Race seat without roll bar - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

Looking for opinions....

We can all probably agree that harnesses are a no-no without a roll bar or roll cage. However, I haven't heard much talk about the use of a race seat without a roll bar or cage. It might not seem like there would be a problem, but I have the same concerns that I would with a harness and no roll protection.

If the car were to roll over and collapse the roof, there are a couple things working against you. With the tighter fitting seat and more lateral support, it is harder for your body to 'lean' towards the center of the car than it is with a stock seat. Also, stock seats are hinged, and as a result have at least a possibility of folding back by breaking the release mechanism if the roof pushes you into the seat. So, the only way left is to move in a least a generally forward direction, which probably isn't going to help you much, depending on how things actually happen.

I plan to put a roll bar in, just haven't done it yet. And I have these nice new seats sitting here, thanks to Sam and his latest special on seats. On top of that, I have a track day coming up Monday, so I'm tempted to put these in. Even with the seatbelts rather than a harness, they'll help, but I'm not sure it's a safe way to go especially on the track.

GaryK View Member Profile	Oct 7 2004, 01:30 AM Post #1
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 289 Joined: 30-December 03 From: Verona, VA Member No.: 71	Looking for opinions.... We can all probably agree that harnesses are a no-no without a roll bar or roll cage. However, I haven't heard much talk about the use of a race seat without a roll bar or cage. It might not seem like there would be a problem, but I have the same concerns that I would with a harness and no roll protection. If the car were to roll over and collapse the roof, there are a couple things working against you. With the tighter fitting seat and more lateral support, it is harder for your body to 'lean' towards the center of the car than it is with a stock seat. Also, stock seats are hinged, and as a result have at least a possibility of folding back by breaking the release mechanism if the roof pushes you into the seat. So, the only way left is to move in a least a generally forward direction, which probably isn't going to help you much, depending on how things actually happen. I plan to put a roll bar in, just haven't done it yet. And I have these nice new seats sitting here, thanks to Sam and his latest special on seats. On top of that, I have a track day coming up Monday, so I'm tempted to put these in. Even with the seatbelts rather than a harness, they'll help, but I'm not sure it's a safe way to go especially on the track.

prockbp View Member Profile	Oct 9 2004, 11:58 PM Post #2
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 440 Joined: 25-December 03 From: Newport Beach, California Member No.: 41	i guess i'm just livin' on the edge man!... somebody buy me a 'no fear' sticker!... i've been driving around in a Forza for years now... i knew the possible problems from the start..... opinion.. hmm... i guess i would just say that driving around in my race seat scares me the same amount that driving in daily traffic does... if you're really worried about using the race seat, then i HIGHLY suggest just using a lap harness with the stock seat... a nice 3-4" lap belt will hold you in your seat almost as well as a race seat w/ harness and you get the advantage of being able to maneuver your head/torso easily so that you can see the course better lap-belt-only is my favorite way to race now days...