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Registered
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,399
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Boxster roll bar extender
Hi,
I am thinking about buying a roll bar extender for 986. Do they really help if I flip or just cosmetic? Thanks, David |
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06-01-2023, 03:34 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Severna Park, MD
Posts: 323
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Probably does not add significant strength, but absolutely does raise the level and provides more safe space and headroom.
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06-01-2023, 04:14 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Higgs Field
Posts: 22,595
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I have done some track days with non-Porsche clubs that like to conduct the old "broomstick test" on open top cars. Essentially, you just lay a broomstick on the likely contact points if the car goes upside down, and the driver's head must be below that line. Perfectly reasonable test, really.
Where many get confused with the Boxster is that they will insist on laying it on the roll bar and front fender, ignoring the windshield frame. That's how they have done it for decades on every other open car, and why we see such comically high roll bars on many vintage race cars. The Boxster will fail that test with any driver taller than an average third grader. I believe that is what has driven the market for the roll bar extenders. That is, however, not the correct way to conduct this test for a Boxster - the broomstick should be laid on the roll bar and the top of the windshield frame. The windshield frame in a Boxster is designed as a very stout structural element that is meant to serve as roll over protection. It is, essentially, a roll bar. Approached in this manner, those roll hoops in a Boxster can be made to accommodate most of us with simple seat adjustments. I'm 6'1", and I can get low enough to pass this properly conducted broomstick test even while wearing a helmet. Kind of a long answer, I know, but understanding that the windshield is also a roll bar may help you with your decision to buy a roll bar extender or not.
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Jeff '72 911T 3.0 MFI '93 Ducati 900 Super Sport "God invented whiskey so the Irish wouldn't rule the world" |
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06-01-2023, 07:20 AM
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Recreational Mechanic
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+1 for broomstick test. Make sure the roll bar will pass it depending on your height.
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P Cars: 2022 Macan GTS / One empty garage space ---- Other cars: 2019 Golf R 6MT / 2021 F-250 Diesel / 2024 Toyota GR86 6MT ---- Gone: 1997 Spec Boxster Race Car, 2020 GT4, 2004 GT3, 2003 Carrera, 1982 911SC, 2005 Lotus Elise and lots of other non-Porsches PCA National DE Instructor #202106053 / PCA Club Racing / WRL Endurance Racing |
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06-01-2023, 07:44 AM
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Around Boston
Posts: 2,015
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If you are worried about being upside down be sure your seatbelts are up to spec.
If they can't hold you tight you have a bigger problem
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RSA Pinky Helga Turtle Carrera Luigi CDtdi |
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06-01-2023, 07:52 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,399
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Thanks everyone. Helpful as always.
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06-01-2023, 08:07 AM
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911SC 3.0
