I see quite a few cars with Petty-ish style bars running forward at a diagonal. Does this stiffen the chassis substantially besides the obvious safety benefit (or hindrance if you need to get out of the other side?)?
-------------------- Ryan Groth #52 SM NASA Midwest Series Director
Region: CFR
Car #: 97
Year : 1990/99 Posts: 788
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I was told that it adds strength to the cage while stiffening up the car. I have them in my cars and I can still get out over the bar if I need too. Of course I am only 5'5" so that helps.
-------------------- 2010 ARRC Champion 2010 CFR Champion 2010 instigator of the year 2010/2011 Andrew Von C Wingman
Region: chicago
Car #: 72 and ?
Year : 90 and 90 Posts: 1051
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posted
A lot of guys like having a passenger seat, so they don't want a Petty Bar.
In a well built cage, I don't think it adds much. In a generic bolt in cage, it probably adds a lot of strength.
My 2cents Dave
-------------------- Advanced Autosports, The Midwests leader in Spec Miata Service, Parts and Rentals 608-313-1230 Authorised Spec Miata service center www.advanced-autosports.com
Region: mid south
Car #: 2
Year : 1999 Posts: 4275
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IMO in our cars,with our cage rules and the amount of grip generated by these tires. I think the cage is a safety device and provides little usuable benefit in the "stiffening' department.
Region: Atlanta
Car #: 60 65 67
Year : 1990 1999 2002 Posts: 238
Status: Offline
posted
quote:Originally posted by Jamie Tucker: I was told that it adds strength to the cage while stiffening up the car. I have them in my cars and I can still get out over the bar if I need too. Of course I am only 5'5" so that helps.
***I think the cage is a safety device and provides little usuable benefit in the "stiffening' department.***
Trust me Dude, this is not for arguement.
Open the doors on a Miata without a roof. Measure between the door opening at upper most you can. Now jack the car up on both sides mid door opening. Take the same measurement again. Next do the same to a caged car. Please report results. If I had a Miata without a cage I'd do it.
Dave Wheeler do you have an uncaged car?
-------------------- Have Fun
David Dewhurst CenDiv Milwaukee Region Spec Miata #14
Region: Great Lakes/Detroit
Car #: 51
Year : 1994 Miata Posts: 401
Status: Offline
posted
I chose to go with no Petty bar for a different safety reason. I thought it would hinder a quick exit out the passenger window if that type of exit would be needed. I know that fires are rare in our class, but that's the one thing that frightens me.
Region: NER
Car #: 7
Year : 1999 Posts: 636
Status: Offline
posted
I've got a sleeved removable petty bar in my car. I thought I'd be using it for HPDE with two seats, thus the need for a removable bar. That idea has since been thrown out the window, so the bar stays put in the car now.
-------------------- -Cy Supported by LTD Racing & Speed Shack - New England's Premier Auto Accessory Store Rt1 AutoMile - Norwood, MA http://www.speedshackonline.com
Hi guys, I'm a new member, (hope I'm doing right) I bought a used SM that has a petty bar in it. Can you remove a welded one without compromising the cage or car?
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