Belt question

[The Baron]

Ok... I am looking for info on some harnes belts for my SSA car.. are there some that do not need to be attached to a roll bar ?? do they attach to the rear seat belt clips??
any info would be great....
Thanks.

[zip4zat]

I hear that the CG Lock works pretty well with out all the trouble with 4-pt belts. 4-pt isnt really ideal, but theres lots of discussion already about that.

[The Baron]

thanks.... Sorry, CG lock ??

[BrakeL8r]

Also take a look at Schroth Rallye series. They're DOT approved and fit most applications. They (the manuf.) have a theory on why 4-pt is better than 5 pt., although I'm sure that's likely to spark much debate. Personally, I have as many kkids as I want (4), so I'll stick with my trusty 5 pt. non-DOT setup.

--Michael
ST4 Miata #176

[Georgethefierce]

Also take a look at Schroth Rallye series. They're DOT approved and fit most applications. They (the manuf.) have a theory on why 4-pt is better than 5 pt., although I'm sure that's likely to spark much debate. Personally, I have as many kkids as I want (4), so I'll stick with my trusty 5 pt. non-DOT setup.

--Michael
ST4 Miata #176

the Rallye series are not designed for hard impact at speed....if you look at how they attach the ones using the back seat mounts can be really bad for your spine in a crash.

[BrakeL8r]

Good input. I take back my recommendation.

--Michael
ST4 Miata #176

[Dave_G]

Personally, I have as many kkids as I want (4), so I'll stick with my trusty 5 pt. non-DOT setup.

If your harness fits properly that shouldn't even be an issue. The brunt of any impact should be borne by your hips and shoulders, not your crotch. The sub belt in a 5- or 6-point harness is there to keep the lap belt in place on your pelvis, not to catch you if you slide under the lap belt.

Fortunately I've never had to test this in person.

[zip4zat]

If you want my opinion, the schroth belts will probably do more harm than good in an impact as compared to your standard shoulder belt. Sure 4 pts will keep you from sloshing around, but if you hit anything not only will your spine get crushed (interpret that as you may and argue all you want) but if you hit head on, or rear impact, the lap belt most likely will end up mid ribs and you will have lots of pieces to pick out of your lungs. let alone pulling yourself out of the foot well after that. cant say which would happen first. this is all my speculation of course.

I ran these types of belts for a year, and each time i got into the car I felt less safe. These are probably fine for street driving (again many interpretations here with regards to roll over dangers) as they are designed as DOT approved belts or auto-x where impact forces may not be the same as on track (again, not addressing the roll over issues).

I understand that roll bars/cages seats and 5/6pt belts are not options for many for various reasons, but whatever you do it will be a compromise (safety, drivability, cost, repair, moding, warranty, or whatever else concerns you). Just be educated in the compromises you are making when you are taking street cars onto the track and drive with the limits of those compromises you are willing to accept.

/soapbox