Drag Racing Tech - Benefits of a 10pt Cage over an 8pt Rollbar?

I believe it's time to get something in my car for reinforcement, but I'm not sure how much I need.

I'm contemplating 6, 8, and 10pt setups.

My main questions are:

What advantages are there by going with a 10 point roll cage over say an 8 pt. rollbar?

How much strength does running through the dash and overhead net?

When is a 10 point REALLY needed as far as the chassis needs it?


I'm just trying to get enough to keep the chassis in tact and to keep things straight while trying to keep the weight down to a minimum and NHRA legality isn't a concern due to the car never seeing the track.

I've had Wolfe Chromoly SFCs from the start.

I appreciate your advice and help. :thumb:

If the car is never going to see the track I doubt you'll need or want anything more than a 6 pt. roll bar. If you aren't launching hard on a sticky track your chassis won't likely see that much stress to warrant a full cage. Just my opinion.

If the car is never going to see the track I doubt you'll need or want anything more than a 6 pt. roll bar. If you aren't launching hard on a sticky track your chassis won't likely see that much stress to warrant a full cage. Just my opinion.

Thanks for your advice.

The car leaves hard, just as hard if not harder than I see cars leave at the track.

So you think, for the weight and strength, a 10 point is overkill?

All advice is appreciated guys. :nod:

Anyone else?

There is no way that your car is leaving harder on the street than an equal car on the track. Cars that are running 10 pt cages are in the single digits and you arent 60' like that on the street.

You dont need a cage for chassis flex, it will help but odds are you cant put all the power you have now to the ground on the street so it wont benefit you much.

Safety wise a 10 point is very dangerous on the street unless you wear a helmet and harness at all times.

The halo is very close to your head and if your head hits it you are dead.

I would do a quality 6 point rollbar and maybe add door bars at the most.

There is no way that your car is leaving harder on the street than an equal car on the track. Cars that are running 10 pt cages are in the single digits and you arent 60' like that on the street.

You dont need a cage for chassis flex, it will help but odds are you cant put all the power you have now to the ground on the street so it wont benefit you much.

Safety wise a 10 point is very dangerous on the street unless you wear a helmet and harness at all times.

The halo is very close to your head and if your head hits it you are dead.

I would do a quality 6 point rollbar and maybe add door bars at the most.

Good point on the overhead bars. I didn't think about that.

Thanks for your advice. And if you're ever in Chicago, hit me up.

Keep in mind, I said my car leaves just as hard as most cars I've seen at the track.

Our streets are stickier than you think. ;)

Thanks.

Our streets are stickier than you think. ;)

Thanks.

Ain't that the truth.... I've seen pics and videos, haha

Good luck getting races after you put a cage in, that's the kiss of death for a lot of folks.

Good luck getting races after you put a cage in, that's the kiss of death for a lot of folks.

I know. :(

Good point man.

I'm only doing it for the good of the chassis and suspension.

Do you really think it will help me, or would I be just fine the way it sits?

How much did it stiffen up your chassis PSJ?

Thanks guys.

Slow Z28: ;)

How many folks wanted to race Cliff after he did his?

My car is super stiff right now with everything done to it, you can jack it up in one spot and three tires can come off the ground.

How many folks wanted to race Cliff after he did his?

My car is super stiff right now with everything done to it, you can jack it up in one spot and three tires can come off the ground.

I guess what it comes down to is:

Safety aside, what are the benefits of having a rollbar?

Is it needed to stop the frame from twisting?

Is there ET on the table with having a rollbar due to chassis stiffness and quicker harder launches?

I guess what it comes down to is:

Safety aside, what are the benefits of having a rollbar?

Is it needed to stop the frame from twisting?

Is there ET on the table with having a rollbar due to chassis stiffness and quicker harder launches?

There is not enough ET to be gained from having the 8 or 10 point. You would actually be slower considering a Chrome Moly 10 point cage weighs about 85lbs give or take. With your power level it is not needed for chassis stiffness. The SFC and full suspension would be enough. If the car never sees the track, I wouldn't put one in, but that's just me. I do not condone street racing whatsoever. People might be scared if they see a cage like PSJ said.

There is not enough ET to be gained from having the 8 or 10 point. You would actually be slower considering a Chrome Moly 10 point cage weighs about 85lbs give or take. With your power level it is not needed for chassis stiffness. The SFC and full suspension would be enough. If the car never sees the track, I wouldn't put one in, but that's just me. I do not condone street racing whatsoever. People might be scared if they see a cage like PSJ said.

Good points.

The 10 point cage is 33 lbs more than an 8 point. So I'm guessing a 10 point is around 100-110 lbs.



I guess until I start making some real power I'll just hold off.

Maybe I shouldn't even waste my time with anything short of a 10 point until then.

I wouldn't. Like you said, it is like 100+ lbs. If your car never sees an intense tech inspection or track use, I would hold off.

Good luck getting races after you put a cage in, that's the kiss of death for a lot of folks.


Fern, I would have thought that you and Ivan have almost run out of dumb kids to race in the western burbs by now. :rotflmao:

Fern, I would have thought that you and Ivan have almost run out of dumb kids to race in the western burbs by now. :rotflmao:

Nothing wrong with some friendly SR.

It doesn't matter how quick a car is.

Only it's consistency on the street. :thumb:

You know that.

When's your monster hitting the streets? :judge:

It'll be street worthy in march... :devil:

Right now it only sounds fast. :secret2:

It'll be street worthy in march... :devil:

Right now it only sounds fast. :secret2:

I'll be waiting for ya bro. :smokin2:

I know. :(

Good point man.

I'm only doing it for the good of the chassis and suspension.

Do you really think it will help me, or would I be just fine the way it sits?

How much did it stiffen up your chassis PSJ?

Thanks guys.

Slow Z28: ;)
I only have a 6 point. My car leaves just fine. As far as not anyone wanting to race because of the cage? No one really races anyway. There's enough RSD - SSC to get action.

BTW driving around in a caged car on the street isn't too safe either. if you get into a wreck and you head hits the bars with out a helmet on you done for.

BTW driving around in a caged car on the street isn't too safe either. if you get into a wreck and you head hits the bars with out a helmet on you done for.


That is a very good point... I never thought of that.

Fern, I know that their are quite a few people who will back down once the car has a cage in it, especially one with 8-10 points. I know it would be intimidating to me, no doubt about it. Now I don't know how much power you are actually making @ the wheels, but I assure you that a good set of SFC's and full suspension ought to tie you up nice and good. There's quite a few cars w/ really high hp w/o cages, and alot of them are ones that run @ places like 41.

I'm sure you'll find a few races, from what i remember I've seen alot of cars as is intimidated by yours but i am sure it would be easier to find someone w/o the cage.

Good luck man.

Adam
hit me up sometime *AIM/Yahoo drama6914* or shoot me a PM if ya'd like.

Yeah, I've decided to pass on it since rolling around wearing a helmet on the street doesn't sound to fun.

Also, I don't think I'm making enough HP to really need one.

Thanks guys. ;)