The MINI version of the Schroth Rallye 4 Quick-Fit 4-point harnesses will not fit MINIs from 2007+. I want to autocross my 2009 JCW hardtop. What are others using for harnesses and where did you find them? I might consider the bolt-in Schroth Rallye 4, but hesitate to make a permanent installation in my 'street' car. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

They will fit. Only takes a slight modification. Very easy and can be done in 5 minutes with a razor knife.

 

Yes it's easy to modify the harness to get it to work. Otherwise we have alot of people using the CG lock.

 

Just curious. What is the modification?

 

Before spending your money and making changes to your car make sure a harness is even a requirement at your local autocross. It is not required here, therefore I can run with just a helmet..

 

The CG lock tightens up the lap belt without locking the shoulder belt. It's a real simple design that hold you in place, but a fraction the cost of a harness.

Most AutoX and track days only require stock belts so you don't have to get any of this stuff. But I can tell you if you are held in the seat better you tend to not need to hang onto the steering wheel to hold yourself in. That will definitely improve your times.

 

Seatbelt locks work good and are cheap.

IMO 4 point harnesses are dangerous. Either use the stock equipment or set the car up properly with a 5/6 point and preferably a HANS if you're doing track days.

 

+1 for the CG lock. It works great and does a decent job of holding you in place...
Just out of curiosity, how much does a 4-point harness cost? Is there any reason Schroth (or any other company) does not have a belt compatible out of the box?

 

The only thing that needs to be modified on the Schroth to get it to work with Gen 2 cars is the buckle that clips in at your right hip - you have to trim just about 1/8" of plastic off the clip so it will go all the way in and latch properly. That's it....

I bought mine originally for my '03 JCW, so I wasn't sure if it would work at all in my Clubby with the 3" longer wheelbase - but it did after I adjusted the lengths of the straps a little. However if you are really short and have the seat up close to the wheel, it might not be long enough. I'm 5'10" and it works fine for me.

The standard harness is fine........until you turn left!

 

Himself, you are correct about 4 point harness being dangerous but the Schroth has been designed to overcome those dangers. For example, submarining. I don't have the link, but I read all I could on the harness before buying it and that information was somewhere on their web page.

Before buying the harness I used a CG Lock. It is a great device but doesn't hold you in as well as a harness. I kept the CG Lock on my car for every day use. I like how it feels and it reminds me of the "good-ol' days" when seat belts could be tightened up.

 

I didn't realize the quickfit was designed to work specifically from the factory mounting points. Pretty cool setup.

 

I hatred my CG lock when doing any kind of spirited driving....I still ended up trying to hang onto the steering wheel to keep my upper body in place. ended up going with the Schroth and love it.

 

I also hated the CG lock, kept falling apart...So I looked into the garage and found the Mighty Tite for the kids car seats...Works great and is available everywhere for about $20.

Works even better than the CG lock and will swap from car to car in seconds!!! (If you instruct at autocross events)

You can lock it above the seat belt shoulder harness to lock the shoulder belt and lap belt, or lock it under the buckle for just a lap belt. Ratchets on, and a small slide lever unlatches it..

Here's a picture:

 

Check out Phil Wicks Driving Academy. I purchased a set from him for my 2011 JCW. You bolt them in under the rear seat bolts. They lay in the back when not in use. The uppers clip into the rear seat upper latches. It is a nice straight line back, not the low angle of clipping into the back buckles. You wear the standard 3 point under it. That way not bells or warning buzzers to deal with. I used them at Thunder Hill a few week ago and they worked great. You are doing no moving around in the car. Once they are adjusted they clip in the rears and thread them through the head rest. Phil worked with a company to make and design them. Contact Phil if you need a set.
Around 250 shipped I think. I got a set of red.

 

Do you have any contact info for Phil to inquire about these harnesses?

 

Phil Wicks at 314-330-6449. or racerwicks@aol.com

Tell him Tom Ferrari sent you. I saw the invoice today. It was $259 shipped.
I got the best ones they have. It has the fancy cam lock vrs the kind you have the thead the parts through. He had both in his race car and liked the cam lock much better. Easier to get in and out of. Good like you will like them. When snugged down in the seat I was comfortable and has zero issues with moving around in the car. I had no strap pads whcih zi see most guys with. Seemed fine with my racing jacket on.

 

Wonder why he doesn't list them on his website, it's nearly the same price as the Schroth. I'd think he'd sell a bunch of them to the MINI community....

 

They are are on another website somewhere through a partner of his. He is working on a couple more deals to promote them through others. They work great and I would think they would with our type cars with folding seats with very little modifications.