I have a 97 Z and have installed a Simpson 5 points in both seats. This involved cutting holes in the seat backs for the shoulder straps. What I'm looking for is some sort of plastic insert to put in the holes to give a finished look to the seat. All of the aftermarket seats come with them and I was wondering if anyone knew if they were available. If not, maybe someone has fashioned their own version.

I just finished my first 2 day TrackTime driving school at Watkins Glen, and it was fantastic. Going to take another at Michigan International in August.

 

I'm not sure if you can buy those inserts separately or maybe the best best is if someone has an old set of seats that they can be salvaged from.
Option two would be to get a set of Firebird seats, they have a lower back and separate head rest, so the belts fit better.

It might be a good idea to read up about the merits of 6 pt harnesses vs. 5 pt. I changed mine to a six and I feel it is a much better setup, especially for road courses where your spped is higher.
Mike

 

Got any links to good reading on this topic, Mike?

Dave

 

I would guess that the more attachment points you have the better the restraint would be. It makes sense. Since I just bought the 5 points, I think I'll stick with them for now.

The most compelling reason to use them, other than the safety of course, is the restraint while braking. The deceleration forces while braking with "01" compound pads are amazing. The harness just keeps you planted in the seat so you don't have to worry about holding on.

 

Dave,
http://corner-carvers.com/forums/sho...?threadid=2328

This one has alot of good technical information on the merits of 6 pt as well as installation discussion.

TxRPM,
The concept of the 6 pt is that it keeps you from sliding under the lapbelt in case of frontal impact. The 5 pt won't do that well. If you are thrown forward into the shoulder belts, they will tend to pull the lap belt up. The six point keeps your pelvis trapped where it belongs.

Mike

 

I would also agree with a recommendation to use 6 point belts. The CC thread is a very good one. I use a 6 pt. belt in my car now and mount the back ends of the crotch belt to my lap belt mounting bolts. It works great. I also find it to be much more comfortable than one sub belt. The 2 belts go underneath your legs and out the side to your lap belt holes. This might work with stock seats better, but I use a Corbeau Forza now.

BTW, I did the Track Time school at MIS August of last year for 2 days. I enjoyed it, but wouldn't go back. The speedway section just feels like a waste of time to me. All you do is flat foot it to about 130 MPH or so, and then brake hard for the infield section transition. That transition is very abrupt and your rubber deflector for the radiator airflow will take a beating, let me tell ya. The infield is pretty slow and really didn't have any challenging corners. If you've never done a speedway before, it's certainly a new experience though.

Living in Ohio, I'm surprised to not see you mention Mid Ohio. I love that course.

 

Thanks for the link, Mike. I haven't seen many 6-points in sedans, but I supposed that doesn't mean they aren't the better solution. Definitely used a 6-point in a formula car, but I've got a 5-point in the Camaro.

Dave

 

Yea, I just read that entire thread and its pretty convincing. Mayby I can convert my 5 points to 6 points.

I'll keep the critique of MIS in mind. The air dam scraping does make me wonder if I should install my brake ducts there, or move them up to the fog lignt holes. Any suggestions?

I took a motorcycle school at Mid Ohio back in the 80's. Its a sweet track, but my favorite is Road Atlanta. I raced bikes on that track at least a half a dozen times and it's about the best in the east. Having said that, the Glen is right up there too.

 

The air dam is about the only good place I've been able to mount my brake ducting. I would just take it easy when entering the infield and take the turn a little early. It's not the fastest way, but it's certainly easier on your air dam if you find it hits when using the "correct" line.

In what class do you run at Track Time? Thinking about converting your car to a race car? I'm asking because we need some F bodies in NASA's American Iron and AI Extreme. The OH/IN region is right near you and is the region I'll be racing in next month if all goes to plan.

 

I'll use the air dam then. Thanks.

I don't have any plans to convert to a race car. I'm in the C class at TrackTime as the Glen was my first outing with the car. I built it to be stiff and fast, but I'm sure there is a long way between what I have and where it would need to go. I raced motorcycles for a number of years and I know what it takes money wise to support that habit.

Nelson Ledges couse offers what they call fun days, something like $100 for 8 hrs at 20 mins an hour. That was my home track for the bikes, so I'm sure I'll be spending time there in the future.

If I do end up racing in the future, I think it would be something smaller, something I could buy already preped. Who knows. As far as the Camaro goes, well, its like a member of the family.

 

http://www.corbeau.com/brochure/chrome.shtml

Here are some slots, but they only come in chrome. I'm sure you could order black, as well.

 

Thanks for the insert link.

 

I have heard that unless you have a roll cage, these 5 and 6 point harnesses can be a bad idea--you'll roll, be held bolt upright in the seat, and then the roof will come crashing down on your head. Your thoughts?

 

That is the impression I have gotten from the reading I have done.
Lesson to be learned: drive within your car's and your own limits.
Mike

 

with out seeing how you cut the slots, you might consider taking the seats to an upholstery shop. Maybe they can sew material in to make it a tidy install. They might not be able to hide all the seams but I'm sure they could do it in a way to make it attractive.