While autocrossing in an empty parking lot last week, I noticed my body movement in the seat was limiting the control of my car. Keep in mind I have cloth, the stock 4th Gen huge seats, and weight less than 140lbs (probably a big factor in this review). I decided to go ahead and look for a cheap racing harness to see if I would like it or not for everyday driving (yes I know it's illegal, but you haven't seen the way I drive either ).

Bought a $80 black 4pt Weapon-R harness, and bolted it up. I bolted the shoulder straps into the floor rails for the seat, and for the hip brace I used carribeaners (sp?) to connect it to the seat. It's a very strong setup and takes less than an hour to do.

Right off the bat I noticed it takes about 15-20sec to put this on, where it would take 4sec to put on the normal seatbelt. Again, keep in mind I am very particular and would not the buckles hit any part of my doors (yes I'm ****).

As far as turning your shoulder to look in blind spots, forget it. You have to use your neck to turn your head since your upper body cannot turn.

But once you're in this thing, you never want to get out. It feels so good. I can whip around turns at 60 MpH and I stay planted. When you slam on the brakes, you feel confident and in control.

I'm not too worried about a ticket (knock on wood) because I have tinted windows and cops aren't too bad around here.

BOTTOM LINE: If you're a small guy, have leather seats, and like to autocross or whip around turns, this racing harness is definitely worth $80 (or less if you can find a better deal). It's not as much PITA to put on as you think, and you wil "be one with the seat."

-Cyrus

 

Please don't run a 4-point harness without a rollcage. If your car flips you will probably die... Think about it, instead of being able to bend, you're locked upright and the car compresses on top of you.

 

Write up PLEASE...

Pictures to....

JP

 

 

without a cage or even just a roll bar, you are focked in an accident ... instead of belts you shouldve tried to get a good seat...

 

get a taurus sho seat.. they hug you nicely...

 

I have one as well and love the way it feels...I only use it at the track a few times though...but the hsoulder straps I passed thru the headrest posts and crossed and then bolted to the rear seatbelt mount holes

 

Do any of you guys have pictures of your setup? I would love to have a racing harness for autocrosses, yet still be able to retain the OEM seat belt for daily driving. I know a guy with a Civic who does this, and it's worked out for him pretty well.
-hype

 

I will take pictures soon.. as far as the bendability issue, I can't say I ever thought about that. It's a valid and excellent point though. Anyways I guess from now on I will use the normal belt for everyday driving (pushing the harness along the sides of the seat) and the harness for autocross etc.
-Cyrus

 

Although what you say is 100% true, I don't think the likelihood of him flipping the car on his roof is that high. I hear in auto-x-ing, guys rarely get into 3rd gear even.

 

If I read correctly, you have the shoulder harnesses bolted to the floor behind your driver's seat? Generally, you don't want a very steep angle for the shoulder belts for the harness. In the event of an accident, the forces that stop you in your seat will be directed downward if the belts are vertical. Not too good for your spine.

Ideally, the mounting point should be as near level with your shoulders as possible. As you pointed out, not everyone has a roll bar to mount the shoulder belts to, so many use the rear seat belt mounting bolts. It will generally give you about a 45 degree angle, which most harness manufacturers state is acceptable.

If you have any questions, you can ask the tech inspectors at the auto-x. They should be able to help you.

Hope this helps,

Quack2x

 

In autocross you rarely ever go above 65-70mph on the fastest courses, but it's still not a good idea. I've never seen it happen myself but a friend did at a track day, the driver was lucky to escape with his life. Plus you never know who's going to t-bone you at some random intersection.

 

Rolling's a risk but a fairly small one on auto-x. I've only heard of 2 cars rolling in the past 3 years I've been active.

Road courses are another story..

Lime Rock Subaru Legacy

(first time viewing all I got was audio which was even better IMO)

 

as long as you like it dude, dont get too used to it though