I'm starting to look at roll bars that extend taller than the factory roll hoops. I would like to see if anyone in the Phoenix metro area has roll bars added to their S so I can get an idea of how they fit in. If you have one that you're willing to let me see, I'd love to hear from you.

My lofty goal is to retain the stock roll hoops and full use of the center console, including the secret compartment, while not cutting or shaving the OEM plastic. being able to use both the soft top and hard top with the new roll bar installed is also necessary.

I've seen Harddog roll bars offer this option, but I haven't been able to see photos of the install I'm looking for. Rockstar advertizes a "better" bar, but I'm not sure if I can get what I want with a Rockstar bar. I like the option of a leather cover that one online Harddog seller offers.

Are there other options besides these two?

Did you install the roll bar by yourself, or did you have a local shop, like Science of Speed do it?

If you have a roll bar other than Rockstar or Harddog, what do you have?

 

I would really say this depends on how you plan to use the car. If you need a bar that qualifies for various racing series then yeh hard dog and rockstar are the best drop in options. However while I have seen pictures of them installed with much of the interior there I know they still tend to need modification to the interior. The other option is the am safety 21 or cusco roll bars. While not as strong as the previous ones these require minimal interior mods (depending on which one you buy) and have been shown to hold up in a wreck. They are just a little tough to get a hold of since cusco USA is gone so wait time can be crappy.

 

I was once in your position, deciding on taking the car to the next level of safety for track days. I chose not to hack up my car for a roll-bar and keep my re-sale value in tact and got my M3.

I'd look into aftermarket seats first before the roll-bar. If you already complain about getting in and out of the S or feel the ride is harsh, an aftermarket seat may not be for you either unless you spend baller money on a Recaro Sportster or maybe add some padding to a bucket seat. There's plenty of information out there on mounting seats in the S2k. There are also many threads on roll bars as well. I'd definitely recommend sitting in a car that has one before you take the plunge.

 

Questions: Why would you want one? Track use or general safety?

I rarely see these in street driven cars. To that extent, only experience track junkies have them in their dedicated track S2000's for the most part with a few exceptions. If street use only and for DD, I would not recommend them.

 

If you have your mind set on one, there is a HD for sale in main classifieds for $500.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'm not 100% sure I'll get one, but, without being actually measured, with a helmet on, I think my head extends above the factory roll hoops.

Part of my thought process tells me to increase protection for the occasional track and autocross fun, or even spirited canyon carving, and that it "just couldn't hurt" to have the higher bar. If I ever did roll over, I'm not entirely convinced that my factory roll hoops would offer me the best protection.

I want to keep the car for DD and personal use as well, so I'm looking at something that will work for both street use and track. I want to still take trips in the S with my gal, so keeping the seats is what I'm thinking of.

I won't be turning the car into a track-use only type.

 

In that case I wouldn't bother with a roll bar. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the real protection in a roll over is provided by the windshield frame. Now obviously a properly welded bar/cage is going to offer a higher level of protection but would be better served in a track setting where you have a helmet on IMO.

 

You are likely correct that the S2000's front A-pillars take the brunt of the impact but hoops are definitely not there for just looks. There is published information from Honda regarding the S2000 roll over protection and the hoops do provide a significant benefit if I recall correctly. I think it's attached to a post someone on this forum.

There are multiple cars that race in the SCCA with no front A-pillars and it requires a pretty high roll bar that creates a triangle of protection angling towards the front of the car (like F1). Adding that tall of roll bar to the S2000 is not necessary or required for HPDE but having your head below the imaginary line b/t front windshield and roll bar is a pretty darn good idea safety wise.

I'd say that an extremely high percentage of Autocross courses represent a very limited or ZERO risk of roll over. Accidents are accidents though. Brake failure, panic, slam into a barrier, light pole, curb etc .. . anything can happen but what is the likely hood that it will happen and are you willing to accept it?

 

I will say that I think aftermarket seats or dropping the stock ones with aftermarket rails will pull you inside the roll-over protection with less effort/modifications. That's going to be my first step since I sit tall in the seat. I may had a bar later, though it depends on what I can get away with in STR too.

 

SCCA STR?

must retain interior and soft top. You can cut to instal bar. SCCA solo rules aren't road racer friendly for most classes.

Trimming and lowering the stock seats is completely within the rules unless you somehow trim the seat down to something u shouldn't sit in. Aftermarket seat + mounting must weigh more than 25.0lbs I believe(I could be wrong). 3pts must be retained but a harness can be used.