To Cage or Not to Cage??
 

I was just curious to see when should you install a cage?
Alot of ppl say if your running over 500hp on the street to cage it!
either a 4 point or 6.
Then i see 750 hp street cars with no cage?
im Bewildered! the other is the visual aspect of the cage and its finish (padding) etc.
Can someone tell me for the street with 500-600 hp motor should you install a cage? ps: 68 Camaro :_paranoid

A lot of people think its a matter of personal choice. A cage can for sure make your car stronger but the posablity of hitting one of those bars with your head/body is not very appealing. Do your homework as to what style of cage and dont forget to figure in the seats and seatbelts as they will all work together.

You should never under any circumstances run a cage in a street car unless you are prepared to do so properly EVERYTIME you get into driver seat. That means fully and properly wearing your 5 point harness and making sure you are driving in a comfortable yet upright position.

Cages should not be considered bling-bling or to portray the image that your car is fast, they should also not be installed based on the potential HP output. Who cares how much power the thing makes...how is going to be driven?

My vintage race 66 Shelby GT350 racecar is fully caged as it should be since it is a dedicated race car. In Tennessee we have no inspection so ANYTHING street legal! My car is also licensed so I can use I-40 as my test track. Just kidding!

I occasionally drive the car to the local cruise and have picked up my little girl at school. The teachers are not big on the open exhaust but my little girl loves it!!!

Having driven this car on the street, there is no way I would want a "cage" in any street driven car I would own. A rear 4 point roll bar behind the driver's seat maybe a possibility but not a cage. The possiblility of injury in MUCH greater in a caged street car driven without the safety equipment typically used in a race car, IE at HELMET and snug 5-6 point harness's. My cage is EXTREMELY well designed and snug to the roof line, doors etc. It also adds lots of weight to your car. You must decide the primary use for your car and decide. If street driving use is even a slight consideration as far as use for your car, ditch the cage idea. The looks the cage will produce is not worth the "headache" it can cause in an unprepared accident!

Take Denny's advice and forget a cage in your street car.

Does the no cage thing still hold true for pre '67 cars that have only a lap belt, a non-collapsible steering column and seat backs that don't lock into place?

I am of the opinion that if you install a proper seat and belts you are ok running on the street without a helmet.

You really shouldn't be driving in such a way that you get the car upside down, or flip it multiple times, but even if that happens I believe that you are better off in a caged car with good seats and belts then in a stock car, even if you do not have fire resistant clothing and a helmet on.

I feel older cars, especially those build before 1967, leave much to be desired in the way of safety equipment and could really benefit from upgrades.

thanks guys for the comments! really good insight into both sides.
It was more of a strength issue than anything!
cars are meant to be driven! thats my motto!!
How strong are the stock 68 chassis?
Or can u add strength without adding a cage?
Im thinking 400sbc with either 2 spd glide/th 400
and 9 inch rear. est power: 500-600 hp.
:thumbsup:

I am ok with a roll bar even a cage on the street.. BUT you have to have it in the right way and run the right belts..

It would suck to be killed by your bars halo because you were just wearing a lap belt and your skull slammed into your "safety" equipement..

On my 68 with the full cage I will not drive the car without wearing my full 5-point harness. If your 4 point was set back far enough you could probley get away with just a lap belt but that depends on design.

In for a penny.. in for a pound :)

I got a tech question just like this the other day.. I think it merits discussion.

Not that I don't plan on having harnesses installed in mine, but If the bars are padded, what's the difference between hitting your head on one of the bars compared to the roof or any other hard part of the car interior?

I was involved in a serious roll-over a few years ago, and even with a lap/shoulder belt on, my head was sore for two weeks!

On a subframe car having a full cage really ties the car together IMO.

Go outside and bang your head against the roof or hood, than bang it against a padded roll bar. You tell me which one laid you on your can, I already know the answer. :thumbsup: