Cage or not to cage?

[Villanuevas_BMW]

Im seriously debating if I should put a cage in my 2002 or not. Sometimes it seems like its a logical idea to do it, but heres a couple things why im thinking why it is not neccesary. Power to weight ratio is a bit more touchy on 4c cyl because I dont have torque like a 6 or 8 cyl to compensate. People I have seen at the track take out spare tires, seats and even floormats to save some weight. But Im going to add another 90 odd pounds to the back of my car for the cage? Another thing, I went to a BMW LAC CCA slalom/track event where the fastest 2002 did not have a cage. But she said after a while the chassis weakens like a wire being bent back and forth. So my real question is: Is it worth putting a cage in a car that is used for the track but alot also for the street? But I never have rear passengers because my tires will rub. What do you guys think?

[TheWiseGuy]

Most definately put in a cage! To compensate for the weight your going to should take out things like the rear seats, the rear carpet, the sound deadening (if any), the spare tire, and exchange the front two seats for some non-reclinable reacing seats. that should shave close to 150 lbs. But remember you will actually be puting in another 80-250lbs(depending on the cage and materials used). But overall a cage is always a great idea. Your chassis will be signifigantly stiffer as well as you car being much safer.

[TheWiseGuy]

ps... where the power to weight ratio is lost, your car will benefit in turning efficiency.

[Matthew C Smith]

Don't forget that cages don't really belong in street cars. An unprotected head meeting a solid cage doesn't leave much of your head left.

[E30mademepoor]

Originally posted by Matthew C Smith
Don't forget that cages don't really belong in street cars. An unprotected head meeting a solid cage doesn't leave much of your head left.

Ouch.

Maybe you should just go with a roll bar.
-Ted

[OldSkoolBmw]

I have two 2002's... an alpina flared street racer and a huge 6" flared track racer.. the chassis in these cars flexes like a mofo.. here's a pic of me autoxing in gainsville... look at how much flex my nose has and that's will full strut bars and everything..

the track racer does none of that... also you really should get solid radius rod and control arm bushings made... you will be surprised how much flex there is even with urethane...

[M-bird]

Don't put a full cage in a street car. You bang your head you're a goner. weld in a roll bar, that will help a bit.