There is a lively and potentially unsettling discussion going on in both Zone 2 PCA and RTR PCA forums about what is the acceptable (read will pass regional DE tech) manner in which the anti-submarine belts are to be attached when using a GT3 seat. I am having the seats and belts (both supplied by Suncoast) installed this week in preparation for a 3-13-09 vist to VIR. I purshased the Porsche sub belt bar under the assumption that this was an acceptable mounting technique. I would not like to do anything to my C that is peminent as I hope there is a next gen down the road for me.
Does anyone have anything authoritative that validates the sub belt installation using the Porsche supplied sub bar for the GT3 seats?
Go to the Schroth web site and find the link that goes to the latest SCCA info on belts. This should help. I plan to print and take the SCCA updates to the track the first time I show up with my GT3 seat and Schroth belts installed.
I contacted Schroth because the harness they provide specifically for the Porsche/Recaro seats do not have adjustable sub belts. As my son and I both track the car, I need the subs to be adjustable.
Called Schroth. Talked to Jeff. He gave me the part number to modify the belt setup to include the adjustable subs. Alt sub belt PN is 49902.
Come to think of it; Jeff at Schroth might have the answer to your posted question.
I have two track days since posting. I worked with Suncoast who pointed me to a supplier that had hardware that allowed me to floor mount the sub belts. Everything works fine now.
Was the final resolution that the sub-belt bar on the GT3 seat was unacceptable? My understanding of the rules/regs is that seats/belts need to be installed according to manufacturer specs/recommendations. Since the sub-belt bar comes from Porsche is meant to be used with this seat, it seems that would suffice, no?
As I read the PCA's Harness Standard (see excerpt below), it requires compliance with the
harness
manufacturer's installation specs. Those that I've read for a sub-belt specify a floor mount with backing plate, not a seat mount.
Harnesses must include an antisubmarine strap and be mounted in an approved manner consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions. The Harness system must be used in conjunction with a seat which has the supplied routing holes for the shoulder and anti-submarine belts. All pieces of the restraint system must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(as revised 1/22/07).
The powers that be quoted another section of the PCA racing rules that ststed that sub-belts must be bolted to the floor. I rolled over and did it. Anyone need any sub-bars for a GT3 seat? (kidding)
I should have clarified that my quote above is from PCA's "Minimum Standards" for DEs. It may differ from PCA's Club Racing Program Rules or from your local Region's Rules.
