Rear roll cage

[m3f_kyrix1st]

Most likely going to custom-order, but I want to make it look like this:







Since it's my first time with roll cages, does anyone have any idea what materials/structure are commonly used in E36s?

[Obioban]

What are you seeing in that picture that you're looking to replicate?

[m3f_pbonsalb]

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...36-M3-Roll-Bar


He has made a lot of bars, but is far from Japan. You can also try Autopower and Kirk, but some of their models are 3 or 4 piece rather than fully welded and the bar you pictured is fully welded. They may have fully welded options as well. The rear X is also an option in bar design. And bolt in versus weld in is also an option in bar design.


Due to shipping costs for a fully welded bar, you might be best off having one made locally assuming there are shops there that do this work.


The paint is something you can DIY or have powdercoated.

[m3f_kyrix1st]

What are you seeing in that picture that you're looking to replicate?

Just the roll cage part.I suspect the alcantara flooring would cause more trouble when I have to replace my fuel pump; I would remove my rear seats as well.

[m3f_M-technik-3]

If your going to add a cage I would suggest adding proper density padding and not pool noodles.


Cages in street cars are kind of counter productive IMO.

[m3f_kyrix1st]

If your going to add a cage I would suggest adding proper density padding and not pool noodles.



Cages in street cars are kind of counter productive IMO.

I completely agree with you, which is why I'm looking for bolt ins rather than weld in because I'll only be using these when I autox/track the car. I just want more rigidity in the rear during high speed cornering.

[m3f_pbonsalb]

A bit of a pain to install and remove so maybe not the part to change in and out for occasional driving events. If just looking for rigidity consider the Mason engineering front and rear braces.

[m3f_M-technik-3]

Not only that it's a new place for water to get inside your interior and start rusting. Not the road you want to head down.

[m3f_kyrix1st]

https://www.schmiedmann.com/en/produ...1-71-8-410-212



Looking at X brace closely for now.



I do have front (OEM GT motorsport ) and rear (ARC) tower braces, but these don't seem to do much.

[m3f_Hasan Shaikh]

I have the front x brace and it makes a good difference with the turn in.

[m3f_TomS2]

If you don't want it for rollover protection, then get the braces instead. The weight penalty will probably offset the majority of handling improvement you get from stiffening.


You can do one thing good, or two things lousy.

[m3f_Nate047]

If you're in Kyoto just bring it to TRA.


(I kid I kid)

[m3f_Nate047]

But on a serious note, take a look at most time attack cars in Japan and you'll see the cages are built very thin. You don't really get proper protection unless it's built to FIA standards or close, which many Japanese builders don't adhere to. But since you're talking about a half cage anyway, it's basically just going to be for rollover protection and to act as a harness bar and glorified strut tower bar. You'll need to seriously trim weight to counteract what you'll be adding with the half cage.


IMO go full cage or don't do it at all. You're gonna shell out a small fortune for a NICE custom half cage and it won't really do much for you aside from look cool.

[m3f_Nate047]

Also a lot of Japanese time attack builders don't mount their harnesses properly, they just bolt them to the floor. It's allowed but it's really a bad idea. So if you do go with a custom half cage, make sure they build you a proper harness bar with two small hoops to keep your belts in place.

[m3f_Solaris99]

I paid $1600 for a custom half-cage when my car was streetable. Only half because I will not drive around on the street with a full cage and no helmet. I care about the contents of my skull. Don't tell me this thing didn't firm up the rear half of the car. To me, $1600 was totally worth it to feel safe while harnessed into my car if it rolls.





Now that my car is full-time track, I could get the cage completed, but I don't know if I'm going to actually race with this. The car can be put back to streetable without too much effort at this point. Fully cage it and I can only sell it as a track car.