Roll Cages vs. Roll Bars in lower class cars
 

Hello All,
I was just wondering if you guys could shine some light on this subject for me. I've been noticing lately that alot of the lower class cars D thru K or so are actually using a roll cage when its not really needed per the ET breaks. I'm guessing the cage stiffens up the chassis and could prove better 60' times. Is there a proven advantage in the 60' or something?

Re: Roll Cages vs. Roll Bars in higher class cars
 

It does stiffen things up. Some of the cars cross over to super stock in a class that required a cage. But me, I am looking to put one in my stocker because of the increasing speed differences. 145mph plus? vs my 110mph I just see it as safety. I would like to hear what the weight difference has been from a mild steel roll bar vs. a chrome moly roll cage? No front bars of course.

Re: Roll Cages vs. Roll Bars in higher class cars
 

3 years ago took out a 6 point MS roll bar, installed an 8 point CM roll cage Aprox. 20 Lbs. lighter even after adding more tubes. This is just my opinion but given the choice I see no reason not to go with CM, yes it's more expensive and requires tig welding but think back to the first question anyone asks' when looking at a car.... "is it MS or CM?" On a full cage and frame the weight savings are substantial.

Re: Roll Cages vs. Roll Bars in higher class cars
 

Don't forget that when you use a CM cage instead of a 6 point MS roll bar the tubes can be a smaller diameter and thinner wall which saves some weight in the overall installation. Consult with a chassis builder for specifics but the weight savings is pretty significant since several CM tubes in the cage can be less than 1/2 the required wall thickness of MS. As buzzinhalfdozen points out his CM cage was lighter than his MS roll bar. Generally speaking a properly sized 10 point CM cage weighs about the same (within 10 lbs) as a 6 point MS roll bar!!!

Re: Roll Cages vs. Roll Bars in higher class cars
 

CM is the way to go. Lighter. Stronger. And CM doesn't rust!
My mistake when I built my CM roll bar for Stock class was not using a drivers side rocker bar. I thought the fact I had a CM bar everything would be fine. When I switched to SS class, I had the roll bar converted to a roll-cage. Still no rocker bar. In the end, somewhere along the way, the (slightly) rusty floor separated from the rocker, causing chassis problems. Now I'm building a complete back-half (CM) with 4-link. I may not have gone this route had the chassis remained true.

Re: Roll Cages vs. Roll Bars in higher class cars
 

I am finishing up an 8,50 cert CM cage in my K/.S car. Added safety, lighter than a MS roll bar and room to grow/move up!

Re: Roll Cages vs. Roll Bars in higher class cars
 

The rocker bar is required now, even on the 10.5 cars

Re: Roll Cages vs. Roll Bars in higher class cars
 

I have c/m cage in my pure stocker when I built it I was and still going to K/S.I went with cage because I figure cage will eventaully be required,and as others have said c/m cage weighs about same as mild roll bar.
Mike Taylor 3601

Re: Roll Cages vs. Roll Bars in higher class cars
 

Thanks for the replies guys. One last question. Is it required to cut the top off the car to install a cage?

Re: Roll Cages vs. Roll Bars in higher class cars
 

No you do not have to remove the roof. The top portions of the bar are tack welded in the car and the lower legs are dropped through the floor sections so you can get a 360 degree weld on all of the top portions. Afterwards the bar is raised and secured to the floors.