5 Point harnesses

[brfdrums]

Hello everyone,
I will be installing a couple of 5 point harnesses in my car soon(for an HPDE event at the end of May), my question is, since I'm using them with my stock seats, how should I bring the shoulder straps around my head rest? Through the middle or on each side. I've seen both but not sure which is best. I hope someone with HPDE or track experience on OEM seats can help.

Thanks!

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[Roadsign]

First you need to check with the group(s) you plan on running with. Most will not allow the use of 5-pt or in some cases, any harness with stock seats. The recaro's are allowed to use a harness in most cases but it will have to be something like the schroth with the anti-sub tech. Not sure what other brands offer this. I'm not aware of any group that allows a 5-pt with any sort of stock seat but someone here may have more info.

 

[NightmareMoon]

I mean, they arent intended to be used with stock seats for a number of reasons. The anti submarining crotch strap is one, the soft top stock seats shoulders are another. Under belt tension the seat tops compress down, which can then compress your spine (which is Bad)

Belts are part of a safety system.
* 5-point + rigid fixed back race seats (with sub strap and shoulder strap holes) + harness bar + airbag delete + helmet + hans device
Versus
* OEM 3 point belts + airbags + generally no helmet

What HPDE requires a 5 point harness? Thats unusual for a novice group.

 

[brfdrums]

I mean, they arent intended to be used with stock seats for a number of reasons. The anti submarining crotch strap is one, the soft top stock seats shoulders are another. Under belt tension the seat tops compress down, which can then compress your spine (which is Bad)

Belts are part of a safety system.
* 5-point + rigid fixed back race seats (with sub strap and shoulder strap holes) + harness bar + airbag delete + helmet + hans device
Versus
* OEM 3 point belts + airbags + generally no helmet

What HPDE requires a 5 point harness? Thats unusual for a novice group.

I'm aware of all that goes into using a 5 point harness. I will be using the Sub part of that harness as well. However, due to budget reasons and more important bills I can't afford seats just yet and I can't afford a harness bar. So, the instructor I will be riding with said a 5P would be a good start. And the HPDE is not requiring me to have the harness. It is the first step in building out my car.

So with that, you didn't answer the question. You simply stated stuff I already know. So with that said, even though it isn't ideal, which would be better?

 

[robvas]

Wait until you can buy seats and everything else you need.

 

[GTP]

Run the shoulder belts inside the headrest posts.

More info on my setup:
Installed Schroth 4-point harness and Hans
Installed Schroth anti-sub belt for use with sofa seats
Cut down headrests to half thickness for more helmet clearance

 

[1 old racer]

something you should consider. A 4 and 5 point harness will keep you in a locked position. which means that in a forward hit your head will move a lot more than your body. That is how neck injuries happen. So if you are going to use a 4 or 5 point system then you should use a neck support device. Also because are locked in a upright position that will be a real issue in the event of a roll over. Your body will stay in a upright position with the possibility of the roof coming down to visit you. That will become a big issue if you don't have a roll bar. So with all that, let me sum it up. Use the factory belts til you can get a neck support device and roll bar.

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