DIY Network

S2000 Racing Upgrades: Installing Roll Bars Autocross Racing Enhancements, Part 1 of 3 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-309

(Continued from page 1)

The installed roll bar

Rollover Protection Basics

When you get into a serious performance roadster like the S2000, you may be tempted to find a way to let it loose on the track. Autocross racing is a great way to get started. But if you want to make the jump from street to track, you'll likely need some specialized safety equipment. For a convertible, that often means rollover protection in the form of a roll bar.

You'll need to do some research with respect to your specific vehicle since installation on each car is different. Also, various race-sanctioning organizations have different sets of regulations. But the basic setup is going to be a four-point bar, with a straight-bar hoop behind the front seats and two support bars that run behind. You'll also want a harness bar to properly handle the load from your harnesses.

Roll bars can be weld-in or bolt-in designs. Many drivers prefer the bolt-in kind because you can always go back to stock if you choose to.

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Materials/tools needed for the first phase of the project:

standard shop tools
4-point roll bar
floor jack
jack stands and wheel chocks
harness bar
felt pen
utility knife
drill with bits
standard shop tools
backing plates
vice grips
masking tape

Figure A

Roll-Bar Assembly

For the first safety upgrade Andrew installs a roll bar. He also removes the front seats to prepare for the safety harness upgrades.

• To mount the roll bar, first the harness bar must be mounted. It'll bring in the sides of the hoop so that everything will line up correctly for the install.

• Slide the cross bar into the U-channel on one side.

• Insert a bolt to lock the bar in places with a hand-tight washer and nylon lock nut on the back.

• Repeat the procedure on the other side, and after both sides are connected, tighten down the bolts to secure the bar (figure A).
  

  	Figure B
  	Figure C

• Once the roll bar is assembled, you can start pulling out the interior.

• The S2000 seats are just like any other. With the seat forward, remove the rear bolts using an extension (figure B).

• Slide the seat all the way back and remove the two bolts in the front mounts.

• After all of the bolts are removed, carefully lift the seat straight up and out of the car (figure C).

• Repeat the process for the other seat.

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