine-tune distance and horizon height. Recheck every fastener after a short test session.
What to verify before checkout
The X80 manufacturer lists 40 × 80 mm aluminium profiles, approximately 58 cm inner width between uprights and a choice of standard or profile pedal deck. Its included flat wheel deck suits compatible underside mounting. A separate front-mount solution, model-specific wheelbase bolts, seat, shifter mount and monitor are not automatically in the cockpit box. Check the exact Shopify variant and each accessory's mounting interface. A strong load-cell brake can also make pedal-deck choice more important than a small increase in wheel torque.
For a shared cockpit, mark the slider position and pedal settings for each driver once both positions are comfortable. Keep the display mount independent of seat movement so a quick driver change does not disturb screen alignment.
Who should buy the X80?
Choose the X80 when you want a configurable GT-style profile cockpit for a bottom-mounted direct-drive base within SimXPro's stated 14 Nm recommendation and pedals within its published guidance. If you are planning a higher-torque wheelbase or a more demanding future build, compare a heavier cockpit before purchasing. The X80 is particularly attractive when you want to choose your own seat and monitor arrangement rather than accept a fixed bundle.
Frequently asked questions
Does the X80 include a seat?
Do not assume so. The X80 cockpit, seat, seat mounts and slider are separate choices unless a selected product variant or bundle explicitly says otherwise. Check the cart contents for the exact configuration.
Can I install an integrated monitor mount?
Yes, SimXPro lists its single integrated monitor mount and heavy triple-screen setup as X80 options. Confirm your monitor's VESA interface and the mount's load and size suitability first.
Will every direct-drive wheelbase fit the standard wheel deck?
No. The included flat deck is for compatible bottom-mounted bases. A different mount may be needed for a front-mounted wheelbase, and bolt patterns should always be checked.
Technical details checked against SimXPro's X80 product guide and the current Sim Race Webshop product listings.
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