Was wondering the most effective way of utilizing this system in the Fiero. http://www.racing-seats-usa...rco4pointboltin.html
Bolt the two top straps right behind the head as opposed to ,say, the floor? I understand for the 4 point harness system to be effective the two top straps should be horizontal in order to allow proper tension on your shoulders in the event of a crash. Anyone who's installed this system want to share?

Unless you plan on using a Hans-device, a four point racing harness is actually worse in a crash than a three point harness. The reason is that a three point harness allows the upper half of your body to rotate forward and to one side absorbing some of the impact forces, while a four point harness keeps your body rigidly in the seat allowing all the decelerative forces to be absorbed by your neck.

quote Originally posted by Bloozberry: Unless you plan on using a Hans-device, a four point racing harness is actually worse in a crash than a three point harness. The reason is that a three point harness allows the upper half of your body to rotate forward and to one side absorbing some of the impact forces, while a four point harness keeps your body rigidly in the seat allowing all the decelerative forces to be absorbed by your neck.

I have seen what a 4 Point Harness can do to a persons neck. Its not pretty. The forces applied can separate ya head from the rest of your body.

So would you suggest a 3 point as apposed to a 4-point. I don't know what a hans-device is, explain if you could. The seat belts I have now don't lock under quick pulls. I tested them today and they don't lock at all. Is this normal, do they lock in the event of a crash or something odd?

From the internet: "The HANS device is a semi-hard collar made of carbon fiber and Kevlar, and it is held onto the upper body by a harness worn by the driver. Two flexible tethers on the collar are attached to the helmet to prevent the head from snapping forward or to the side during a wreck." They're only worn for racing... well, at least normal people only wear them for racing.

I forget if the Fiero seat belts lock or not with a quick jerk at a standstill. They do have "comfort" feature though. You're supposed to be able to attach the seat belt, then pull on it a little and it should maintain a little slack for comfort. If this doesn't work, then that's the first sign there's something wrong. Also, all seat belt mechanisms have a pendulum mechanism in them that senses deceleration and locks them up as the car slows down. If yours don't lock as you slow down then they need to be replaced.

quote Originally posted by SOV3RN: The seat belts I have now don't lock under quick pulls. I tested them today and they don't lock at all. Is this normal, do they lock in the event of a crash or something odd?

Clean, and use "White" or Brake grease if needed, the retractor mech first. Some area use no lube!

OE seatbelt is better than aftermarket for many application. For 1 thing... most aftermarket is not rated for DOT. (FVSS 571.209 and 571.210. See cave, linky dinks under main menu) Not DOT = Not street legal = Insurance will probably not pay out. Especially if Insurance can say you are using race parts...

For another... 4 or 5 point harness can Fail. Use google/etc search.
Earnhart died and NASCAR had problem because:
No HANS devices
Failure on 4/5 point harness. Again use search and read Simpson on why. Harness is Very picky has it's mounted and adjustment method.

If harness is mounted and adjusted right, is a good design.
But Most people can F it up really easily.

And use it for daily driving with 4/5 point harness? No... OE seatbelt is best. First time you won't adjust harness.... Worse you have different driver, you have to adjust harness every time you switch drivers.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top and bottom of every forum page...)

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 07-25-2010).]

4 point belts are dangerous. *IF* you use a harness system, use a 5point. The 5-point harness (which is what is used in most racecars) includes a crotch strap. When I had my big wreck back in the day, my *cough* favorite lower extremity took a beating from the crotch strap. When in physical therapy, the belt manufacturers (one of our sponsors at the time) came to check on me. I proceeded to joke about the strap and it was explained that the crotch strap keeps your body from sliding down. Without the 5th strap, a back can be easily broken.

Now there was a system that I remember reading about years ago in a Street Rod magazine. The guy installed a 4 way kit that was from some Euro car where all the belts retracted like Fiero belts, but with a common holding point....

Hey...I am interested for autox, my stock 3 point can tighten up and become uncomfortable real quick until I hit the finish line. I would like a 4 point and be able to lower the stock seats or info on anyone with aftermarket seats that are lower...need a inch or so, gets tight with a helmet.

Here's a great local shop: http://www.driversedgeautosport.com/hans.htm