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Old 09-17-2003, 03:19 PM   #1
Zuffy
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Default 4 Point Harness Setup

Does anyone run a four point safety harness in their Rex? I'm thinking of getting some for my car for auto-x, but I'm not sure what's the best way of securing them. I might be co-driving for my friend's rally car so I'll probably get a set of 6 points, but not use the anti-sub belts in my Rex for auto-x, is that ok?
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Old 09-17-2003, 03:21 PM   #2
Dussander
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This topic has popped up a lot. So try the search and you should find your answers. Either, I'm lazy or your lazy and at the moment, I've feeling lazy and I don't have a questions so....
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Old 09-17-2003, 06:21 PM   #3
Brett555
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For autocross, the Schroth Rallye 3 or 4 is your best bet...
http://www.soloracer.com/schroth.html

I have one in my 2.5 RS...
http://www.soloracer.com/imprezarallye4.html
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Old 09-22-2003, 12:10 PM   #4
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Brett:

I need a set of harnesses for my 02 WRX sedan. I track the car very frequently, but still drive it on the street once or twice a week to keep the seals and stuff in good shape.

I took a look at your website, the FAQ, and the app guide from Schroth. Interestingly, their app guide shows nothing for WRX.

What I'm looking for is a 3 or 4 point (preferably 4 point) system that allows me to clip-in/clip-out for track days but retain the factory belts and factory seats. Can you make a recommendation for me, please?

Thanks!

Scott
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Old 09-22-2003, 01:48 PM   #5
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Thumbs up

Scott-

I just got back from the track where I was using the Schroth Rallye-4 system. I agree with Brett, it's very good at holding you in place and can be put out of the way while on the street. My instructor opted to use the stock seltbelt, was easier for him to get in and out of the car.

IMHO, the Rallye-4 is better than the 3 b/c in it hooks up with the stock safety points in the rear seat. The 3 uses the C-pillar in threar, which is a PITA.

-Jason
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Old 09-22-2003, 03:53 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally posted by jpmarotta
Scott-

I just got back from the track where I was using the Schroth Rallye-4 system. I agree with Brett, it's very good at holding you in place and can be put out of the way while on the street. My instructor opted to use the stock seltbelt, was easier for him to get in and out of the car.

IMHO, the Rallye-4 is better than the 3 b/c in it hooks up with the stock safety points in the rear seat. The 3 uses the C-pillar in threar, which is a PITA.

-Jason
Jason -- thanks, this board is great. No way I could get info this fast elsewhere!

I just got back from a weekend at Road Atlanta and apparently I have picked up enough speed in the WRX now to make the instructor comment on how badly I need harnesses. Not to mention I am tired of my left knee hurting all the time from bracing myself on the door panel.

So, if you don't mind, can I hit you with a couple more questions? First of all, I understand there are a ton of arguments on all sides about using harnesses without roll bars, cages, etc. I have looked at the Autopower 4 point cage and the Speedware harness bar, and I'm just not willing to cage the car or lose the rear seat at this point, end of story.

In your opinion then, are the 4 point belts 'better' than the 3 points? If so, could you list why? Again I'm not interested in somone's opinion on why I should or shouldn't use harnesses without a bar. I'm looking for usability information about the belts themselves -- do they work good, stay tight, install/remove easily, etc.

Thanks!

Scott
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Old 09-22-2003, 04:34 PM   #7
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I've got a Schroth Rally-3 in my car. I use it for autocross though, since I'm in the category of people that doesn't agree with harnesses without rollover protection on track. Mounting the tailstrap to the C-pillar mount is pretty simple... just carefully pry the cap off the mount so it doesn't get scratched, then unbolt it. Insert tailstrap plate, screw it back together. Cap will fit right back on making for a clean install. The flat tailstrap angle is good for preventing spinal compression. The tailstrap disconnects so you can tuck the front portion of the harness under the seat, and let the rear part of the tailstrap hang loose against the factory rear seatbelt. I had pretty good luck lowering and sliding the seat back, yanking the belt so it locks. Then I slide the seat back forward to my driving position where the belt will be pretty tight against me. Raise the seat up to height which will squeeze you against the belt, and you're good to go. Most of the grip of a 4-pt harness without the expense. Might want to consider a harness pad on the stock belt, since putting that much pressure on your collar bone under repeated hard braking might make for some bruising.
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Old 09-22-2003, 04:45 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally posted by sdecker

I have looked at the Autopower 4 point cage , and I'm just not willing to cage the car or lose the rear seat at this point, end of story.
Then you arent ready for harnesses, end of story.

The information is out there. Im not going to repeat it yet again.
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Old 09-22-2003, 05:36 PM   #9
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Thanks guys...I appreciate the info.
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Old 09-22-2003, 08:28 PM   #10
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what's up Scott.

I've got the Schroth Ralley 4 in mine for auto-x ONLY. I won't wear it on the street because it's just not safe for the track. I'd only consider wearing it at Little Talledega because its just all flat and the runoff is all pasture with no walls or swales to worry about in the critical corners.

In auto-x alone it helped me dramatically, I don't have to hold myself while breaking or while cornering, it's worth every penny.

Now since you are a track whore, I don't really know if getting a harness without a cage is such a good idea. I've heard the debate but if you do roll the car without a cage and can't slide out of the way like the stock belt allows you're screwed. Just not worth the "possibility" of getting paralyzed or even killed.

Hope it helps and if you decide to get a harness I'll help anyway I can...I'll bring the beers and watch.
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Old 09-23-2003, 07:13 AM   #11
sdecker
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Thanks Wayne!

OK, I admit that having a cage would be best. I'll make my mind up on that one later. I would not be using these on the street at all, or at any other time than when on the track. They are not about the bling, they are about holding the driver in place.

I'm really looking for usability information on the Rallye 4. Do you clip them in and out? How much of a PITA to install, and did you mount the rear sections to the lower rear seatbelt points?

What's your opinion of the hardware, adjustability, 'keep you in place' factor, etc.?

And, if you want to come help install them -- I'll *buy* the beer. How about Newcastle?

Scott
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Old 09-23-2003, 11:21 AM   #12
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OK -- so let's say that I have seen the error of my ways in trying to do harnesses without rollover protection.

What other options would you suggest to the factory setup that promotes better driving position and control of the car?

Anyone? Anyone? I am just hoping to stimulate some discussion, not start a flame war. If you have better safety options for a combination track car/daily driver, let me have 'em.

Thanks in advance.

Scott
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Old 09-23-2003, 05:15 PM   #13
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ok Scott, here goes it....

The Rallye 4 mounts to the stock locations on the "B" pillar and the seat mount for the front. The rear mounts to the lower "C" point and the center seat anchor inside the seat, again, stock location. The harness "unclips" at the rear section so there is a strap that tucks into the rear seat when not in use and the front can be tucked to the side and around the seat to be stored underneath the rear passenger footwell under the driver seat.

I can show you mine sometime if ya like and you can drive it too in a parking lot or something. As far as how well it works, NIGHT AND DAY! I found I wasn't having to hold myself back with the steering wheel, which is very bad as I'm sure you've discovered, and I don't slide around laterally either.

Another option I have seen is to use a torso strap, which is exactly what it sounds like. It wraps around the seat and tucks under your armpits and around your chest. I've never used one but I know a couple of guys who use it. Another trick that someone taught me is to slide your seat back almost all the way before you put your seatbelt on. give the buckle/belt a full twist and click it in. then slide your seat forward to your normal driving position. The twist in the belt prevents the mechanism from giving the slack that is normally experienced.

so, in conclusion to my epic post, you can use the twist method and/or buy the torso strap (cheap) until you decide whether to go with the harness or not. You can always fit the harness to a cage later also.

Beer time.
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Old 09-23-2003, 05:17 PM   #14
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Default Whew!

so in short, the harness made a HUGE difference and is worth every penny I paid for it.

If safety is too much an issue you've definitely got other options till you get a cage.

We still need to get together and grill some dead animal and drink some cold beverages.
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Old 09-23-2003, 05:47 PM   #15
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CG-Lock

I've seen this in several of the latest issues of various magazines I subscribe to. Supposedly it is available already, but from the website you wouldn't know. I signed up for pre-order information, but have received nothing yet.

Basically, it's a $40 seatbealt locking mechanism.

I'm considering it for my casual autocrossing interest (instead of dealing with a harness, even though it would be better).
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Old 09-23-2003, 06:13 PM   #16
sdecker
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Wow -- that was truly a Herculean post, and not a single smiley, either. Are you OK man?

I'm 100 percent on the grill, swill, and chill. I'm going to order my harnesses from Brett today. When I get 'em, how about you and Jeff come out and we'll burn something and slap 'em in. Sound cool?

Scott
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Old 09-23-2003, 11:37 PM   #17
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you gotta deal, its really easy to do, only about a half hour job.

as long as we don't twist the belts and realize it after we've buttoned it all up it'll be quick and painless.

let me know and we'll get together.

Zuffy--hope this helped you as well.
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Old 09-24-2003, 06:39 AM   #18
SMiLEY
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In addition to the twisting the belt trick, I've also seen people use a locking clip from a child's carseat to hold the lap belt in place. Then you have to use the seat scooting trick to get it nice and snug.
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Old 09-25-2003, 12:58 AM   #19
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I will throw my hat into the ring and say what many people have known for years and that is 4-point belts save lives and are a ton more effective then the standard seatbelts we have now. The reason that they are not in every car??? Simple people wouldn't wear them many people complain about using the regular seatbelts do you think that they would all put on a 4-point? Tests have shon that a 4-point is much more effective then 3-point but not as effective as 6-point. 5-point were not shown to be anymore effective then 4-point. So 4 or 6 is the best way to go. Next question to harness bar or not? THe answer is really simple and that is no harness bar! I REPEAT NO HARNESS BARS!!! There is a reason that the FIA reccomends that you use the stock rear seat mounting points for the straps and not a harness bar. If you look at the Subaru WRC car for instance you will see that they run the seatbelts all the way back as does peugot, even if there is a bar across the main hoop they still run the belts back. The rear mounting points are designed to take the load. The argument for the harness bar is that the belts are shorter and thus don't stretch. This is true but not necessarily good, belts are designed to stretch because it reduces the g's your body feels in a rapid deceleration. Remember folks G's are not a measure of how fast you go or what force you hit something with but rather how fast you stop. If you go from 25-0 in three inches you will have a high G accident, versus 65-0 in 200 feet (hypothetical numbers put you people get my drift). When the belts stretch they decel the torso more gently whiel the shorter belts do not stretch and thus you have a high G load on the head and neck. YOU have the body suddenly decel but the head is still traveling at the same speed as the car you get a violent reaction at the bottom of the skull causing a basal skull fracture (see Dale earnhardt). Remember Hans trys to keep the head and torso decelerating at the same speed. The last part about Harnesses is that in a "roll over" your head will be crushed like a melon because you will not be able to duck. THIS IS TOTAL BS and people will read this and post the stupid mustang or the BMW roll over pictures that they ahve been posting for two years on tis board and everyone will cry about how silly it is to run with harness and no cage, trust me I have seen hundreds of fatal accidents (working at the coroners office will do that) and what you saw more frequently is tha people are thrown upward upon rolling over or ejected even with conventional belts. There you have it A-Z now strap in some harnesses and go have fun.
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Old 09-25-2003, 07:33 AM   #20
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Quote:
There is a reason that the FIA reccomends that you use the stock rear seat mounting points for the straps and not a harness bar.
Where can I read this report/recommendation with my own eyes?

I don't swallow second-hand information on this topic.

Second and third-hand information from people who were told once by their brother who was told by his instructor who was told by another instructor in the cafeteria...is what makes this whole topic a pain in the ass and unconclusive.

I want to read, with my own eyes, an official NHTSA document that states, "Conclusive evidence through repeated testing has shown that properly mounted 4-point (and higher) harnesses in STREET (not WRC) cars are more safe than seatbelts in most accidents."

I greatly want to believe you and install a 4-point harness. Until I read it with my own eyes though, I don't believe you and I don't believe the people who swear they're dangerous without a cage.
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Old 09-25-2003, 06:27 PM   #21
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Look at the fia technical regulations, www.fia.com, look at homologation papers (you would have to buy these) or just do a search and look at almost every race car running in europe. The FIA is the NHTSA of all of europe so I think they know a thing or two. In europe you cannot buy the wrap type of harnesses because no one uses them for a reason. The harness bar is a purely American thing and I feel that it stems from the american belief that we should do everything our own way. But hey if you do not beleivve me just look at most race cars. You can view cars at the following sites.

www.vermontsportscar.com
www.cascadeautosport.com
www.avsport.com
www.swrt.com
www.fordrallyesport.com
www.wrcsales.com
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Old 09-25-2003, 06:52 PM   #22
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Wow, thanks guys for all your input. I was thinking of getting a harness bar now I don't know. Reading in the "WRX Training" book they sounds like mounting to the rear seat seat belt anchors was a bad thing, and that a harness bar is a better option. I know in the Sparco diagrams they allow up to 45 degrees of recline on the belts, but recommend less than 20 degrees. I guess it's ok to go without a bar...
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Old 09-25-2003, 07:03 PM   #23
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This may or may not be relevant, but since we've opened up this topic:

My BMWCCA instructor (a very VERY accomplished and respected one, I might add) told me that I should add four point harnesses to my car for track work. That's why I contributed to this thread to begin with. I was surprised, and asked about the use of a harness bar. His reply: "What? You mean a DECAPITATION bar? No way in hell would I ever put one of those in my car. I wouldn't want all that metal flying around right behind my head if something were to occur." Presumably, he meant that a harness bar by itself caused more risk than an integrated harness bar as part of a roll cage...which I can agree with, actually.

I'm only bringing this up because it shows YET ANOTHER side of this coin. On this topic, there is a neverending stream of information and opinions, most of it in conflict with at least a quarter of the population that cares.

Ugh!
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Old 09-25-2003, 07:53 PM   #24
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I think harness bars are ugly, end of story, I know everything, that is my first hand account!

But seriously, I have used my Rallye 4 on the street before, I just cranked the lap portion, which does most of the work anyways and prevents "submarining", and tightened the shoulder straps down to where I could still bearly reach the dash controls and turn my head enough to see my blind spots and pulling into traffic.

My OPINION is that:
1: running the harness on the street just takes too long to get in and out of during the day.
2: I do feel more comfortable with the harness on.
3: I feel more confident with the harness on, good, bad, not sure.
4: I spent the money on it so maybe I should use it more than 4 times a month.

When you unbuckle it doesn't have that nice retracting feature that the stock belts do and they flail around and you have to move them out of the way to get in, and get out, and before you close the door.

I mainly don't like the fact that I can't sit right on top of the steering wheel to pull out into traffic on a blind curve when I wear the harness. So I feel there are pros and cons for the STREET. For motorsports, it's a definite MUST!
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Old 09-25-2003, 08:44 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally posted by Ver. 8 STi WRB
In europe you cannot buy the wrap type of harnesses because no one uses them for a reason. The harness bar is a purely American thing and I feel that it stems from the american belief that we should do everything our own way.
I hate to disagree with you, but i have to, because that is not correct. My own rally teams GroupA Escort Cosworth run in various British Rally Championship events uses rollcage mounted harnesses, as do all works WRC cars.



Monte Carlo Rally scrutineering 2002.




No serious rally car uses car shell mounted hooks for the belts, they all use the rollcage to mount the belts to, as this is by far the strongest and most stable method.

You guys need to check my website more often, most answers are there in picture form. Plus the odd one like this.

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