PCA DE requirements for non OEM seats
09-02-2021, 09:44 PM
#16
Before getting a dedicated track car, I used a similar arrangement with the consent of the chief driving instructor (CDI). Actually, I kept the stock passenger seat and had a driver side Recaro Profi SPG seat, both using the stock 3-points. This satisfied his interpretation of equal restraint. Having a race seat greatly reduced the effort required to stay in place and improved my feel for what the car was doing. I also had a DAS rollbar, but I don't think that factored into his decision. Obviously, YMMV. Talk to your CDI about what is acceptable.
09-03-2021, 12:19 AM
#17
Hi all,
I've been tracking my 996 C4S with PCA potomac and New York for a couple years. I'd like to upgrade from my stock seats to something that will provide better support as my skills develop further.
I've tried reading the regulations and searching but have been unable to determine:
- Will PCA allow for third party seats to be installed if I'm only driving in DE events?
- If I select a seat with 3, 4 or 5 point harness compatibility, is it required to have a roll bar installed or will PCA allow seats + harness + harness bar?
The 996 is my daily driver so I'd prefer to find a solution that would allow me to daily drive safely (no bare heads hitting roll bars!). i'd greatly appreciate any advice from those who have tackled this issue previously.
I wish the cost of a second hand 996 GT3 seat was more reasonable because that would be a no brainer but unfortunately I can't really justify a $4k+ outlay!
Cheers.
I've been tracking my 996 C4S with PCA potomac and New York for a couple years. I'd like to upgrade from my stock seats to something that will provide better support as my skills develop further.
I've tried reading the regulations and searching but have been unable to determine:
- Will PCA allow for third party seats to be installed if I'm only driving in DE events?
- If I select a seat with 3, 4 or 5 point harness compatibility, is it required to have a roll bar installed or will PCA allow seats + harness + harness bar?
The 996 is my daily driver so I'd prefer to find a solution that would allow me to daily drive safely (no bare heads hitting roll bars!). i'd greatly appreciate any advice from those who have tackled this issue previously.
I wish the cost of a second hand 996 GT3 seat was more reasonable because that would be a no brainer but unfortunately I can't really justify a $4k+ outlay!
Cheers.
09-04-2021, 09:24 AM
#18
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thank you so much for spelling this out. While the risk of a rollover is low, it’s not 0. So for me it’s starting to seem like the best approach is an upgraded seat but to continue using the stock 3 point belt.
Read JTT’s post carefully. When you are using the OEM 3-point seatbelt system the passengers will lay over during a rollover event (i.e. the driver would lay over towards the passenger seat), this allows the roof to collapse without causing a lot of injuries. Now imagine what would happen if you were in a 6-point harness and the roof collapsed during a roll over, someone is getting shorter or decapitated. This is why harness bars are frowned upon and why you need a roll bar with 5/6-point belts.
The good news is that a roll bar sits well behind the seats in a 996 and do not come close to being a hand banging problem, unfortunately you will effectively lose your dear seats. If you were to show up at a DE with decent matching seats, roll bar, 6-point harness, and HANS you would pass with flying colors.
Bottom line: The entire setup is considered a system and isn’t acceptable until the system is complete.
The good news is that a roll bar sits well behind the seats in a 996 and do not come close to being a hand banging problem, unfortunately you will effectively lose your dear seats. If you were to show up at a DE with decent matching seats, roll bar, 6-point harness, and HANS you would pass with flying colors.
Bottom line: The entire setup is considered a system and isn’t acceptable until the system is complete.
Last edited by xkdc2001; 09-04-2021 at 09:32 AM.
09-04-2021, 09:36 AM
#19
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
this is going to be my approach to begin with, and once I’m able to give up my rear seats I’ll look at doing a bolt in roll bar with a 5 point.
One concern I have is daily driving with a roll bar - what is the best way to mitigate risk of impact on bare heads if there’s a crash?
One concern I have is daily driving with a roll bar - what is the best way to mitigate risk of impact on bare heads if there’s a crash?
Before getting a dedicated track car, I used a similar arrangement with the consent of the chief driving instructor (CDI). Actually, I kept the stock passenger seat and had a driver side Recaro Profi SPG seat, both using the stock 3-points. This satisfied his interpretation of equal restraint. Having a race seat greatly reduced the effort required to stay in place and improved my feel for what the car was doing. I also had a DAS rollbar, but I don't think that factored into his decision. Obviously, YMMV. Talk to your CDI about what is acceptable.
09-04-2021, 08:25 PM
#20
Rennlist Member
I encourage you to have a conversation with your Chief Technical Inspector about aftermarket seats and stock three point belts. I do not believe that this combination is allowed with PCA Potomac.
As mentioned above the factory Euro “GT3” fixed bucket seats may be your best option if you would like to keep your stock three point belts.
If you need access to the rear seats, you have the option of installing one Euro “GT3” fixed bucket seat for the driver and keeping the stock passenger seat, both using factory three point belts.
This combination will meet the equal restraint criteria listed above and save on cost because you only need to purchase one Euro “GT3” fixed bucket drivers seat. If your current drivers seat is in good condition you can sell it and offset some of the cost for the “GT3” seat
Last edited by Patrick3000; 09-04-2021 at 08:41 PM.
09-04-2021, 08:30 PM
#21
Rennlist Member
Last edited by Patrick3000; 09-04-2021 at 08:37 PM.
09-05-2021, 10:05 AM
#22
Rennlist Member
I find that just the comp seat (and OEM belts) won’t satisfactory hold you in.
Also— find someone who has done exactly what you're after so you know it fits in the car.
Also— find someone who has done exactly what you're after so you know it fits in the car.
09-05-2021, 10:47 AM
#23
Rennlist Member
I have personally witnessed an instructor get denied to go on track because he had aftermarket seats and was using the oem 3 point seatbelt at a PCA event. Be mindful of how the rules are interpreted by your region.
Last edited by Santi; 09-05-2021 at 01:51 PM.
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Patrick3000 (09-05-2021)
09-05-2021, 11:20 AM
#24
Rennlist Member
An instructor leaving the 3-points belts in their car is considered a bonus in most clubs.
09-05-2021, 08:37 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
Not sure if this was mentioned (I sporadically read this thread): be careful with buckets and stock 3pt (or really any) belts. The lap belt MUST align and wrap around your pelvis. With buckets with raised sides, It's near impossible to route a 3 pt through the proper holes in the side to orient the belt correctly.
If the belt rides too high, it can cause serious injuries in even a moderate impact.
If the belt rides too high, it can cause serious injuries in even a moderate impact.
09-06-2021, 11:50 AM
#26
Three Wheelin'
I have not read all posts.
Requirements are pretty easy to find.
Experience perhaps less so.
The Potomac Region has a rich history in performance driving. There may be resources that can help that do not participate in forums.
During the past couple of decades, forums have created their own truths and cultures that in some cases aren't really based on reality and experience.
For example, one of my favorites has to do with "weight of helmets."
One potential resource in VA is OG Racing. I first became their customer in 1994. They have a lot of experience.
Requirements are pretty easy to find.
Experience perhaps less so.
The Potomac Region has a rich history in performance driving. There may be resources that can help that do not participate in forums.
During the past couple of decades, forums have created their own truths and cultures that in some cases aren't really based on reality and experience.
For example, one of my favorites has to do with "weight of helmets."
One potential resource in VA is OG Racing. I first became their customer in 1994. They have a lot of experience.
