2 options, need help

cardsrule · 02-14-2006, 11:00 AM

I thought I knew what I wanted to do with the interior in my 930. I am going to do a bunch of DE's and AX's this summer. I am not going to ever do any wheel to wheel racing (I say that now

).

From my other post on this forum, "harness question" I decided to go with a roll bar, sparco evo 2 seats, and a six point harness. Well after talking to a few people I begin thinking that I might not need all of this. What if I just put in a non-race adjustable seat and used the stock belts or used a 4 point harness? I am planning on doing some long drives this summer and I am scared that if I get race seats I might kill my back.

What would you do?

Thanks in advance,

Scott

Jeff · 02-14-2006, 11:13 AM

Just keep your stock seat(s) and put it (them) in for long drives. All the mentioned upgrades are for safety and just because it is not wheel to wheel safety should still come first.

Jeff · 02-14-2006, 11:14 AM

What does your screen name stand for?

IROC · IROC's Garage

I've done some long drives in Sparco Evo 2s and they're not that bad. In fact, I kinda like it. I drove from north Alabama to Daytona (Rennsport) and aside from a need for some additional lumbar support, they're great.

Getting in and out is the biggest drawback to using these seats on a daily basis (which I do). Once you're in them, they're really quite nice.

Mike

bigrubberjeep · 02-14-2006, 11:25 AM

Have you done any DE or AX's yet? If you havent I ASSURE you that a race seat will become your #1 wish after you feel your forearms soreness from clinching on to your steering wheel in order to keep your body from ****ing to the passenger seat under a hard turns.

Safety is #1, and if you ask around here, most people will tell you that race seats can actually be very comfortable if mounted correctly, not to mention, you need to give the seats a good butt test, sit in it for 15 minute or lenger if they let you, don't just buy en EVO2 because of the name or because many people have it, even though it may be a great seat, it may not fit you as well as others.

Finally, if your going to get a harness, I doubt the difference from 6 point to 4 point will make much diference, except when your life depends on it.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

A local guy in an Evo had a 4 pt harness, Momo wheel (no airbag), and slammed into a corner worker bunker after trying to avoid debris on track. Last I heard his face was smashed and he was in a drug induced coma. I don't think he ever came out of it. 4 pt...just say no.

I think you either go with stock seat and 3pt belts, or get a proper seat and go with 5/6pt harness and a roll bar. As for long drives...what do you consider long? This weekend I was at close to 1000 miles between the drive to/from LA-Las Vegas and laps at LVMS (and yes, about 250 miles of that was *on track*

). And with traffic it wsa 6 hours straight on the trip there. I've also driven from LA to NorCal for track events.

Then again, I think I might be just a tad hardcore...

cardsrule · 02-14-2006, 11:38 AM

Wow, thanks for the quick responses. sounds like the bar and the race seats and 6 point harness are the way to go.

The reason I like the evo 2's is that they are larger than most seats. I would like to get a set of evo 3's but after a post I wrote on the tech page two evo 3 will not fit in a 911 (sucks). Do you guys know any other seats made for larger guys (I'm 6'5 250 pounds)

Jeff, I just moved from Arizona to Chicago and I am a huge AZ cardinals fan (yeah I know there are like 7 of us)

Jeff · 02-14-2006, 01:54 PM

Yeah, not many AZ Cardinal fans, even out here. Just wondering, I a big Louisville Cardinal fan.

You should really look at the Momo Cup seats. They are bigger seats and you sit IN them as apposed to ON them. I sat in my friends 911 with Sparco Evos and you kind of sat up more (on top). With my Momo you sit down in so it is really supportive during heavy cornering. Just got a Momo Start in the mail today for the passenger side. I sat in it once (not mounted) and it seemed very similar to the Cup but is $120 less expensive and doesn't have the thigh padding. It seems you would have more lateral support in the leg area in the Start, but I'll have to wait until I mount it to see.

Dueller · 02-14-2006, 02:09 PM

If you're gonna do it in sequence rather than all at once, I'd suggest starting out with 5/6 pt harness and a harness bar (not roll bar ...you can pick one up used for $50-75 in used parts here). You can leave your stock seatbelts in place for daily driving. yWhen/if you go to a roll bar sell the harness bar and install the roll bar. Seats would be last as with most you need to tie the backs into the roll bar unless they meet certain FIA specs.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I think harness bars are a very bad idea. I ran one for a single event and never will again. And I don't know that I would instruct in a student's car with one (I'd use the 3pt belts).

Dueller · 02-14-2006, 03:54 PM

Nostatic...interesting comment...what problem did you have with the harness bar?.

I was thinking in terms of AX's...for the purpose of holding the driver in. I would agree that they would be a potential problem in a DE's

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

Probably the usual recommendation. A harness is designed to keep you bolt upright. In the event of a roof collapse you'll crush your spine! A 3-pt will allow you to move...

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

What Chris said. In the event of a rollover stock belts allow your upper body (and head) to move. A proper harness locks you in place. If the roof collapses, well...let's just say it wouldn't be pretty.

Maybe Auto-X speeds are low enough that there is zero chance of a rollover. But if that's the case, I probably wouldn't be interested in doing one

Actually I'm not an auto-x fan because of the lack of actual time on course. I'd rather pay the extra money, drive to the track, and get multiple sessions under my belt. But ymmv...

cardsrule · 02-15-2006, 07:35 AM

Well I am convinced, roll bar it is. (I like my spine where its at now) Any advice on the different bars? I want a bolt in. This is what I have found so far:

Autopower: $489.99
Das: $775
Safety Devices: $829

Why is there such a big price difference between the Autopower and the others? Any other ideas/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

Jeff · 02-15-2006, 08:37 AM

I have a OG Racing roll bar. It is a bolt in so to speak. You have to weld the front plates to the door sill (very strong) and bolt the bar to them. The back sandwiches the rear inner fender between the plate and rollbar.

Mine was $579 delivered to my door.

Jeff · 02-15-2006, 08:44 AM

Scott, You have a PM.

SCOTITUDE · 02-17-2006, 12:51 AM

Dont forget the seat back braces on both seats!!!

Jeff · 02-17-2006, 05:54 AM

SCOTITUDE, could you post pictures of your seat back braces?

SCOTITUDE · 02-17-2006, 05:57 AM

http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SBB15&Category_Code=IOPP

Cory M · 12:33 PM

The Autopower bars are cheaper because the fit isn't as tight and they bolt to the floor rather than the sills. You can pick them up used in the classifieds here for around $300. Whatever you choose, make sure you get one with the optional diagonal bar.