BSR NOS IMSA 260Z Cage Photos

[z-ya]

Though some of you would appreciate these photos. These photos were taken while this car was being fabricated at the Bob Sharp race shop in the mid 70's:

 

 

Notice that just about every seam is welded, probably using gas. Beautiful work.

 

http://s160.photobucket.com/albums/t177/psanders240/BSR-260Z-IMSA/

[johnc]

Great pics! Thanks for posting. Amazing amount of work done on the front of the car.

[proxlamus©]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

 

I noticed some of the cage/reinforcement passes though the firewall. Isn't that against the rules in today's sanctioned bodies?!

Edited September 21, 2011 by proxlamus©

[z-ya]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

 

I noticed some of the cage/reinforcement passes though the firewall. Isn't that against the rules in today's sanctioned bodies?!

 

 

I don't think it actually passes through the firewall. The tubing is welded to the firewall on both sides via a plate.

[JMortensen]

I think you can pretty clearly see the tube going through the firewall here: http://s160.photobucket.com/albums/t177/psanders240/BSR-260Z-IMSA/?action=view&current=jeffery-R1-E012.jpg#!oZZ17QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft177%2Fpsanders240%2FBSR-260Z-IMSA%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3Djeffery-R1-E022.jpg

 

As to whether it is illegal, depends on the class. For IT, nothing can go through the firewall but they're limited to a 6 point cage IIRC. Other classes have other requirements. Most every class will say that the firewall needs to be sealed, but you can do that with the bars going through the firewall. I had bars in nearly the exact same position and I welded plates on my car to seal the firewall and the cowl as well.

 

Cool pics, thanks!

[z-ya]

I think you can pretty clearly see the tube going through the firewall here: http://s160.photobucket.com/albums/t177/psanders240/BSR-260Z-IMSA/?action=view&current=jeffery-R1-E012.jpg#!oZZ17QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft177%2Fpsanders240%2FBSR-260Z-IMSA%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3Djeffery-R1-E022.jpg

 

As to whether it is illegal, depends on the class. For IT, nothing can go through the firewall but they're limited to a 6 point cage IIRC. Other classes have other requirements. Most every class will say that the firewall needs to be sealed, but you can do that with the bars going through the firewall. I had bars in nearly the exact same position and I welded plates on my car to seal the firewall and the cowl as well.

 

Cool pics, thanks!

 

You might be right, but I think the cage is going through the panel that separates the cowel drain area and the passenger compartment, and then stops at the firewall at a plate. Then in the engine compartment a separate section that ties the firewall to the strut towers. It's hart to tell for sure. I know who to ask who would know for sure.

 

 

Anyway, this was built to mid 70's IMSA rules. Note that this was a new "salt damaged" 260Z that they started with. Bob Sharp convinced Datsun back int the day to sell all salt damaged cars (ones that got damaged by sea water in transit) to racers for $100. The stipulation was that they could only sell it to another racer, or destroy it when they were done. All of the Z31s that Tom Cruise drove (and wrecked) were salt damaged cars. When we gave the Nissan dealer the VIN for this car, they said that this car was destroyed at the factory.

 

Edited September 21, 2011 by z-ya

[johnc]

IT, SS, T, and ST, allow an 8 point cage with two mounting points from the door hoops or knee bar to the firewall. No firewall penetration allowed. All other categories have complete freedom on cage design once the basic SCCA cage design rules are met.

[MoNkEyT88]

Is the main hoop of that cage ideally mounted to the wheel wells?

 

Also, with such wide wheels, and low backspacing how long do the wheel bearings last?