passenger comfort + safety

[zee]

Hey all,

I've always loved the FIA cars. I ordered a 427 MK4 because I want my wife to be safe and comfortable (well, as comfy as you can be in a car like this). However, I can't stop dreaming about the 289 FIA.

A few questions:
1. Does the forward rollbar beam interfere with the passenger room? Does it make it uncomfortable?
2. This will only have one rollbar. Is that a major risk? Obviously I won't have anyone with me in a track and with my wife, I drive like a grandma (even my motorcycle). But there's always a small risk of someone else doing something and causing a rollover. I suspect these cars have a fairly low centre of gravity so shouldn't be that easy to roll?
3. I like the traditional 289 layout. But it'll also be a cruiser and I need to be able to see the speed. How do you guys manage that? It is doable to look at the speedometer on the passenger side?

Thanks everyone.

[chuckster]

I have the 289, it’s comfortable for the passenger, in fact the “petty” bar helps getting in and out. I had FFR substitute the standard dash layout. I added a passenger roll bar, my wife insisted. I think they charged me $200 for the 2nd bar. How effective it will be without a 3rd leg is debatable.161333161334

[cnutting]

Same experience as Chuck. The bar helps my wife get in and out. She typically doesn't ride with me though, combination of noise, smell and too much sun and attention.

I have the FIA dash and the speedo is mostly useless, I use a GPS app on my phone.

Not sure that there is any difference in safety/comfort between the 289 and MKIV. They are the same under the skin.

[zee]

Both your cars are gorgeous.


Same experience as Chuck. The bar helps my wife get in and out. She typically doesn't ride with me though, combination of noise, smell and too much sun and attention.

Thanks. Also an amazing car and beautiful colour!

[Papa]

These cars are not what I'd call safe compared to any modern car. They are a lot more like a motorcycle than a car when it comes to risk of injury if someone hits you. That said, you really need to be aware of your surroundings while driving them. The roll bars might help in a roll-over or might not given how they are assembled. I'd be even more skeptical of the passenger side bar with no third leg providing any real protection, but I suppose it's better than nothing at all. Just be safe and drive with your head, not your right foot and keep your head on a swivel at all times.

[Derald Rice]

Back around 2005-2010 or so, there were a lot of owners who built a single, full width roll bar.

In this case, I would think that a full width bar , (with the forward "Petty bar"), might be worth considering.

[EZ$]

That's exactly what I did Derald. The petty bar does not cause any problem for the passenger, and as mentioned earlier, makes it easier to enter and exit for the passenger. Some don't like the look of a full width bar, but I prefer it over the two roll bar choice. If anyone is interested, contact Frank, frankeski (sp) is screen name. He can provide one, and you can even get high brake lights installed in them.

[chuckster]

This is what I’d do if I had the opportunity at the time of my build.

[zee]

Do you guys have pictures of th at? I am very intrigued.

[Jim1855]

In a previous life my first car started with a single bar. I switched to a full width, didn't have the forward bar to the passenger footwell although I would have liked that. Liked the full width.
Second car came with two hoops, hated them and switched to a full width, a great improvement.
In both cars I had to modify the mounts and methods of attachment. Had great help from a friend that is an excellent fabricator.
If I was to build an FIA/289 car it would have a full width bar and forward support bar. Same for a traditional Mk4. The Challenge Car covers all the bases.
Jim

[Jimtmich]

Get the 289 car if that's the car you want and get an aftermarket full width roll bar. Just make sure FFR doesn't do the cutouts in the fiberglass for the factory roll bar.
https://www.whitbymotorcars.com/product/full-width-hoops/

[EZ$]

Forget trying to get one from Whitbys. Talk to Frank, (frankeeski), here on the forum. I spent close to two years calling them every couple of weeks trying to get them to make me a full width bar. They were always "too busy". Frank will take care of you. He understands customer service, and he can also provide high brake lights in the bar as well. You won't be sorry!

[zee]

One more follow-up question. Does the forward "petty" bar interfere wth the driver? Does it touch your shoulder or take room away?

Thanks.

(In an ideal world money would be no issue and I'd build a MKIV and a 289 FIA. But we don't live in an ideal world).

[cnutting]

No, it doesn't interfere at all. Here's a photo from behind to give some more perspective.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=87468&d=1529289098