Harness bar VS Firewall, for harness installation. Options

[Andyrew]

Harness bar VS Firewall, for harness installation..
Well I am now doing some contemplating, I am going to put some camlock black harnesses, one for the driver, and one for the passanger, in my car. Mainly because I just dont feel safe with the stock one's, and because I like the one's in my dads 951. My question, I have seen 914's at auto x's with harness's mounted to the car via harness bar, and via firewall. Is the firewall way safe? Is it a generally accepted idea? Also if I do go firewall, would I have to get rid of the backpad and put carpet in there? Or could I cut 2 holes per side in the backpad? Also Is using harnesses (I will be getting simpson camlocks hopefully) Illegal for the street?

Thanks alot guys!

[1973914]

Safety First always!

The renegade seat uses the same exact headrest as the original. While there is substantial lateral support added and therefore (perhaps) more of a channeling effect for the shoulder harness, there is no direct lateral restraint forcing the shoulder straps to stay in place. I am in no way claiming that I have gone out and run tests on the physics here, just that nobody that I know would get in a car on the track with stock 914 seats and 5 point harnesses. Its quite simply too dangerous. I dont see the obvious difference between the renegade seat and the stock seat when it comes to that safety factor. I guess my first question (and i looked for the answer online from a supplier to no avail) is if the seat is FIA Homologated/Approved? If not, I wouldnt put it in my car. Then look at all the FIA Approved seats and you see a constant; guide holes for the shoulder harnesses. Now if you are not tracking the car, i guess it may be sufficient for street use, but sitting in the seat and wiggling around certainly will not replicate the g-forces involved in an on-track or even street collision. Of course the 914-6 GT's had no headrest at all you say? Safety wasnt always the number one priority back then - case in point: Aluminum Roll Cages!

Not trying to argue just pointing out some lessons that someone else illustrated and that I hope nobody else has to learn first hand!


OH and to answer your other question about the legality of the harnesses.... Check your state laws but the standard reply would be that you are able to replace the stock restraint system as long as you use the original mounting points as supplied by the factory. This of course eliminates harnesses from the equation. Solution: retain the original seat belts in the car. Thats what i did with mine during the ongoing conversion from street to track. Had the harness installed along with the stock belts and passed with flying colors.