temporary roll cage or not set in stone?

[JZBE92]

Hello Everyone

I was curious if there were roll bars that were temporary and not permanent. I love the practicality of my e92 and would hate to lose backseats to a track hobby if I'm not dead set on making the investment. I'm a total track newb but want to be safe. Are there any options for me?

Thanks

Jon

[Autobahn335i]

You can find one here:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=648648

This would be useful to fix a racing seatbelt harness.

[Porschefile]

^But that's not a roll cage or a roll bar. I too have wondered whether there are roll bars for our cars. I know they make them for Caymans etc. so you can remove it at some point if necessary.

[Autobahn335i]

Originally Posted by Porschefile

^But that's not a roll cage or a roll bar. I too have wondered whether there are roll bars for our cars. I know they make them for Caymans etc. so you can remove it at some point if necessary.

Yes the above is not to reinforce the car or for safety measures. Just to be able to use a 4-point seatbelt harness.

A proper rollcage is normally welded to the chassis, or at least screwed in. Didn't know there were "on-the-fly" removable ones.

[Porschefile]

Well they have to weld plates to the car generally, which you bolt the bar to. But the plates can be removed, at least in theory.

Like this: http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxst...available.html

[Car54]

Originally Posted by Autobahn335i

Yes the above is not to reinforce the car or for safety measures. Just to be able to use a 4-point seatbelt harness.

A proper rollcage is normally welded to the chassis, or at least screwed in. Didn't know there were "on-the-fly" removable ones.

Yes and this decreases safety unless it's an ASM design. And even if it is, there are groups that won't allow it on track. Oh and you should have equal restraints for both sides.

[Autobahn335i]

Originally Posted by Car54

Yes and this decreases safety unless it's an ASM design. And even if it is, there are groups that won't allow it on track. Oh and you should have equal restraints for both sides.

I wouldn't use it on my car.

[The HACK]

If you're a noob going into this sport EXPECTING to roll your car hard enough to require a roll cage, you probably shouldn't try it in the first place. No offense.

This "sport" isn't nearly as dangerous as you make it out to be if you properly mitigate the risks involved. Start with an organizations that's been lauded for its long history of safety, work your way through until you've gained enough knowledge to be dangerous, then you can choose to go to the lapping days and drive "flat-out" to your heart's content. Then you can make a determination of whether or not you want to risk your life every weekend, or if you want to walk away from the inevitable.

And I'll bet at that point your car will be so far removed from being able to be recognized as a stock M3 that the point of a permanent cage or a bolt-in one won't even cross your mind.

[JZBE92]

Originally Posted by The HACK

If you're a noob going into this sport EXPECTING to roll your car hard enough to require a roll cage, you probably shouldn't try it in the first place. No offense.

This "sport" isn't nearly as dangerous as you make it out to be if you properly mitigate the risks involved. Start with an organizations that's been lauded for its long history of safety, work your way through until you've gained enough knowledge to be dangerous, then you can choose to go to the lapping days and drive "flat-out" to your heart's content. Then you can make a determination of whether or not you want to risk your life every weekend, or if you want to walk away from the inevitable.

And I'll bet at that point your car will be so far removed from being able to be recognized as a stock M3 that the point of a permanent cage or a bolt-in one won't even cross your mind.

Thanks for your advice. No worries. I welcome the hardcore to give me their opinions. I just started auto cross a month ago and that's super addicting. I'm just slowly easing into the idea of going to the track. Other newb drivers have told me that it was "intense" and "scary". Haha. And being a safety minded individual, I just want to be safe.

Thank you all for your comments. We, newbs, appreciate your experience.

[Purple Derple]

Originally Posted by The HACK

If you're a noob going into this sport EXPECTING to roll your car hard enough to require a roll cage, you probably shouldn't try it in the first place. No offense.

This "sport" isn't nearly as dangerous as you make it out to be if you properly mitigate the risks involved. Start with an organizations that's been lauded for its long history of safety, work your way through until you've gained enough knowledge to be dangerous, then you can choose to go to the lapping days and drive "flat-out" to your heart's content. Then you can make a determination of whether or not you want to risk your life every weekend, or if you want to walk away from the inevitable.

And I'll bet at that point your car will be so far removed from being able to be recognized as a stock M3 that the point of a permanent cage or a bolt-in one won't even cross your mind.

why are you quoting "sport" when you're the only one in this thread that used that term?

[von_zoom]

There are numerous shops which make roll bars, cages, etc which can be bolted into your car, and ultimately removed if you want to sell your car. Very little alteration to your interior. Your being in Calif should be easy for you go find several sources. Be aware, any bolt in is no substitution for the real deal.
Good luck.
vz

[Martin_D]

Both VS Motorsports and AE Performance make great bolt in solutions.

[rzm3]

Originally Posted by The HACK

If you're a noob going into this sport EXPECTING to roll your car hard enough to require a roll cage, you probably shouldn't try it in the first place. No offense.

This "sport" isn't nearly as dangerous as you make it out to be if you properly mitigate the risks involved. Start with an organizations that's been lauded for its long history of safety, work your way through until you've gained enough knowledge to be dangerous, then you can choose to go to the lapping days and drive "flat-out" to your heart's content. Then you can make a determination of whether or not you want to risk your life every weekend, or if you want to walk away from the inevitable.

And I'll bet at that point your car will be so far removed from being able to be recognized as a stock M3 that the point of a permanent cage or a bolt-in one won't even cross your mind.

Well said.

And at the point when you will need roll protection, get at least a half cage/roll bar from a REAL racing team with proper reinforcements. I've seen way too many half-assed, temporary/removable designs out there that make absolutely no sense at all and would probably do more harm than good.

[FR01]

Originally Posted by Porschefile

Well they have to weld plates to the car generally, which you bolt the bar to. But the plates can be removed, at least in theory.

Like this: http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxst...available.html

Not sure why you'd wanna remove it from a Cayman to begin with. Just get a clear engine cover and add some paint to the valve covers and it would look awesome!

It is however easier to remove in a Cayman as its really a hatchback. The rear just mounts to the strut tower.

[smmmurf]

Originally Posted by rldzhao

Well said.

And at the point when you will need roll protection, get at least a half cage/roll bar from a REAL racing team with proper reinforcements. I've seen way too many half-assed, temporary/removable designs out there that make absolutely no sense at all and would probably do more harm than good.

Exactly... a million better things to weld a roll cage into than a beautiful street car E92 M3 unless you are going sponsored racing with it... and by the sound of OP's post he is just getting into it.


You really have to irrationally want to race an M3 in an amateur series and have the bankroll to support it...
could have more fun in something cheaper and purpose built

[VSmotorsports]

Originally Posted by Martin_D

Both VS Motorsports and AE Performance make great bolt in solutions.

Yes we have a bolt on solution

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by smmmurf

You really have to irrationally want to race an M3 in an amateur series and have the bankroll to support it...
could have more fun in something cheaper and purpose built

Scott Carey does it with SCTS Racing on an amateur level (BMW CCA CR).

Granted the E90 M3 started its life as a totaled/salvage title thus making it somewhat financially feasible. Somewhat.

[Porschefile]

Originally Posted by FR01

Not sure why you'd wanna remove it from a Cayman to begin with. Just get a clear engine cover and add some paint to the valve covers and it would look awesome!

Resell value. The number of potential buyers drops greatly if the car has a permanent roll cage.

[FR01]

Originally Posted by Porschefile

Resell value. The number of potential buyers drops greatly if the car has a permanent roll cage.

Sure I agree. The OP seemed to want something that he could remove/replace more frequently than a few times a year.

[Porschefile]

Originally Posted by FR01

Sure I agree. The OP seemed to want something that he could remove/replace more frequently than a few times a year.

Oh, I didn't notice that. I agree with you, it is kind of pointless to remove multiple times. I (and most track guys) like the look.

[4sevens.com]

Originally Posted by VSmotorsports

Yes we have a bolt on solution

For e90?

[aus]

Since it's bumped already, how strong/useful are bolt in cages vs. a true welded cage?