Roll cage: anyone install?

leo95se · 05-06-2013, 07:05 PM

Anyone install a roll cage? I'm starting to think I need to be more secure in my seat; and am toying with a roll cage, seats, and harnesses. I am tired of the stock seats, I slide all over and my left knee is bruised after a weekend of bracing.
Would love to hear thoughts and get a convo going on the topic.

The vs Motorsports one looks pretty good. Only downside is losing the rest seat for tire storage, so I might make a roof rack.

THE TECH · 05-07-2013, 09:19 AM

Several have.

1MOREMOD · 05-07-2013, 09:41 AM

if you have one built you can have them accommodate tire-wheel transport. i just had one made for my e46 and they modified the rear support between the shock towers to arch up so a couple of wheels can be slid into the back seat area and 2 in the trunk.

radiantm3 · 05-07-2013, 01:22 PM

It's worth nothing that if you go this route, there will be a million unexpected costs and annoyances to figure out, especially if you plan to daily drive the car as well. If your only issue is stability in the seat, I'd suggest picking up a Schroth quick fit pro first and see if that makes you happy. That really made a big difference for me. I only went the half cage route after because I wanted seats and weight reduction.

HoodR$CH · 05-07-2013, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leo95se

Anyone install a roll cage? I'm starting to think I need to be more secure in my seat; and am toying with a roll cage, seats, and harnesses. I am tired of the stock seats, I slide all over and my left knee is bruised after a weekend of bracing.
Would love to hear thoughts and get a convo going on the topic.

The vs Motorsports one looks pretty good. Only downside is losing the rest seat for tire storage, so I might make a roof rack.

I've installed the VS cage and it's a pretty easy DIY. I thought they went out of business?? Don't think you can buy one anymore.

leo95se · 05-07-2013, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiantm3

It's worth nothing that if you go this route, there will be a million unexpected costs and annoyances to figure out, especially if you plan to daily drive the car as well. If your only issue is stability in the seat, I'd suggest picking up a Schroth quick fit pro first and see if that makes you happy. That really made a big difference for me. I only went the half cage route after because I wanted seats and weight reduction.

no luck using the quick fit harness in my area.

id like stability, safety, weight savings. half cages seem to make the most sense for a car thats driven once a week and then on track days.

leo95se · 05-07-2013, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE TECH

Several have.

thanks.

leo95se · 05-07-2013, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

if you have one built you can have them accommodate tire-wheel transport. i just had one made for my e46 and they modified the rear support between the shock towers to arch up so a couple of wheels can be slid into the back seat area and 2 in the trunk.

good to know. im trying to not go toward built, i prefer something i could remove if need be (selling car, re-purpose, etc), but thats a good option, thanks.

tom @ eas · 05-07-2013, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoodR$CH

I've installed the VS cage and it's a pretty easy DIY. I thought they went out of business?? Don't think you can buy one anymore.

We can still get them if needed.

HoodR$CH · 05-07-2013, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

We can still get them if needed.

Really? Same price point as before?

tom @ eas · 05-08-2013, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoodR$CH

Really? Same price point as before?

Yes, same price. Let me know if interested.

aus · 05-08-2013, 11:32 PM

Just keep in mind, adding a cage may make it MORE dangerous while on the street.

.

leo95se · 05-11-2013, 09:55 PM

what price range are we looking at for the mild steel? are tubes custom shapes or standard? asking b/c id like to see if i can retain some back seat access for tires.
thanks!

tom @ eas · 05-13-2013, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leo95se

what price range are we looking at for the mild steel? are tubes custom shapes or standard? asking b/c id like to see if i can retain some back seat access for tires.
thanks!

I don't think there will be enough room, here's a shot from our M3:

leo95se · 05-13-2013, 11:47 AM

Cool. And price? Are you happy with it? Any performance changes? Thanks!

tom @ eas · 05-13-2013, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leo95se

Cool. And price? Are you happy with it? Any performance changes? Thanks!

PM coming.

mkPOTO · 05-13-2013, 11:55 AM

yup you can still order the VS Cage, I believe EAS is the only company that is able to get them from the 3rd party who made them for VS.. (wow tongue twister)

WarrantyTracker · 05-14-2013, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

Just keep in mind, adding a cage may make it MORE dangerous while on the street.

.

This is something I've wondered. Especially now that I'm looking at a 4-point bar I got a deal on, sitting in the garage next to my 79 323i. If I'm driving around town without a helmet and I get slammed, I'm envisioning head damage.

I know, I know, wear the helmet around town. I can't. No AC in the car and it's really hot here.

1MOREMOD · 05-14-2013, 06:09 PM

If you are wearing a harness your not going to end up in the back seat. Problem comes more with full cage than half.

Richard@M-World · 05-15-2013, 01:22 AM

I am by no means a cage expert, but here are my 2 cents from reading racing regulations (FIA, SCCA, NASA) and talking to pro cage builders... plus a little bit of common sense.

1. I would only go for a cage using chromoly because it is a much stronger material than mild steel. More expensive but worth the money IMO.

2. Make sure the attachment points are welded or properly bolted to the chassis of the car. The mounting plates must be sufficiently thick and large to distribute the forces across an appropriate area.

3. As for a 6-pt harness system, the only safe and proper way of installing them is to attach the shoulder belts to the roll cage/roll bar, and the anti-sub and lap straps to the chassis of the car with proper, welded reinforcement plates. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. (picture courtesy of checkcaptain)

More discussion on harness here:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=798683

PrimeBMW · 05-15-2013, 09:40 AM

If race seat. You will loose your side impact air bag in the e92 M3.

CBS · 05-15-2013, 09:27 PM

Went with half cage designed by Fall Line for similar reasons as OP mentioned.

Decided to add seats and 6 pt for more stability.

05-06-2013, 07:05 PM	#1
leo95se Captain 126 Rep 938 Posts Drives: '09 e92 M3, '15 F15 X5d Join Date: May 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (3)	Roll cage: anyone install? Anyone install a roll cage? I'm starting to think I need to be more secure in my seat; and am toying with a roll cage, seats, and harnesses. I am tired of the stock seats, I slide all over and my left knee is bruised after a weekend of bracing. Would love to hear thoughts and get a convo going on the topic. The vs Motorsports one looks pretty good. Only downside is losing the rest seat for tire storage, so I might make a roof rack.
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05-07-2013, 09:19 AM	#2
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 13,093 Posts Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas iTrader: (45) Garage List 2013 Nissan GTR [0.00] 2019 Sierra Denali ... [0.00] 1999 Nissan Silvia [0.00] 1999 Nissan Skyline ... [0.00] 1998 Toyota Supra [0.00]	Several have.
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05-07-2013, 09:41 AM	#3
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	if you have one built you can have them accommodate tire-wheel transport. i just had one made for my e46 and they modified the rear support between the shock towers to arch up so a couple of wheels can be slid into the back seat area and 2 in the trunk. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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05-07-2013, 01:22 PM	#4
radiantm3 Apex Everything! 976 Rep 4,378 Posts Drives: 2007 Honda S2000, 2017 GT350 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cedar Park, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 E92 M3 [9.35] 2014 BMW i3 [10.00]	It's worth nothing that if you go this route, there will be a million unexpected costs and annoyances to figure out, especially if you plan to daily drive the car as well. If your only issue is stability in the seat, I'd suggest picking up a Schroth quick fit pro first and see if that makes you happy. That really made a big difference for me. I only went the half cage route after because I wanted seats and weight reduction. __________________ 2011 E92 M3(Sold). 2007 Honda S2000 (Track Car). 2016 Cayman GT4 (Sold). 2017 Shelby GT350 (AKA Crowd Killer). My pet project: https://stickershift.com
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05-08-2013, 11:32 PM	#12
aus Major General 890 Rep 9,031 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	Just keep in mind, adding a cage may make it MORE dangerous while on the street. . __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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05-11-2013, 09:55 PM	#13
leo95se Captain 126 Rep 938 Posts Drives: '09 e92 M3, '15 F15 X5d Join Date: May 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (3)	what price range are we looking at for the mild steel? are tubes custom shapes or standard? asking b/c id like to see if i can retain some back seat access for tires. thanks!
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05-13-2013, 11:47 AM	#15
leo95se Captain 126 Rep 938 Posts Drives: '09 e92 M3, '15 F15 X5d Join Date: May 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (3)	Cool. And price? Are you happy with it? Any performance changes? Thanks!
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05-13-2013, 11:55 AM	#17
mkPOTO Mr. Nice Says Hello 635 Rep 16,662 Posts Drives: BMW M3 \| X5 xdrive 35i MSport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (25) Garage List 2002 Lexus GS300 [0.00] 2008 BMW E92 M3 [5.58]	yup you can still order the VS Cage, I believe EAS is the only company that is able to get them from the 3rd party who made them for VS.. (wow tongue twister)
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05-14-2013, 06:09 PM	#19
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	If you are wearing a harness your not going to end up in the back seat. Problem comes more with full cage than half.
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05-15-2013, 01:22 AM	#20
Richard@M-World 78 Rep 684 Posts Drives: NASA TTA #92 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: TX/IL iTrader: (0)	I am by no means a cage expert, but here are my 2 cents from reading racing regulations (FIA, SCCA, NASA) and talking to pro cage builders... plus a little bit of common sense. 1. I would only go for a cage using chromoly because it is a much stronger material than mild steel. More expensive but worth the money IMO. 2. Make sure the attachment points are welded or properly bolted to the chassis of the car. The mounting plates must be sufficiently thick and large to distribute the forces across an appropriate area. 3. As for a 6-pt harness system, the only safe and proper way of installing them is to attach the shoulder belts to the roll cage/roll bar, and the anti-sub and lap straps to the chassis of the car with proper, welded reinforcement plates. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. (picture courtesy of checkcaptain) More discussion on harness here: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=798683 __________________ Authorized AiM Dealer - Solo/Solo DL \| SmartyCam HD \| www.m-world.us
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05-15-2013, 09:40 AM	#21
PrimeBMW Major 662 Rep 1,424 Posts Drives: E46 M3+S62, E92 M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	If race seat. You will loose your side impact air bag in the e92 M3.
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05-15-2013, 09:27 PM	#22
CBS Major 87 Rep 1,253 Posts Drives: F10535, E90M3, E30M3, E28M5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Alpina B6 GC [0.00] 2014 535xi M Sport [0.00] 2014 X3 3.5 M Sport [0.00] 2011 M3 E90 [9.74] 2007 Z4 M Coupe [7.00] 1990 M3 [9.50] 1988 M5 [10.00]	Went with half cage designed by Fall Line for similar reasons as OP mentioned. Decided to add seats and 6 pt for more stability. __________________ ESS VT-1 550 \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Fall Line Half Cage \| RaceTech 4009W \| 6 pt Harness \| Lifeline Zero 360 Fire Suppression \| Rear Seat Delete \| Motion Control DA Dampers w/remote reservoirs \| 900/650 Hyperco Springs \| RD Sport Sway Bars \| Brembo 380 BBK \| GC Camber Plates \| Hoosier R7 \| Eisenmann Sport \| Stack Gauges \| Painted Challenge Front Lip \| Painted ZCP Rear Spoiler \| Xpel Ultimate Film \| LuxAngelEyes
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