roll bars?

[Bavarian Motorist]

Are the bars on 987s roll bars? My dealer said so, but I know he's full of **************** (told me 800 miles for break-in)



They aren't metal or anything so I'm not sure.


I want to run a hpde event with nasa. Thanks




Oh yeah, how do I access my engine ????

[Perfectlap]

yes they aren't just for show, take a knock at the horizontal section of tubing it's solid and anchored to the frame/chasis. It's used as the mounting point for harness belts. (see pic) Your windshield header is also designed to protect your head in a roll over.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

Are the bars on 987s roll bars? My dealer said so, but I know he's full of **************** (told me 800 miles for break-in)



They aren't metal or anything so I'm not sure.


I want to run a hpde event with nasa. Thanks




Oh yeah, how do I access my engine ????

Hi,

Yes, the Roll Bars are made of high strength steel as is the windshield header and 'A' Pillars. These have sufficient strength to support the car's weight.

However, you could also be subject to the Broomstick Rule for Track, DE, and Auto-X events depending upon their requirements and your height when seated.

The Broomstick Rule states: Open cars must be equipped with an approved
roll bar. If the car is equipped with factory seat belts, a broom stick placed across
the top of the roll bar and the front roll hoop/ windshield frame shall be at least 2” above the driver’s helmet. If the car is equipped with current SFI approved legal 4, 5 or 6 point harness system the drivers helmet shall be at least below the level of the broomstick.

If you cannot pass this requirement, a Roll Bar Extension may be required, see: http://www.northstarmotorsports.com/products/sfID1/34/sfID2/35/manufacturerID/91/productID/1479 and http://www.bombaydigital.com/boxster/projects/bkrollbar/ Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[limoncello]

They can be considered a roll bar, in that they are structural material mounted to the frame. This differs from a style bar, Miata for example.

The true question is "Who's asking?"

Some tracks/events accept the Boxster, as is, for HPDE. Our local track is one example, I drove 4 DE's with no mods required, but these were not PCA events.

PCA and SCCA have emphasis on safety, and usually enforce the broomstick rule, that the top of your helmet must be 2" below the imaginary line from the top of the windshield frame to the top of the roll bar. I'm tall, so I flunked; couldn't drive with PCA.

The Brey Krause company makes a roll bar extension for the Boxster that PCA and SCCA accept for DE. It raises the height a couple of inches, still allows normal top operation, and is an easy bolt-on to install. Mine's for sale if you need one.

Finally, none of the above qualify as a roll bar in the racing definition, in that there is no lateral cross bracing and no rear bracing.

Check with the specific HPDE safety coordinator for the event you're interested in and go from there, no sense doing mods if they are not needed. Good luck and go for it, the Boxster is a blast to drive at the track!

[limoncello]

great minds think alike - sorry Jim, I was drafting my response while you posted, no duplication intended.

Also, needed to plug my BK extension for sale...

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by limoncello

great minds think alike - sorry Jim, I was drafting my response while you posted, no duplication intended.

Also, needed to plug my BK extension for sale...

Hi,

No worries - great minds do think alike...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Bavarian Motorist]

Thanks a lot guys. I was wondering about that also...If the roll bars weren't high enough.


I am a relatively tall guy, so I know I will get screwed here.



How much are you selling yours for, Limoncello?



Oh and I have ONE more question:


Is it true that if I buy racing harnesses or street harnesses that I will no longer need my side/front air bags? If so, would you recommend removing them? I could sure use the weight savings

[Bavarian Motorist]

Holy crap...700+ dollars for a HELMET.


Racing and track driving is NOT CHEAP!!!


I could MAKE a better helmet for less than that. Jesus!!!

[kabel]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

Oh yeah, how do I access my engine ????

Seriously??

Proper procedure is in your owners manual.

Access to the top of the engine is via the panel under the padded carpet of the rear deck shelf...

[SD987]

Bav Motorist, here's some mildly interesting info on the 987 rollbars:

The 987 roll-over bar is now higher and further back than on the 986. It is made of austenitic stainless steel, a special stainless steel alloy that offers maximum strength, and is manufactured using IHPF technology (internal high-pressure forming). This new manufacturing method and an optimised design have permitted a 30 % increase in strength.

These measures combined with the new seats and their higher headrests have permitted a further improvement in the already impressive passenger survival space of the previous model.