Roll Cage install for a big, fat bastard in a teeny weeny car!

Hey guys,

First post here! I'm currently building a Spec Miata and installing a MiataCage.

I'm 6'3" and 240lbs so cramming everything in is proving tricky. I have already installed the 5X Racing Drop Pan kit and am now putting in the seat shoulder harness bar. Due to the drop pan and how much I have to recline my seat to get low enough for my head/helmet to escape the wrath of the main hoop, the shoulder harness bar has to be mounted quite low. Unfortunately the mounting points for the soft top are in the way!

It would appear from the Spec Miata Rule Book (Section 20.2.11 "Other than to provide for the installation of required safety equipment or other authorized modifications, no other driver/passenger compartment alterations or gutting is permitted.") that modifying the soft top mounting points to get the shoulder harness bar in the right location is permissible.

A search of the web has truned up a couple of pictures of cage installs where this appears to have been done:

Light Modification: https://racer.com/wp...sm1-4.jpg?w=660

Heavier Mod: https://www.google.c...ZKZVigxco-OfkM

vet=12ahUKEwjw4fGmuafzAhUTjJ4KHUDYArMQMygFegUIARCdAg..i&docid=85B1MERZq2NomM&w=600&h=450&itg=1&q=spec%20miata%20roll%20cage%20install&client=firefox-b-1-d&ved=2ahUKEwjw4fGmuafzAhUTjJ4KHUDYArMQMygFegUIARCdAg:

Is my interpretation OK, or will this get me in trouble with the tech inspectors?

Found this post .... which just confused me more, although it seems to lean on the "legitimate" side of the fence, but also reinforces my uneasiness!

https://mazdaracers....-seat-mounting/

The old days???? What before they found out that big fat fellers liked racing tiny cars too!

Thanks Steve! It seems intuitive otherwise I'd have to do something sub-optimal or down right silly to make it fit, but I don't have the experience to know how anally the rules are taken. Seems like common sense prevails then!

The old days???? What before they found out that big fat fellers liked racing tiny cars too!

 

Thanks Steve! It seems intuitive otherwise I'd have to do something sub-optimal or down right silly to make it fit, but I don't have the experience to know how anally the rules are taken. Seems like common sense prevails then!

Steve,

PM me with your e-mail address and I'll send you pics of my latest build with a floor drop and composite seat (OMP HTE-R).

I'm 6'3" with more of the height in my torso and went through the same things with my cage builder in terms of seat placement and tilt.

My cage has both of the seat belt towers modified to fit the main hoop & belt bar which has seemingly been condoned for fitting drivers like us.

I also went with Drago's aluminum seat mount brackets as they have an additional pair of slots at the front of the mounts to tilt the seat back further.

Thanks,

Brandon

Hey Brandon, wasn't able to message you. Some pics would be nice although I've just gone ahead and done it now!

Which version of the MiataCage kit are you installing? The full Main Hoop or the package tray version? 

Full main hoop.

Full main hoop.

Full main hoop.

That is a mistake unfortunately, you should consider swapping to the one that lands on package tray. I have a little experience in this area.. meaning too big for car and fabrication

Hey Jim. Yeah I realized that eventually. However, just done my first two track days and no issues. Extremely comfortable in the car and no problems driving at all. Just need to make a small transmission tunnel mod or pedal mod to facilitate toe and heeling. I was surprised but the darn things fits like a glove!!!

good deal!

 I was surprised but the darn things fits like a glove!!!

Some number of years ago when my now 17 year old grand daughter was 7-8 years old I introduced her to Jim Drago when he was outside his Spec Miata. Some time latter during qualifying we were outside T7 at Road America and I pointed out Jim's car as he went by, she said he fits in that tiny car, yes like a glove.