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

[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!

[AutoX Z]

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]

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]

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

[mr_sk]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[leighspped]

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]

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]

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]

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