Clarity on saftey, legality & technicals of 4/5pt harnesses

mr_sk · 10-07-2011, 10:45 PM

Hello,

I'm thinking about upgrading my drivers seat to a bucket w/option for harness in the future. Im doing drag, occasional autox and eventually some track (spring time).

I've searched and read many threads, but I can't determine the following:

1) W/out getting a rollcage, will I have proper mounting locations for a harness? I've seen some people bolting the harness to the seat - which doesn't help in an accident. When just swaping in a bucket from the stock drivers seat, what else needs to be done to safely have a harness?
I also see them looping through the rear brace. Is the loop safe or do you have to get something like the amuse rear bar w/the mounting points?

2) When getting into track racing, can someone summarize the rules for aftermarket seats/restraints?

3) Is it legal to do these swaps if the car will still remain on the street - aka is not a dedicated track car?

I'm aware of the airbag fixes if I decide to get a passenger side bucket as well - .
Thanks in advance!

AutoX Z · 10-08-2011, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_sk

Hello,

I'm thinking about upgrading my drivers seat to a bucket w/option for harness in the future. Im doing drag, occasional autox and eventually some track (spring time).

I've searched and read many threads, but I can't determine the following:

1) W/out getting a rollcage, will I have proper mounting locations for a harness? I've seen some people bolting the harness to the seat - which doesn't help in an accident. When just swaping in a bucket from the stock drivers seat, what else needs to be done to safely have a harness?
I also see them looping through the rear brace. Is the loop safe or do you have to get something like the amuse rear bar w/the mounting points?

2) When getting into track racing, can someone summarize the rules for aftermarket seats/restraints?

3) Is it legal to do these swaps if the car will still remain on the street - aka is not a dedicated track car?

I'm aware of the airbag fixes if I decide to get a passenger side bucket as well - .
Thanks in advance!

1. No, but there are a couple companies that made a harness bar.

2. Most tracks require 5 points over 4 points and if you get an aluminum seat some tracks might require a back brace.

3. You can always leave the OEM belts in and use them on the street.

mr_sk · 10-09-2011, 11:26 AM

AutoX - Thanks's for the answers.

I'll probably continue to do more research before I pull the trigger on any purchases. Thanks again.

I think I may also upgrade my drivers seat and keep OEM belts as you recommended. Though it might not look as "clean" as having either or. Once I decide to go harness, I'll make sure it's whatever the race rules want, and then finding a proper mounting bar.

Methodical4u · 10-17-2011, 01:25 AM

I don't think you'd want to wear a harness while just driving on the street either

mr_sk · 10-17-2011, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Methodical4u

I don't think you'd want to wear a harness while just driving on the street either

because race car

Skeeterbop · 10-20-2011, 11:32 PM

If I was to put in a harness, I would use a dedicated harness bar. Also for street use I would leave the OEM belts in place. A properly worn 4 or 5 point harness will really restrict your movement and ability to look over your shoulder. Also most emergency responders won't be familiar with how a 4 or 5 point harness works which might slow them down in getting you out if that situation was to arise.

SeattleLion · 10-28-2011, 04:01 PM

I believe another thread mentioned that a five point harness is actually more dangerous if you don't also have a roll cage. In a stock car, rolling over will cause some roof crush. A racing harness will prevent your head from moving to the side and you will have head/neck injuries.

leighspped · 10-28-2011, 04:05 PM

U should also get a Hans for ur neck anyway. I have yet to find a harness bar other than the amuse powerhouse bar.

mr_sk · 10-28-2011, 04:14 PM

Good point. I dont plan on doing any mods in this department unless this car turns into a dedicated track car.

leighspped · 10-28-2011, 04:23 PM

Yea I part time drive the z on the street so I can't use a roll cage either. Ud have to put a helmet anytime u want to go anywhere...

AutoX Z · 10-29-2011, 12:15 PM

For harness bars:

370Z Harness Bar

Don't know if this company still exists but this was the cleanest and safest looking bar I've found.

Chuy · 11-11-2011, 10:59 AM

1. there is a degree that the belt is no longer holding you in go past that point and the belt is pushing you down into the seat. So no a harness bar isnt needed. But where are you gonna bolt the shoulder belts too?

2. Every sectioning body is diffrent so you have to check with who you run with. Also if its FIA rated theres a good to date then you will meed a brace for the back of the seat. If you look at Auto Power roll bars thats what the flat bar is there for to brace the seat.

3. Depends on state laws, Scroth is the only DOT approved harness for "street driving". They also have a retractable version, so that you arent always belted in. Yes you cant move around, cant look for traffic, and cant touch the radio so its not too safe.

wh1te370z · 11-14-2011, 10:33 AM

1. I wouldnt run a harness without some kind of cage in the car. And if its your daily driver i wouldnt put in a harness. They become very annoying after a while.

2. It depends on what "racing" your talking about. Im not really familiar with Autocross. But i know if u plan to race the car in a class they have a billion rules on how to run a harness and a cage and what not. If you plan on only doing HPDE's and stuff like that they arnt much of a stickler about it.

3. id do what AutoX Z said and leave in the stock belt for daily driving if you decide to put a harness in. Not many harness' are

Id say, if the cars a daily driver not to do the harness and just run a nice aftermarket seat with the stock belt, unless u plan on running a cage in the car.

Good luck and be safe

10-07-2011, 10:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 14	Clarity on saftey, legality & technicals of 4/5pt harnesses Hello, I'm thinking about upgrading my drivers seat to a bucket w/option for harness in the future. Im doing drag, occasional autox and eventually some track (spring time). I've searched and read many threads, but I can't determine the following: 1) W/out getting a rollcage, will I have proper mounting locations for a harness? I've seen some people bolting the harness to the seat - which doesn't help in an accident. When just swaping in a bucket from the stock drivers seat, what else needs to be done to safely have a harness? I also see them looping through the rear brace. Is the loop safe or do you have to get something like the amuse rear bar w/the mounting points? 2) When getting into track racing, can someone summarize the rules for aftermarket seats/restraints? 3) Is it legal to do these swaps if the car will still remain on the street - aka is not a dedicated track car? I'm aware of the airbag fixes if I decide to get a passenger side bucket as well - . Thanks in advance! __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html

10-09-2011, 11:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 14	AutoX - Thanks's for the answers. I'll probably continue to do more research before I pull the trigger on any purchases. Thanks again. I think I may also upgrade my drivers seat and keep OEM belts as you recommended. Though it might not look as "clean" as having either or. Once I decide to go harness, I'll make sure it's whatever the race rules want, and then finding a proper mounting bar. __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html

10-20-2011, 11:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
Skeeterbop A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Fort Bliss, TX Age: 40 Posts: 1,440 Drives: 2011 GM 370 base SP Rep Power: 16	If I was to put in a harness, I would use a dedicated harness bar. Also for street use I would leave the OEM belts in place. A properly worn 4 or 5 point harness will really restrict your movement and ability to look over your shoulder. Also most emergency responders won't be familiar with how a 4 or 5 point harness works which might slow them down in getting you out if that situation was to arise. __________________ Srenity: "Yeah no rest needed to spread the love when your 20 that's for sure...."

10-28-2011, 04:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
leighspped Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Morristown Posts: 444 Drives: US Rep Power: 14	U should also get a Hans for ur neck anyway. I have yet to find a harness bar other than the amuse powerhouse bar. __________________ Performance: Fast Intentions LTH + CBX + Injen CAI + UpRev + KW3 + Whiteline sway bars + short throw shifter + 34r oil cooler = 335whp + (OS Giken Clutch and Diff) Interior : Recaro seat + Alpine HU and Rockford Fosgate Amp and Speakers + Passport 9500ci + JDM shift knob + LED's Forged avant garde m310's 19x9 19x12 RE-11

10-28-2011, 04:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 14	Good point. I dont plan on doing any mods in this department unless this car turns into a dedicated track car. __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html

10-17-2011, 01:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
Methodical4u A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,393 Drives: 11 370 6mt pw w/sp Rep Power: 16	I don't think you'd want to wear a harness while just driving on the street either

10-28-2011, 04:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
SeattleLion Base Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 226 Drives: '13 Mustang GT Prem. Rep Power: 234	I believe another thread mentioned that a five point harness is actually more dangerous if you don't also have a roll cage. In a stock car, rolling over will cause some roof crush. A racing harness will prevent your head from moving to the side and you will have head/neck injuries.

10-28-2011, 04:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
leighspped Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Morristown Posts: 444 Drives: US Rep Power: 14	Yea I part time drive the z on the street so I can't use a roll cage either. Ud have to put a helmet anytime u want to go anywhere... __________________ Performance: Fast Intentions LTH + CBX + Injen CAI + UpRev + KW3 + Whiteline sway bars + short throw shifter + 34r oil cooler = 335whp + (OS Giken Clutch and Diff) Interior : Recaro seat + Alpine HU and Rockford Fosgate Amp and Speakers + Passport 9500ci + JDM shift knob + LED's Forged avant garde m310's 19x9 19x12 RE-11

10-29-2011, 12:15 PM	#11 (permalink)
AutoX Z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 314 Drives: 370Z Base, Sport Rep Power: 16	For harness bars: 370Z Harness Bar Don't know if this company still exists but this was the cleanest and safest looking bar I've found. __________________ 2013 SCCA Solo National Champion VVV For Sale VVV

11-11-2011, 10:59 AM	#12 (permalink)
Chuy Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 474 Drives: 2015 NISMO Rep Power: 15	1. there is a degree that the belt is no longer holding you in go past that point and the belt is pushing you down into the seat. So no a harness bar isnt needed. But where are you gonna bolt the shoulder belts too? 2. Every sectioning body is diffrent so you have to check with who you run with. Also if its FIA rated theres a good to date then you will meed a brace for the back of the seat. If you look at Auto Power roll bars thats what the flat bar is there for to brace the seat. 3. Depends on state laws, Scroth is the only DOT approved harness for "street driving". They also have a retractable version, so that you arent always belted in. Yes you cant move around, cant look for traffic, and cant touch the radio so its not too safe.

11-14-2011, 10:33 AM	#13 (permalink)
wh1te370z Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York, Long Island Posts: 559 Drives: PW Base Sport 6 Spd Rep Power: 16	1. I wouldnt run a harness without some kind of cage in the car. And if its your daily driver i wouldnt put in a harness. They become very annoying after a while. 2. It depends on what "racing" your talking about. Im not really familiar with Autocross. But i know if u plan to race the car in a class they have a billion rules on how to run a harness and a cage and what not. If you plan on only doing HPDE's and stuff like that they arnt much of a stickler about it. 3. id do what AutoX Z said and leave in the stock belt for daily driving if you decide to put a harness in. Not many harness' are Id say, if the cars a daily driver not to do the harness and just run a nice aftermarket seat with the stock belt, unless u plan on running a cage in the car. Good luck and be safe __________________ 1998 BMW 328is... Track Build 2010 White 370z.... sold

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