Is the factory roll bar held in by 8 6mm bolts? Is there any evidence for or against the fact that the roll bar is simply decorative?

 

The roll hoops are held in by four bolts on each hoop (two that are parallel to the ground and two that are perpendicular to the ground). They are the same type of bolts that hold the bumper on.

The roll hoops are fully functional. You can find plenty of pictures of rolled S2000s being completely supported by the hoops.

 

Mike, do you have any other information that could help me make a good argument why the factory roll bars are functional? A fellow in my club is calling them decorative only and that they will not help at all in the event of an accident.

Any information I can provide would be helpful as they are reviewing the rules regarding factory roll bars. As it stands now I am not allowed to use my s2000 on the track.

 

[QUOTE]Q: What about rollbars?
A: Those arches behind the seats in the S2000 are designed to support the car in the unlikely event of a rollover. They, along with the windshield frame, are quite beefy under the plastic trim and are attached to the car's frame. There have been reports of S2000 roll-overs where the occupants were protected by the stock roll hoops. It is possible, however, that you will run into a track event where they are uncomfortable with the S2000 as-is, and may require an aftermarket roll bar or cage. In some cases you may be able to convince them with the above information to allow you anyway. Keep in mind, however, that for events where you will have an instructor in the car with you, that instructor must be willing to risk their head, too... I recommend that you verify with the organizers of any event you are signing up for that they will accept the stock S2000 roll hoops at the time you register.

If you need help convincing an event organizer that the S2000's roll hoops are more than cosmetic, try this:
[QUOTE]

 

BTW, from pictures I've seen of rolled S2000s and my own engineering background, the roll hoops don't worry me at all (especially since I've seen what they look like under the plastic). I'm more worried about the windshield frame holding up. Even though it is very beefy, it is cantilevered out there pretty far. I've seen some crash photos where it held, and seen some others where it didn't hold so well.

Then again, I've seen crash photos of closed-top cars where there was lots of windshield frame collapse as well. It all depends on how you hit, and how hard.

 

Thanks!