I really want Sparco Rev seats and harnesses for my new S that is on its way...but I want it to be safe. I've read alot about running race seats and harnesses in a car that doesn't have a rollcage as if you roll the car and the roof gets crushed, the race seats and harnesses don't provide any give and you can end up with serious injuries. So my question then is how much of a cage is needed? Is a rear only cage like the MINI Mania rear cage enough? Or do you need a front cage as well? I can live with a rear cage no problem as the rear seats are going anyway...but i'm not 100% sold on a full cage for that a car that is a daily driver - will be autox as well - but none the less driven daily as well. Anyone able to give me some sound advice?

 

I have a race shop in the Chicago area. I work with fabricator welder who's been in my area for 35 or 40 years. We make each one on a custom basis.
A full roll cage is always safer. On the other hand a full roll cage is a real pain in the *** to live with on a daily basis and looks more than a little goofy when you pull up at a light next to a police officer. The best compromise is to do a rear section in a large diameter, higher grade tubing.
Some options are:
mild steel tubing or alloy.
1.5" or 1.75" outside diameter
.080" or .095" wall thickness

The strongest, and most expensive of these options would be the 1.75" OD, .095" wall thickness alloy steel. Then you'd have to have it custom made. Fire extinguisher and harness mounts would be some of the options. Paint it, pad it, (cover it in leather-extra$$) and modify or remove upholstery and carpeting as needed. About $2500-$3,000. Ouch!! But that would be the best compromise for a nice street/safety system.

PefPow

 

thanks for your reply. 2500-3000 sounds steep when I can get a rear cage from mini mania for 350 bucks. Now I am sure there is differences, but would appreciate it if you could elaborate a bit on this. Additionally what sort of weight is a rear cage add to the car?

You can email me specific things relating to your business if you prefer at NewMINICooperS@hotmail.NOSPAM.com (remove the .NOSPAM). I live in MN and goto Chicago quite often for MINI gatherings etc.

 

Hi Casey,
The price difference is huge, but so is the safety and quality difference. Money could be saved by using mild steel and have a rollbar only. The finish could be black paint to save additional money, and you could fit it and modify the upholstery yourself. For the same style, mild steel roll bar that some other shops sell, the price would be similar. For professional, and even amatuer racing, the rules will dictate what you must use as far as materials and tubing sizes. The higher price included the best materials as well as painting, padding and installation.

My shop is:
Perfect Power Inc.
844 Liberty Drive
Libertyville, Illinois 60048

tel. (847)-367-8837
e-mail: perpow1@attglobal.net

our website is in a state of repair at:
perfectpowerinc.com

give it at least another week or two

 

I had this same concern about getting harnesses installed in my A4 for use during track days. I compromised and bought a "torso strap" to use. It's basically a web strap that goes around your torso and the seat and keeps you from sliding around, but it would allow enough movement to get your head out of the way in the event of a rollover. I've used it often and found it to be a good solution for cars without rollbars.

 

Perfpow,
Have you thought about designing a harness guide bar for the MINI? Specifically mounting to the rear shoulder belt mounts? The Harness could mounted to the floor at the base of the rear seat (ISOFIX mounts) and then wrapped over the bar to give the appropriate harness angle for autocross use.

Thanks

 

Yes, we've made such bars for Porsches, and it is a viable solution to temporary harness installation with quick removal and no drilling. Maybe I'll make a batch and see how much interest is generated. It is a compromise, but most of the people who've been posting here aren't going racing, they just want to have some fun at the track a few time per season.

Thanks for the input,

PerfPow

 

daMatta,

We will be doing an install on some aftermarket seats from Sparco in the near future. We will have a picture filled How-to when it's complete. A good option is the seat that we'll be doing - it still has a reclining upright and some adjustments to keep it livable day to day.

If you have a one-piece seat, there are roll-over ramifications. perfpow has some very good suggestions.

Randy
randy@mini-motorsport.com

 

Thanks Randy...yup I know if i do a one piece seat I will need a rollcage of some sort...just really hoping that a rear cage is enough.

 

Casey isn't short for Christiano is it

 

>>Casey isn't short for Christiano is it :smile: Cristiano is a great guy and a true sportsman. I've met him several times over the past few years...just hope the f1 boys don't chage his attitude....Paul Tracy...now there is my real idol.