are the stock bars on the S2K "style" bars for looks, or do they function as true rollbars? i thought that the latter was true but have seen some people replacing the stock bar (which i assume is for racing).

thanks!

 

Awhile back someone posted some pics of his car that he rolled in the twisties and the stock roll bars took a direct hit, in the photos you could see how the plastic covers were ground down to the metal inside,I'd say this guys melon was saved by them and I'm sure he'd agree.

 

Of course I do not know Honda's design specifications or intent, but I know how the bars are mounted.

Not only are the bars bolted to the car on their ends, the main bar lengths are connected to a rectangular framework which is in turn attached to the car by 2 very strong appearing posts. I think the bar will hold up in a roll over, but again what Honda has found regarding rollover status, I don't know.

The 'problem' might be in the height of the stock bars. Most people's heads seem to protrude above the tops of the stock hoops. Add 4-5 point restraints that 'prevent' the head/body from submarining a bit from the bar, and a head injury could result.

My Mugen seat set on the lowest level with my height make the stock bar well above my head; I think adding a helmet will just put the top of the helmet below the bar, so I feel fairly secure for now about rollover protection.

True roll cage specifications, of course, are by no means met by the stock hoops.

 

What Porsche has found with their Boxster is that roll bar height does not have to be over one's head in order for the bar to be useful - granted, it may be better if it were taller, but in their tests and in real world data, a driver's head that is above the roll bar still survives... Porsche claims the Boxster is ready for DE track events out of the box.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by s2ktaxi
[B]What Porsche has found with their Boxster is that roll bar height does not have to be over one's head in order for the bar to be useful - granted, it may be better if it were taller, but in their tests and in real world data, a driver's head that is above the roll bar still survives...

 

I can't remember where I heard/read it, but I understand the windshield frame is reinforced as well, so in effect you have three roll hoops. I have no proof though...

 

s2ktaxi do you have a link for the porsche data? i find this rollbar stuff interesting.

thanks!

 

Woodson, You are correct, inside the windshield pillars are tubular steel bars placed there for rollover protection. I would be curious to see those take a direct hit and how they come out of it.

 

i don't think the reinforced wind shield frame will do too much ...
it should help a little, but i don't expect it to do a lot.
but the most miata roll over pix that i have seen, the wind shield frame just fold up ...
not a pretty picture ...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tm3
[B]s2ktaxi do you have a link for the porsche data?