Rollbars vs. Harness bars?

[kenjiMR]

I've been considering installing a harness bar in my car for some time for track events and belts to use with new seats I also plan to get. I know the rollbar is more expensive, but other than being overkill for my level of driving at this time... it still seems to be a good investment if you plan to keep your car for some time to use as a track car. Here are some of my initial questions:

- how heavy is it?
- can I mount the harness system to that without harness bar?
- will I have to do unrevertable modifications to the car?
- can I see out the rear glass?
- will it still be street legal?
- will cops harass me more?
- am I worthy?

LOL... alright answer the ones you might know...

 

[ak]

I think it all depends on what the sanctioning body that you want to race with. For example, SCCA requires all Solo 1 cars to be equipped with SCCA approved roll-bar along with fire extinguisher etc(If I'm not mistaken). So you should probably look into what is required for the events you would like to enter.

 

[kenjiMR]

I was just thinking about the Comptech system.

 

[DocL]

Here's what I understand about restraint systems and why I made my decision to not install one.

The best system is a full roll cage that is welded to the frame of the car. This is very expensice and not ideal for a daily driver. However it is the best protection when used with a harness system, and they also have side impact beams too.

Looking at a harness bar with harness belts, although it sounds good, it's not very safe for the following reason. Without roof supports (halo), if the car ever rolls over you will pinned upright in the seat while the roof collapses on you. Since harness bars only allow you to put in a 4 or 5 point belt, there is no structural gain. I have driven on the track many times using the OEM belts and have no problem. I'm not discouraging anyone from beig safe, but sometimes the risks are hidden and not thought about.

So, unless you anticipate entering "races" that are sanctioned, you don't need a harness system. I know others will disagree, but just remember that a car can flip over very easily if you go off the track. Therefore, without a full cage you can be injured because you are essentially held upright while the car is crushing on top of you.

Just my $.02

 

[Andrie Hartanto]

Originally posted by Dr.Lane:

Looking at a harness bar with harness belts, although it sounds good, it's not very safe for the following reason. Without roof supports (halo), if the car ever rolls over you will pinned upright in the seat while the roof collapses on you. Since harness bars only allow you to put in a 4 or 5 point belt, there is no structural gain. I have driven on the track many times using the OEM belts and have no problem. I'm not discouraging anyone from beig safe, but sometimes the risks are hidden and not thought about.

So, unless you anticipate entering "races" that are sanctioned, you don't need a harness system. I know others will disagree, but just remember that a car can flip over very easily if you go off the track. Therefore, without a full cage you can be injured because you are essentially held upright while the car is crushing on top of you.

I've been hearing this comments for long and totally disagree.

U got more to worried if u are not strapped tightly on your seat in a rollover situation. U don't want to be bouncing around inside the car when the rollover happen. If someone tells me they can slide from their seat in a rollover situation to help them when the roof collapse, they haven't experience it themselves. It happens so quick, u got no time to react, other than try to protect your body/head.

In any accident, there is always a chance of a rollover. However, the car is usually design to have their strongest point on the roof, just behind your head. thus protecting u best when u are strapped tightly on your seat. And NSX seats (or any car seats other than bench) are making it harder to slide, since they are designed to hug u in place, and the seat belts are designed to do that as well.

For street use, I would not recommend roll cage/bar. It can cause more damage than help u in most situation. The bars usually sits inches from your head and can impact your head when u hit a bump or minor crash that otherwise would not hurt u.

 

[kenjiMR]

excellent advice. Thanks Andrie and Dr. Lane.
I'll have to agree with Andrie, in a rollover I'd imagine the event would be extremely violent... The seat might take some of the load too as well don't you think? I'll probably end up getting the Dali harness bar. If any of you have suggestions on good harness bar, please let me know.