I did come across a picture of the bars and the stock hoops in place. It was somewhere, late last night. Its probably the same bar you guys are referring to. But if its only for cosmetics and to get past tech and not for safety, then I am not so sure why you'd want it anyways. safety is very key when putting a roll bar in, and if it isn't secure and isn't made for that purpose, then there is really no sense in adding the extra weight for something that might or might not work.

 

This sounds like the design I would be most interested in ... except for the $1k price .

 

Shatten, I think you missed the point. Of course the Cusco is only a cosmetic bar. But it's design does prove that a large roll bar can coexist with the stock hoops.

As Triple-H pointed out, a bar based on that general design but using proper materials and welds (not bolts), should be very safe and easily co-exist with the stock hoops. I even think the design, if built correctly could pass SCCA.

In general, I think retaining the stock hoops will be safer.

 

It was the prototype so it costs more. They're gonna work out the cosmetics and then do a GB, which will be less than a grand. I don't know how much though. I like this design, cuz it removes the stock roll hoops to compensate for the added weight of the new bar.

 

Mikey is all over this thing! Everything he said!

There is no way I would put a rollbar in that was not an upgrade for safety! In fact the removal of the OEM hoops to put another design is extremely scary to me because of the OEM seat belt securing points. I just as soon leave them completely alone, and if the OEM hoops are removed you start messing around with the seatbelts. I don't like that!!!

The addition of some weight is also not that big of a deal because I plan to add another 44 pounds while I'm on the track because of the hardtop. A hundred pounds one way or another may make a difference if I was racing and it was some type of competition, but I go to the racetrack for fun and education.

 

Triple-H and Mikey, I'm with you guys. You both are looking for the exact thing I am. I don't care about SCCA approved, I just want something that will coexist with the stock hoops, look like the cusco bar, allow the top to work, and allow me to secure some nice harnesses to it.

Seems so simple doesn't it?

 

My plan, when I have disposable income again (will be a while), is to do a custom roll hoop and replace the factory hoops (that are a joke unless you are under 5'-4"). Mugen makes just the piece:



No, not the cage... look at where the hoops were. Mugen makes (and King imports) a piece that replaces the rear garnish so that you can remove the hoops and put in a cage or hoop that will look factory.

I'm completely against a cage as anything of real value would require cutting the dash. Not for me. I DO want, though, a hoop that actually goes over my helmet. I think this is very possible, even with the stock top.