Corvette Performance
C5 | Z06 | C6 | ZR1 | C7

My new rollbar

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 10, 2001 | 04:30 PM
  #1  
Godspeed's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Godspeed
Default My new rollbar

I've been bouncing around for awhile different rollbar ideas lately and have been considering either a Speedworks rollbar (I actually had one of there road racing bars in my garage,) the soon the be released Wolfe Racecraft setup, and the new LG Motorsport setups.

The reasons I didn't use the Speedworks bar are: painted red; non NHRA legal front bars; fronts were not removable

The reasons I didn't use the Wolfe Racecraft bar are: Not ready for sale; "bent" style rears are not NHRA legal and are not as strong as straight bars; no diagnonal in main hoop; lower fronts not mounted on cross bulkhead

I spoke with Lou/LGM and here are the specs of the setup I finally came up with that meet or exceed all of my criteria:

Custom 6 Point Rollbar

1. Construction: Mild Steel - 1 3/4" x 0.120
2. Paint: Powder coated / anondized black (or other equivalent durable paint method)
3. Main hoop: welded to cross bulkhead with 3/16 plates; road race style diagnonal bar; low horizontal cross bar; bracket provisions for driver and passenger restraints
4. Rear bars: Straight design; side clearance for mini-tubs
5. Front bars: Pinned and removable (driver and passenger); elbow height "NHRA" style

My car is at LGM now and the bar should be finished by the end of the week. I'll post some pics when it's done without the interior. I'm going to dynomat it first and then reinstall the interior, and then hopefully order the restraints.

-Jeremy

[ December 11, 2001: Message edited by: Godspeed ]</p>
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2001 | 04:40 PM
  #2  
bigSS's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
From: PURDUE
Default Re: My new rollbar

Sounds pretty cool! Hopefully it wasn't too expensive. Be sure to post some pics.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2001 | 10:49 AM
  #3  
Godspeed's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Godspeed
Default Re: My new rollbar

I did some checking and have decided to go with thicker tubing - Mild Steel 1.75" x 0.120 instead of 4130 Chrome Moly 1.75" x 0.095.

I checked with both NHRA and Open Road Racing Rulebooks. The 2001 Rule Book for Open Road Racing requires 4130 Chrome Moly to be at least 1.50" x 0.120 and the NHRA Rulebooks states the 4130 Chrome Moly bar needs to be 1 5/8 x 0.083. Also for Mild Steel tubing the Open Road Race Rulebook requires 1.75" x 0.120 and the NHRA Rulebook requires 1.75" x 0.118.

Mild Steel:

NHRA - 1 3/4" x 0.118
Road Race - 1 1/2" x 0.120

4130 Chrome Moly:

NHRA - 1 5/8" x 0.083
Road Race - 1 3/4" x 0.120

So to meet both of these requirements I'm just going to go with Mild Steel 1.75" x 0.120 and not have the weight savings I had hoped for.

If you would like to read over any of these Rulebooks, here is where I found the information.

Open Road Racing Rulebook
http://www.openroadracing.com/Rulebook/Rulebook.htm

NHRA Rulebook -

http://www.nhra.com/contacts/tech_faq.html


-Jeremy

[ December 11, 2001: Message edited by: Godspeed ]</p>
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2001 | 11:10 AM
  #4  
cendres's Avatar
Launching!
20 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: AV, MN
Default Re: My new rollbar

Might it not have been easier to do the mini-tubs before doing the cage? Just a thought... <img src="graemlins/gr_devil.gif" border="0" alt="[devil]" /> 's advocate
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2001 | 11:37 AM
  #5  
Godspeed's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Godspeed
Default Re: My new rollbar

[quote]Might it not have been easier to do the mini-tubs before doing the cage? Just a thought... 's advocate<hr></blockquote>

I was thinking the same time, but we can't always change the way the cards are dealt. I'd like to do the mini-tubs myself and am also considering the LPE kit, so it will be a fun Janurary project for me. <img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">

-Jeremy
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2001 | 08:10 PM
  #6  
Louis's Avatar
FormerVendor
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 2
From: Frisco/Wylie
Default Re: My new rollbar

Jeremy,
the bar will receive the 6th point tomorrow morning, and then go to the powder coater. the mini tubs are not a problem. the down bars are not in the way for larger tubs. Composite work is tedious and does require the help of an assistant to ease installation. We can help you out any step of the way. BTW, love the wheel combo. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2001 | 11:01 AM
  #7  
Godspeed's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Godspeed
Default Re: My new rollbar

Ok you guys are right the mini-tubs should be done now. I gave Lou the go ahead today to do it, so time to get busy! <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

-Jeremy
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2001 | 10:39 PM
  #8  
Dave F's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: NC
Default Re: My new rollbar

I guess your car is a coupe? I know that for a convertible, it is impossible to meet NHRA's specs for a bar. 3" above the head is impossible to do with a working top, and the main hoop is required to WELD TO THE FRAME, Not the cross-connector as you are doing.

I have a hoop that I bent that will reach to convertible top as high as possible, but never finished it as it looks like we are selling the car this week.

Dave
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 17, 2001 | 02:57 PM
  #9  
Godspeed's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Godspeed
Default Re: My new rollbar



Reply
Old Dec 17, 2001 | 02:59 PM
  #10  
Godspeed's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Godspeed
Default Re: My new rollbar

[quote]I guess your car is a coupe? I know that for a convertible, it is impossible to meet NHRA's specs for a bar. 3" above the head is impossible to do with a working top, and the main hoop is required to WELD TO THE FRAME, Not the cross-connector as you are doing.
I have a hoop that I bent that will reach to convertible top as high as possible, but never finished it as it looks like we are selling the car this week.

Dave
<hr></blockquote>

I'm not sure about the Convertibles, but for the Coupes and Hartops the best place to mount the main hoop is the cross bulkhead in the C5. There isn't much behind the seats on the floor of the car except a thin piece of metal.
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2001 | 12:38 AM
  #11  
Godspeed's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Godspeed
Default Re: My new rollbar

Here are some more pics.









<img src="graemlins/corvette.gif" border="0" alt="[Corvette]" />
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2002 | 02:18 AM
  #12  
flynbludream's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque
Default Re: My new rollbar

Nice setup! <img src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" border="0"> How much weight does it add to your car? What is the cost too including install? thanks. <img src="graemlins/z06.gif" border="0" alt="[Z06 Corvette]" />
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2002 | 01:34 AM
  #13  
LG Motorsports's Avatar
FormerVendor
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Dallas/Wylie Texas
Default Re: My new rollbar

I will weigh one tomorrow, and get back to you.


Cost, installed, is $1195 for the .120 wall NHRA bar.

The SCCA road race bar 1 3/4"x.095 wall is $200 less, installed. or $595 + shipping.

Thanks,

Lou Gigliotti LG Motorsports
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2002 | 05:29 PM
  #14  
bruce1's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, Ca.
Default Re: My new rollbar

[quote]Originally posted by Godspeed:
<strong>

</strong><hr></blockquote>

Nice...... I like <img src="graemlins/gr_judge.gif" border="0" alt="[judgement]" />
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2002 | 09:57 AM
  #15  
ToplessTexan's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Murphy, TX
Default Re: My new rollbar

Jeremy, where'd those pics go? <img src="gr_sad.gif" border="0">

[ February 12, 2002: Message edited by: ToplessTexan ]</p>
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2002 | 10:56 AM
  #16  
Godspeed's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Godspeed
Default Re: My new rollbar

I'm moving my web site. I should have it back up tonight. Also I'm going to be taken some more pictures of the rollbar soon, now that it is finally installed with the 5-points.

-Jeremy
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2002 | 11:07 AM
  #17  
ToplessTexan's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Murphy, TX
Default Re: My new rollbar

Thanks. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2002 | 07:50 PM
  #18  
Red98C5's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Brick, NJ
Default Re: My new rollbar

Godspeed, you are saying that you want a bar that is legal on both the NHRA and road race circut, but according to this line......... "Main hoop: welded to cross bulkhead with 3/16 plates; road race style diagnonal bar; low horizontal cross bar; bracket provisions for driver and passenger restraints"....it does not meet NHRA requirements as it does not go the chassis. The bulkhead is not a chassis connection, and this can be a very grey area depending on the track you run at.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2002 | 09:42 PM
  #19  
LG Motorsports's Avatar
FormerVendor
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Dallas/Wylie Texas
Default Re: My new rollbar

I believe that in a C5 the cross bulkhead is part of the Chassis. The Hydraformed rails alone cannot be considered the only part of the chassis. If you compare a C5 to an F body they require the same strength, and acomplish it in much the same way.

If anyone has the exact wording of the nhra rule, I would be interested in hearing how they address the f body, and how that is different than the C5 cross bulkhead. The C5 is just a hybrid of a frame car, and a unibody construction.


Thanks,

Lou Gigliotti LG Motorsports
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2002 | 01:32 PM
  #20  
Red98C5's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Brick, NJ
Default Re: My new rollbar

Lou, the difference mainly is in the 6" plate that is "acceptable" in a unibody. Using the "bulkhead" does not allow the 6" mounting plate. Even if you took out the tanks and welded in a plate underneath, it not being flat could be an issue.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:33 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE