Roll Bar / Roll Cage

[ThreePedalPlow]

Anyone running a roll bar or roll cage? Just wondering if there is anything out there for convertible models. My local track requires one for convertibles to run although the guideline doesn't make much sense to me as far as what type of roll bar / roll cage they are talking about.

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[RLE55]

Anyone running a roll bar or roll cage? Just wondering if there is anything out there for convertible models. My local track requires one for convertibles to run although the guideline doesn't make much sense to me as far as what type of roll bar / roll cage they are talking about.

Ask the Tech's at your local track what type of cage or roll bar is acceptable, they should be able to tell you. If not, find a club/group/association that runs there and ask them. I know for the association I used to run with, they published what's called Club, Codes & Regulations, spelling out every detail of what the car needs or must have to run in particular classes, etc. It was then my responsibility to find a performance shop that specializes in roll bars / cages. My shop installed an M&M 4-point roll bar which was the requirement (4-point) for the class I ran in.

 

[mikengail]

Anyone running a roll bar or roll cage? Just wondering if there is anything out there for convertible models. My local track requires one for convertibles to run although the guideline doesn't make much sense to me as far as what type of roll bar / roll cage they are talking about.

There are several options out there for convertible roll bars for S550's. Watson seems to be the most popular, but there are a few others. I don't know whether they will fit S650's the same way though. If the subframe and suspension are the same, I would think that they would fit S650's equally as well. I have both Mustang versions in convertible form and my 2018 S550 has a nice 4-point bolt-in roll bar. I had to have it to run at the local drag strip. 700rwhp in a ragtop is no joke anyway. Mine is an Autopower model 71265 for 2015 and up Mustang Convertibles. I got it for $585.95 and another $200 or so for shipping. They don't have them in stock. They build them to order, so it takes a couple of weeks or so to finally receive them. Another vendor like Autopower is Kirk Racing in Mount Olive, Alabama. Also very reasonably priced but nothing in stock. They build to order as well. Hope this helps...

 

[ThreePedalPlow]

There are several options out there for convertible roll bars for S550's. Watson seems to be the most popular, but there are a few others. I don't know whether they will fit S650's the same way though. If the subframe and suspension are the same, I would think that they would fit S650's equally as well. I have both Mustang versions in convertible form and my 2018 S550 has a nice 4-point bolt-in roll bar. I had to have it to run at the local drag strip. 700rwhp in a ragtop is no joke anyway. Mine is an Autopower model 71265 for 2015 and up Mustang Convertibles. I got it for $585.95 and another $200 or so for shipping. They don't have them in stock. They build them to order, so it takes a couple of weeks or so to finally receive them. Another vendor like Autopower is Kirk Racing in Mount Olive, Alabama. Also very reasonably priced but nothing in stock. They build to order as well. Hope this helps...

Thanks for the intel! Have you ever ran a 1/4 mile top up and top down to see what the difference is? My car seems a little slower with the top down starting somewhere around the middle of 3rd gear. I have a 6 speed manual.

 

[ArthurJGuy]

Anyone running a roll bar or roll cage? Just wondering if there is anything out there for convertible models. My local track requires one for convertibles to run although the guideline doesn't make much sense to me as far as what type of roll bar / roll cage they are talking about.

I build cages (among other things), the type of cage you need is dependent on how fast the car is. A roll bar does not satisfy this requirement typically.

On a 2024 coupe you don't need a cage at all until 8.99, sucks that convertible requirements are still so aggressive but I absolutely understand why.

 

[ThreePedalPlow]

I build cages (among other things), the type of cage you need is dependent on how fast the car is. A roll bar does not satisfy this requirement typically.

On a 2024 coupe you don't need a cage at all until 8.99, sucks that convertible requirements are still so aggressive but I absolutely understand why.

What I don't understand it that they let motorcycles run and all they have to do is wear a helmet, 1 piece clothing, boots and gloves. It seems to me a convertible with seatbelts and several airbags in it is way safer than any motorcycle could ever dream of being so the restrictions seem excessive to me. A convertible can roll over but a motorcycle can't? Umm, what? At least my convertible has a seatbelt to keep me from flying out. A motorcycle has nothing. Also, modern gas powered convertibles are designed to survive a rollover. They are tested for it and that is why there aren't any electric convertibles yet. They are too heavy and can't pass rollover tests.

 

[mikengail]

Thanks for the intel! Have you ever ran a 1/4 mile top up and top down to see what the difference is? My car seems a little slower with the top down starting somewhere around the middle of 3rd gear. I have a 6 speed manual.

The track here is very strict with convertibles. Top and windows must be up. 11.4/124 was my last run. 305/35r19 drag radials won't stick. I spin through the first 3 gears of my 10r80. I'm going to have to go to a true drag pack with high profile 17" drag radials or bias ply slicks...

 

[sdaniel05]

What is a good roll bar for the 2024 convertible that is compatible with SCDA approved after market? does anyone know? the website is not very helpful.... also what is better SCDA or NASA? I am also looking at Chin track days. any experience or advice for a newbie getting into track which one of these outfits is best? thx

 

[RLE55]

also what is better SCDA or NASA? I am also looking at Chin track days. any experience or advice for a newbie getting into track which one of these outfits is best? thx

My experience. SCCA doesn't spend a lot of time on how to go faster or teaching the mechanics of racing, they let you work on that over time and in your own way once you have your provisional license. NASA on the other hand teaches (classroom & track time) all aspects of the car and what it's doing during racing events, the mechanics of the car and works on driving skills. In short, how to go fast, safely. There's 4 Levels for Beginner's (HPDE), starting with HPDE 1 and advancing, in time to HPDE 4, when things become serious, challenging and exhilarating, preparing most drivers for Time Trials and/or Wheel To Wheel Racing.
Best way to determine which one is best for you, go to each and do an event. I spent 12 years in NASA, racing all over the midwest and in one National Championship. One of the most educational and rewarding hobbies I've been involved in.
https://drivenasa.com/road-racing/

 

[sdaniel05]

My experience. SCCA doesn't spend a lot of time on how to go faster or teaching the mechanics of racing, they let you work on that over time and in your own way once you have your provisional license. NASA on the other hand teaches (classroom & track time) all aspects of the car and what it's doing during racing events, the mechanics of the car and works on driving skills. In short, how to go fast, safely. There's 4 Levels for Beginner's (HPDE), starting with HPDE 1 and advancing, in time to HPDE 4, when things become serious, challenging and exhilarating, preparing most drivers for Time Trials and/or Wheel To Wheel Racing.
Best way to determine which one is best for you, go to each and do an event. I spent 12 years in NASA, racing all over the midwest and in one National Championship. One of the most educational and rewarding hobbies I've been involved in.
https://drivenasa.com/road-racing/

Good to know! thanks!

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