Do you think that it is benificial to add a (6 point) roll cage for a car that sees mostly Autocrossing? I am concerned that the extra weight will offset the benifits of a roll cage while Autocrosssing. What do you think?

 

Well I think it will hurt more then what you gain.

 

What are your goals? What is your budget? What is your level of competition? Yes, a $700+ cage will add significant chassis stiffness. No, it will not overcome the limits of a softly sprung dual-duty street car against dedicated racing machines on a national level. IMHO that money is better-spent on more seat time to learn the car as-is... or to buy something more important than a cage (like a set of ultralight wheels or coilovers or an LSD or etc...)

All IMHO of course-

Jon

 

Agreed with the 2 previous statements. If you're not worried about your own personal saftey within the car, then dont add the cage.

 

A cage is not a worthwhile performance enhancement for autocrossing. The added stiffness doesn't overcome the added weight, particularly since it's so high. Cages obviously do add significant amount of saftey in a race environment, but if you street drive your car, don't even think about it. Even with padding, a roll cage is a very dangerous thing if you aren't wearing a helmet. I wouldn't even consider a cage in anything street driven. Also, the gains in chassis stiffness from a cage will require a compete re-tuning of your spring rates, sway bars, etc.

-Chris

 

IMO, not until you can compete with the National level guys, and you get your car BELOW weight limits, the cage is not going to help you go faster. More seat time will. Use the money on entry fees and travel costs.

 

Your trailer hitch weighs more then my 4point chromoly.

 

Thanks for the input. I was considering a four point for the street and autox. Just the hoop behind the front seats and then two points that go to the hatch. I do have a harness and I have heard about what a bad idea is to use it without the cage. I wanted to have the cage for the chassis and harness.

I definatly agree with spending money on more experience and better car setup! Good input. Thanks.

 

I don't know yet but will in a couple weeks.

 

>>I was considering a four point for the street and autox. Just the hoop behind the front seats and then two points that go to the hatch. I do have a harness and I have heard about what a bad idea is to use it without the cage. I wanted to have the cage for the chassis and harness<<

That is not a cage - its a roll bar. If you only autocross and are only concerned about protecting yourself from roof collalse during rollover then don't bother. All the auto-x rollovers I have heard about did not involve roof collapse. So even with your 4 pt harness you would not be in extra danger of spinal cord injury.

 

I'd only add a cage in a Targa/T-Top/Cabrio type car, where there is WAY more flex than normal sedans.

 

I agree with the not adding a 6-point for a car driven on the street. The safety rammifications outweigh the benefits.

However - I see nothing wrong with a 4-point bar. It will provide some increased stiffenning and if the weight of a rollbar (or even a 6-point cage for that matter) is enough to decrease your times then you REALLY need to go out to Nationals and bring home your championship because you are one helluva driver. It will also give you a good solid point to mount harnesses.

Certain cars react better to not having the added stiffenning when running autocross suspensions. I know 1st gen CRXs don't like them because they stiffen the chassis too much and it will affect handling.

 

So why does everyone freak out when somebody mentions using a harness without a rollbar for auto-cross? Just curious.

 

I guess its Flame first, ask questions later