Harness Rules, SCCA, PCA Options

[McMark]

Working on a track bound 914/6 and we have some confusion about rules I'm hoping ya'll can shed some light on the issue.

We're looking to install a 5 or 6 point harness and need to know what sorts of considerations we need to make for installation. The car is almost ready for paint, so we need to finalize all the backing plates, etc. I have already planned on using welded backing plates and nuts for attachment to the body. The biggest question is about a 'harness bar' for routing the harness to the correct height. There used to be a product that mounted on the upper seat belt mounting points. Would this style bar work for keeping the harness above shoulder level?

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/members.rennlist.com-419-1395890066.1.JPG)

[ThePaintedMan]

Mark, I know some of the other more knowledgeable guys will chime in, but I've been tutoring under the chief PCA tech guy here in our region for the past year.

It is my understanding that in SCCA and PCA, any harnesses must either be attached to a dedicated roll cage or use large washers which mount on the firewall. Schroth and other manufacturers usually sell them as a kit.

The *biggest* question with harnesses now days pertains to the installed angle behind the driver. The harnesses should go over the shoulders and proceed between 0 and 15 degrees downward angle to prevent the driver from suffering spinal compression in a crash. Depending on the seat installed in the car in question, this may or may not be feasible with the harness bar.

This angle is even more important when using a HANS device as I understand it - the HANS relies on the angle to function as intended.

Of course this depends on the sanctioning body, but I would imagine that PCA and SCCA are some of the most stringent and well though out rules when it comes to safety.