Thread: Chassis Cert. Question???

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Got another question. I have a pair of seats for the "Z" that will accept a 5 point harness. They also have adjustable rails. Can I use those adjustable rails if they are mounted to the frame/cage per SFI specs. or do the seats have to be mounted solid directly to the frame/chassis? I'd like the seats to be adjustable but only if it will pass tech. Neither the NHRA rule book or SFI says anything about adjustable rails one way or the other, the way I read it, but I'd like to be sure before I install the seats. They just say seats must be bolted down with 4 bolts and a seat back bracket to the rear cage tube. Thanks agian for the help.

This has nothing to do w/ getting a Chassis certified, but Track Tech is who will buy off on it or not.

Its my understanding that the aftermarket plastic seats have to bolted to the floor/chassis. A factory seat can be on the sliders.

I am not well versed on NHRA or IHRA rules. But I'll pass along what the SCCA allows. I know this may be apples and oranges, but it may point you in the right or similar direction.

In the SCCA, it's not uncommon to have co-drivers at certain events. We are allowed adjustable seats. The rails are bolted to the floor and count as being permenantly attached to the floor. The SCCA does require a seat back brace that bolts to the seat. The reinforcement can be adjustable where it attaches to the cage.

Now the big difference here is what's required in cage construction. Minimal cage requirements in a sedan is a bolt-in 6 point cage with one bar for side protection. Most cars will run 8 point cages with NASCAR style door beams.

Again, take it for what it's worth. Different sanctioning bodies and different issues regarding driver safety. SCCA classes can include as many as 60 cars on a given track at a time, but at various speeds from 40-60 MPH on some turns to over 160 for faster cars on high speed straights.

I'M A CHASSIS BUILDER AND EVEN THO THERE ARE NO RULES ON SEAT TRACKS,IF YOU USE A FULL HARNESS AND HAVE AT LEAST A ROLLCAGE IN IT THE SEAT SHOULD BE UP AGAINST THE REAR BAR.YOU WILL NOT BE SAFE IF THE SEAT IS NOT UP ON IT WHEN YOU ARE BELTED IN. IF THERE IS A GAP THERE THE SEAT WILL MOVE UNDER IMPACK. MAKING THE BELTS LOOSE.

Originally posted by TWOSPEED
I'M A CHASSIS BUILDER AND EVEN THO THERE ARE NO RULES ON SEAT TRACKS,IF YOU USE A FULL HARNESS AND HAVE AT LEAST A ROLLCAGE IN IT THE SEAT SHOULD BE UP AGAINST THE REAR BAR.YOU WILL NOT BE SAFE IF THE SEAT IS NOT UP ON IT WHEN YOU ARE BELTED IN. IF THERE IS A GAP THERE THE SEAT WILL MOVE UNDER IMPACK. MAKING THE BELTS LOOSE.

I've since decided to mount the seats solid in 1 position.

I'M FOGOT TO SAY THAT. THE SEAT MUST BE BOLTED TO THE BAR.

Originally posted by techinspector1
The seat must not be just "up against the bar", it must be bolted to the bar. If the seat is spaced out in front of the bar, some sort of strut must be incorporated to bolt the seat to the bar.

I've had conflicting answers to an X member question. I have the forward X member clamped and taped in place (Pic). A track official told me "nothing" can be mounted to the forward X member. But, I got an email from Ritch(Tech Inspector)today saying... You can add all the extra bars or tabs that you want as long as the minimum requirements are met per spec. My guess is inspector trumps official?
The book calls for a 1 5/8" tube or a 2''x3'' tube. I opted for the 2''x3'' since I had one laying around with the 3" drop in it. (Only 2 lbs difference between the 2). SFI book also says it can be up to 16" behind the forward X member / foot brace as long as it has the 1 5/8" gussets. My X member is about 12" back now. If I could move it back say to 14" it could double as the trans. mount? am I right?

BTW: If it makes a difference I will be installing motor plates too, so there will be that bridge across the frame rails also.