Shark Bar II and Roll Bar

[Last Ride]

Hey all--
Can anyone help me out here? I want to put a roll bar in my car to help stiffen the frame a bit for a hi-po motor. I only want to do a four-point cage so that it is not very obtrustive. I also like the idea of the Shark Bar II because it would allow me a place to fasten harnesses and give me a place to mount a camera. Can both be installed at the same time? How much would the Shark Bar stiffen my car by itself? Thanks a bunch!

 

[Scott81]

Bryan,

I have the Shark Bar II in my 81, it took a good amount of squeeks and rattles out of the car, and you can shake the car pretty good by grabbing the Shark Bar. Since I don't have a roll bar I can't help you there, but talking with people I understand that for a roll bar to be effective it need to be welded to the frame. My thoughts on that is that it might contribute to paint/body cracking....but that's just my thoughts on it just from what I understand about roll bars, as it would make the car very stiff...and I'm far from being an engineer.

I don't see why they couldn't both be installed but that might be overkill. Vettedan does autocrossing with his and talking to him he really likes it, not just because he made it either as we've had several long discussions.

I've had a chance to do some, shall we say "spirited driving" with mine and those belts really hold you in the seat

If you want to see a detailed install check mine out HERE

If you have any more questions feel free to email me or Dan.

I just saw you want to use a high HP motor, well I have a 383 that puts out a little power, hehe. Another thing I've seen people do is when guys do a body-off they weld everything solid as GM didn't do that good of a job. One last thing is a spreader bar from Vette Brakes, that really helps and if you are doing a front suspension rebuild it's a good time to check the shock tower welds.

 

[Last Ride]

Bryan,

I have the Shark Bar II in my 81, it took a good amount of squeeks and rattles out of the car, and you can shake the car pretty good by grabbing the Shark Bar. Since I don't have a roll bar I can't help you there, but talking with people I understand that for a roll bar to be effective it need to be welded to the frame. My thoughts on that is that it might contribute to paint/body cracking....but that's just my thoughts on it just from what I understand about roll bars, as it would make the car very stiff...and I'm far from being an engineer.

I don't see why they couldn't both be installed but that might be overkill. Vettedan does autocrossing with his and talking to him he really likes it, not just because he made it either as we've had several long discussions.

I've had a chance to do some, shall we say "spirited driving" with mine and those belts really hold you in the seat

If you want to see a detailed install check mine out HERE

If you have any more questions feel free to email me or Dan.

I just saw you want to use a high HP motor, well I have a 383 that puts out a little power, hehe. Another thing I've seen people do is when guys do a body-off they weld everything solid as GM didn't do that good of a job. One last thing is a spreader bar from Vette Brakes, that really helps and if you are doing a front suspension rebuild it's a good time to check the shock tower welds.

Scott--
Yeah, that Shark Bar really looks awesome! I also like it unobtrustiveness. The only reason I am considering a roll bar is to keep the car from twisting apart. I am researching a buildup of a turbocharged LT1 making 700 HP or so. If the Shark Bar would hold that together, then SOLD!!! I am really trying to get some research done so that I am not just throwing parts at the car, but I have the "total package". Thanks for the post!

 

[patsnitrovette]

I made my own roll bar for mine and it stiffened up alot, and that was with only the 2 points done so far im finishing up the other 2 this week.Heres a good article thats going on at the corvette forum check it out all about chassis stiffness,i have a few pics of my roll bar on there.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=447699

 

[vettedan]

Last Ride-The Shark Bar II was specifically designed to keep occupants securely in place when autocrossing. Other benefits are strengthening the chassis cage and mount for a camera. A roll bar definitely has its purpose and the Shark Bars are not a substitute for them, but roll bars become a permanent part of your Corvette once they are installed. The Shark bar"Bar" is removable. I have be autocrossing with the Shark Bar I for a couple of years and am very happy with its performance. I even have the wife autocrossing. ( she hasn't beat my times yet ) The Shark Bar II attach to all the factory seat belt anchors and is built very stout. I manufacture the entire Shark Bar, except for a few parts that are water jet laser machined. The Shark Bar is fabricated from ¼” thick cold rolled steel flat bar along with 1-1/4” x .134”-wall DOM tubing and is powder-coated gloss black. (Polyester powder) If you have any question e-mail me.
Dan
www.vetteworksonline.com

 

[Last Ride]

Dan--
Thanks for the reply. I really like the look and subtleness of the Shark Bar, but I don't think it will be enough by itself to hold my car together under 600+ hp. I also don't think it would allow me onto some tracks because of the power. I will keep researching, but keep cranking out quality products!

 

[Mako]

Last Ride-The Shark Bar II was specifically designed to keep occupants securely in place when autocrossing.

Have you dreamed up anything for the early C3's - specifically, oh say, 1969 Coupes?

My car is only running low 12's, so I don't "need" a roll bar setup quite yet.

I'm also concerned about a full bar setup in a street car. I'm 6'1", and having my helmetless melon and a DOM bar meet up in a crash on the street is not something I look forward to.

Thanks!
Mako

 

[vettedan]

Mako-You have one fast Shark. I plan on designing a Shark Bar for '68 thru '73. I'm looking for a donner Corvette. I have a few great ideas.

Last Ride- You definitely will need a full cage or at least a roll bar. Thanks for the encouragement!!!
Dan

 

[Mako]

Mako-You have one fast Shark. I plan on designing a Shark Bar for '68 thru '73. I'm looking for a donner Corvette. I have a few great ideas.

Thanks Dan

The old racer's maxim "There's always a faster car." keeps my ego from running away with the show too far fortunately.

If I bolt slicks on the Vette it will definately turn a high 11, which is a big problem safety regulations wise, as that requires a 4 point cage to keep from getting kicked off the track.

A properly engineered harness bar would be a wonderful thing for the AX however, and it will safe for street use too. Please let us know how the efforts to develope an early C3 bar go...

Thanks!
Allen

 

[vettedan]

Thanks Dan

A properly engineered harness bar would be a wonderful thing for the AX however, and it will safe for street use too. Please let us know how the efforts to develope an early C3 bar go...

Thanks!
Allen

Allen-You got it! That's what the Shark Bar is all about.
Sure, there is always someone faster, but not many. I have a great story last year when I went head to heat against a ZR1. I really didn't expect to win, but I beat him. We took off (both us of were sleeping a the light) with terrible reaction times; I was ahead at the 60 ft mark. I then began wondering where the ZR1 was? I kept the petal to the metal and beat the ZR1. I found out later that the guy left his traction control on. :duh :L :L :L A wins, a win!!!!. I same night I was beat pretty soundly by a buddy in a Zo6.
Have great Holiday!
Dan

 

[Mako]

Allen-You got it! That's what the Shark Bar is all about.

...

A wins, a win!!!!. I same night I was beat pretty soundly by a buddy in a Zo6.
Have great Holiday!
Dan

Dan,

Very cool, tnx! On the win, HA!

The last time out we went three rounds until a Callaway schooled us on the word "Redlight" :duh

Ahh well, there's always next time

Tnx & CYa!
Mako