I know some prefer JDM takata but how are the sparcos or the Schroth matched up? looking for 4 or 5 point harness options.
any specific model recommendations?

 

I'm running a Simpson 4 point latch setup.

I used to have Schroth 4 point in my old RX-7 TT.

Both setups are 3" and work(ed) well.

One feature of the Schroth I liked which the Simpson doesn't have is the anti-submarine for 4 point use. It's a flap of extra belt lightly stitched into one of the shoulder straps (right one I think). You can still get tension without breaking the stich, but if you put a severe load on the shoulder belt (ie: some kind of collision), the stich will break giving an extra inch or two of material. That allows your torso to fold over the lap belt more making it harder for you body to slide under the belt. Neat idea - thankfully I never saw it in action.

 

Schroth and Willans are the best harnesses on the market in my opinion. Both carry FIA approvals. Sparcos are great, but overpriced in comparison. With the Takatas, you simply pay for the name... I haven't figured out why considering I have never seen them used in a racecar in the US...

 

Takatas are pure JDM, not much popularity in race cars here. I have sparco 6 points and i am very satisfied with them. Great compliment to my BCR Harness bar, which is hands down the best harness bar on the market.

 

Thanks for the endorsement mofoz!

I liked my Schroth 6 point Profi III, but they had too little installation flexibility for my set-up. They are for sale.

I now run Impact 6 point harnesses, that allowed customization for drivers of varied sizes to fit & still maintain OEM seats.

 

I've been using Sparco 6 point for about a year now but if given the chance I am going to probably purchase something else. Considering how much I payed for the Sparcos i could have gotten something a little better qaulity wise. And I need new shoulder harness' anyways.


Dustin

 

Has anyone tried G-Force harnesses? They're FIA approved and they cost way less then anyhitng else out there.

 

I saw one!

 

how much do these cost? i was gonna buy the 100 dollar sparco one... POS?

 

thanks for the info.
do you guys know where the anti submarine belt (ie. 5th, 6th point) bolts on to? Does it bolt onto the floor pan with reinforcement plate?

DmanG281: what didn't you like about the sparcos? they are significantly cheaper than Schroth and takata.

 

thanks for the info.
do you guys know where the anti submarine belt (ie. 5th, 6th point) bolts on to? Does it bolt onto the floor pan with reinforcement plate?

DmanG281: was there anything specific you didn't like about the sparcos? pricewise, they are significantly cheaper than Schroth and takata.
I'm comparing the sparco competition line vs the schroth profi III and takata mph-340.
was it the material, workmanship? looking to get the most bang for the buck.

 

See the photos below. We used the two front bolts for the seat rail, and welded an eyebolt to the top.

I paid $500 for my pair of Profi III ASM 6 points... the Sparcos were about $100+ more for a similar harness.

 

Other side...

 

I've got Sparco 5 points with camlocks in my other Z and love them. Loads of adjustment, 3 inch, and very well made. Very fairly priced as well.

Takata is pricey because of the name, though their quality is second to none....they are one of the world's largest, if not the largest OEM supplier of seatbelts and airbags in the automotive world.

 

I just wasn't happy with the overall qaulity. They look cheap and some of the belts had burrs on them. Plus I had problems with the locking mechanisms for the belts. I wouldn't suggest them if you plan on using them regularly ie 2-3 times a month. If you are looking for the racer look and only plan on using them a weekend every month or 2 they should be fine though. Also they are made by Sabelt so if you want to save some money for the same belt look at those.

Dustin

 

Please tell me this is not something that is actually out there:

This sounds completely ridiculous to me! The whole point of a harness system is to anchor your body to the car. I don't know the physics behind it, but I would think that the Schroth system descibed above would only serve to 'load up' the energy and then quickly release your body foward (in the case of a head-on), when the stitches give way snapping your head/neck toward the steering wheel in the process. NOT a good thing!!

We have failed SO many Scroth belts at our events because they provide such vague, and sometimes very dangerous installation instructions. Most are only 2" belts with 'Y' type shoulder belts, which we don't allow. The biggest problem is the number of installations we fail because the shoulder harnesses are anchored at a drastic angle behind the seats, just asking for a compression injury in a head on collision.

btw fwiw... we specify 5 or 6 point harnesses for our time trial participants and cars with roll bars (even if not in the time trial), and they must be installed to SCCA specs. We also adhear to the '5 year' rule with regard to the produciton dates.

Whatever harness you go with, please have a professional do the installation... i.e. someone who knows the dangers of an improperly installed harness.