How to Install an Aftermarket Racing Harness in a Honda S2000 for Safety on the Track?

Your Honda S2000 is undoubtedly a stunning piece of machinery, an exceptional blend of performance, style, and engineering. However, when the time comes to take it out on the track, you’ll want that extra measure of safety. That’s where a racing harness comes in – it provides an additional level of security, ensuring that you remain in the seat throughout high-speed turns and unexpected stops.

Let’s delve into the process of installing an aftermarket racing harness in your Honda S2000, ensuring safety on the track. You’ll be surprised at how straightforward the process can be.

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Choosing the Right Racing Harness

Before diving into the installation process, it’s imperative to choose the right racing harness. The selection of a racing harness shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s not just about getting the one that received the most likes or the one with the best quote. It’s about finding a harness that will offer you the highest level of safety and comfort.

Consider the type of racing you’ll be doing, your body type, and the existing setup of your car. A 5-point or 6-point harness is typically recommended for racing, offering a high level of security. The ‘points’ refer to the number of locations where the harness is anchored to the car. A 5-point harness has connections at both shoulders, both sides of the waist, and one at the crotch, while a 6-point harness has two additional thigh connections.

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Preparing Your Honda S2000

Before installing the racing harness, you’ll need to prepare your car. This involves removing the existing seats and seat belts. Start by adjusting the seat to its rearmost location. This will give you ample room to work with.

Use a wrench to undo the bolts securing the seat to the car, typically found at the four corners. You’ll also need to detach the seat belt from the seat. Take note of how the original seat and seat belt were installed – you’ll want to replace them exactly in case you decide to return to the original setup.

At this point, you can also remove the bar that the original seat belts were attached to. You won’t need this for the racing harness, and it could potentially interfere with the new setup.

Installing the Harness Bar

The harness bar is a critical component of any racing harness setup. It’s the point where the shoulder straps of the harness connect, ensuring they remain in the correct position during a race. Make sure you have a harness bar that is compatible with both your car and the chosen harness.

Start the installation by locating the two rear seat belt mounting points. The harness bar will be attached here. Some bars may require additional drilling or modification to fit, although many are designed to work with existing mounting points.

Once the harness bar is in place, confirm that it is level and secure. It’s essential that this component is properly installed, as it bears a significant load during a race.

Fitting the Racing Seats

With the harness bar in place, you can now install the racing seats. These are designed to work with a harness and provide additional support during a race. You’ll generally find that racing seats have a more snug, supportive fit than standard car seats.

Fitting the racing seats is similar to removing the original seats. Start by positioning the seat in the car, then secure it using the original mounting points. Ensure the seat is level and secure before proceeding.

Once the racing seats are installed, fit the waist straps of the harness. These should be threaded through the harness slots in the seat, ensuring the buckle is in an accessible location.

Mounting the Harness

The final step of the process is to mount the harness. Begin by threading the shoulder straps through the slots in the seat and over the harness bar. They should then be attached to the bar using the supplied hardware.

The crotch strap(s) are then threaded through the slot in the bottom of the seat and attached to the same point as the waist straps.

Finally, double-check all connections and tighten all bolts. Make sure all straps are straight and not twisted.

Installing a racing harness in your Honda S2000 is a task that demands precision and care. But once completed, you can join the ranks of racers who prioritize safety in their pursuit of speed and performance. Remember, safety first; speed will follow.

Adjustments for the Roll Bar and Lap Belt

If you’ve chosen a 6-point harness, you’ll also need to account for the roll bar and lap belt. The roll bar, also known as roll hoops, is typically attached to your car’s chassis and acts as a safeguard against rollover accidents. It’s an essential addition if you’re planning to push the limits of your Honda S2000 on the racetrack.

Installing the roll bar requires patience and precision. While some models are designed for easy installation, others might require additional drilling or welding. Regardless, ensure that the roll bar is securely anchored to the car’s chassis, as this will enhance your safety during a race.

Next, it’s time to fit the lap belt, which is an integral part of the 6-point harness. It should be threaded through the designated slots in the racing seat and securely fastened. The lap belt should sit low and tight on your hips, not your stomach. This is essential in reducing the risk of submarining, which is when you slide forward under the lap belt in a crash.

When attaching the lap belt and shoulder straps, ensure they form a 90-degree angle when viewed from the side. An incorrect angle could result in a less effective restraint during an accident.

Maintain and Check Your Harness Regularly

Your racing harness isn’t something you install and forget about. It’s imperative to regularly maintain and check it for wear and tear. Any signs of fraying, loose stitching, rust on metal parts, or degradation of the webbing material should be addressed immediately.

Moreover, it’s recommended to replace racing harnesses every two to five years, even if there’s no visible sign of damage. This is because the material can weaken over time due to various factors like exposure to sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Conclusion

Taking your Honda S2000 to the track can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s crucial not to overlook safety. An aftermarket racing harness, whether a 5-point or a 6-point, can provide the added security you need when pushing your car to its limits.

The process of installing a racing harness may seem daunting at first, but with careful preparation, the right tools, and a clear understanding of your car’s setup, you can successfully complete this task. Remember to regularly check and maintain your harness to ensure it continues to provide optimal safety.

Remember, the objective is not just about likes received or the number of times your posts are liked. It’s about enjoying the thrill of racing in your Honda S2000, while prioritizing your safety. As they say, safety first; then, speed will naturally follow.