Roll cages - help

[SJR Superlight]

Hi,

I'm getting into circuit racing next year with my Ford Puma. I'm currently looking into getting a roll cage fitted but am wondering what type of cage I will need.

I'm aware it obviously needs to comply with the blue book reg's but I'm looking for any experienced racers out there to maybe shed some light on the amount of protection needed, as there seems to be quite some differences between cages.

Do I go for a full on multipoint cage like this one:


Or do I go for somthing a little less full on, like the 'CL4' cage on this page:
http://www.customcages.co.uk/Rollcage/Manufacturer...

both of these seem to be FIA approved.

Your thoughts and comments will be much appreciated.

Thanks

[andy97]

Its a very personal view (and I am not an engineer) but I would go for the most extensive welded in roll cage that you can afford. Not only is it safe but the added stiffness that a multi-point welded in cage brings will aid performance.

[Graham]

at the very least I'd want to add a dash bar to the cl4. the multipoint if you can afford it will be a better bet. more weight yes, but safer and it'll stiffen the car more.

G

[fergus]

andy97 said:

Not only is it safer but the added stiffness that a multi-point welded in cage brings will aid performance.

[SJR Superlight]

Cheers guys, you have confirmed my thoughts. looks like I will be hunting for a multipoint cage then!

[AWRacing]

I'd check the regs of the championship you intend to race in first as some stipulate what kind of cage your allowed!!

[drmotorsport]

Best to check the regs of the series you planning to race in as some dont allow points through the bulkhead to pickup suspension turrets.

[mat205125]

andy97 said:

Its a very personal view (and I am not an engineer) but I would go for the most extensive welded in roll cage that you can afford. Not only is it safe but the added stiffness that a multi-point welded in cage brings will aid performance.

All good advice, and also the route that I would take if the budget allowed. In addition to the above points, I would also add that the value of the car could easily be increased by as much as the additional cost of a "proper" cage and interior paint job ..... When selling your race car on after your usage, a car with a basic FIA Bolt in that is a different colour could rob your car of a relative fortune even if the actual difference to the potential lap time is insignificant.

Proper cars have proper cages!!!

[procomp]

Hi

And don't forget that if you are fitting a cage. To fully comply with current Msa/FIA regulations you will be removing the roof to fit the cage. Then refitting the roof.

Cheers Matt

[crofty1984]

procomp said:

Hi

And don't forget that if you are fitting a cage. To fully comply with current Msa/FIA regulations you will be removing the roof to fit the cage. Then refitting the roof.

Cheers Matt

What????

[pdd144c]

procomp said:

Hi

And don't forget that if you are fitting a cage. To fully comply with current Msa/FIA regulations you will be removing the roof to fit the cage. Then refitting the roof.

Cheers Matt

Eh?!?!

[sfaulds]

To weld the top of the joints on a weld-in cage. Many cages have a big enough foot that it's uneccessary though, or it's easier to cut the floor to allow the feet to drop through.

[Caractacus]

Go for the multipoint weld in option, without a doubt.

Speak to Andy Robinson of Robinson Race Cars as he's up there with the best in the business. He did my cages and the chaps @ Lanzante Motorsport use him (they are the only authorised Mclaren F1 wizards outside of the factory).

Have fun!

[SJR Superlight]

Thanks again for all your thoughts guys.

I'll have a look at the regs to see what i am allowed and go from there!

[jo3_C]

Hi,

for Ford Pumas, Speak to Gordon Vincent from ACS (Aluminium Copper & Stainless)
He originally completed all the cages for Ford motorsport on the Puma car, and has all the drawings etc.

his number is : 01376 513419

Tell him that Joe from Elmdon metals has put you in contact with him, and he should be able to help you out.

for the record, we supply all metals and plastics to the world of motorsport, including Rollcage tubing.

[Lucky Pierre]

What series is the Puma eligible for? I've got a 1.7 one that I would love to convert for racing sometime in the future, so very keen to hear both costs and how you get on SJR.

[thunderbelmont]

There a multitude of championships that would welcome a Puma.

You need to decide how much modification you want to do, then go looking.

[Lucky Pierre]

I'd vote for minimum mods, both for cost and driving skill. Would be happy to put a few grand into it and trailer it to the track, but nothing like some of the full-on modified race puma's I've seen pictured on forums. This thread is what started me thinking. Until then, I figured a 125hp 1.7 engine would make it uncompetitive in most series providing it remained relatively stock, but that's only my impression, so really interested to hear what others are up to.

[refoman2]

theres a guy who races a puma in the Castle Combe Saloons in class C,number 24. runs around 150bhp with a 1.7 engine, but as with any series if you want to be ultra competitive its gonna cost you. if your happy to potter around at the back, then obviously it wont

[Lucky Pierre]

Thanks fella - I'll check that out. Castle Combe is quite convenient for me as it happens