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F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums > Community > General Discussion
GaryK
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.
trackbird
Gary,

For autocross, I'd say "sure". For a road course, I'm not sure that I'd be comfortable with that myself. It is up to you and your judgement (after seeing them in the car and finding if the stock seat belts will work properly). I don't think I'd do it, but that's me.
slowTA
It depends on how well the seat holds you in. If they are just an aftermarket seat with large bolsters then I doubt it would be a problem at all, most of them recline too. If it is a full out seat with bolsters that hold you tightly by the rib cage, then it could cause some extra trouble.
tonycook
IMHO, I wouldn't use race seats with the stock seatbelts unless I was sure they would function properly. The side bolsters may not let the seatbelt fit snug against the driver.
Unbalanced Engineering
I'm not sure I'd use a race seat on the street and certainly not on a road course without a rollbar. The reason for me is not even related to seat belts as you could easily use a 5 point on the street. My reason for not using one without a cage is for roll over. During a roll over the stock seats are designed to break and lay flat. A race seat would hold you upright and drive your head into the ground. blink.gif

Jason S.
GaryK
The seats in question are Corbeau Forzas, which are 'race' seats....they do not recline. This is my main concern. I think I'll just wait until I can get a roll bar in there. Thanks for the input guys.
prockbp
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...
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