Running slicks on a 2nd gen w/out a rollcage
 

I'm building a 2nd Gen Chassis to run in FP. I'm allowed to use racing slicks. Has anyone ever used racing slicks with a 2nd Gen. chassis without a rollcage? If so, did you eventually add a rollcage(stiffens the chassis) to give the tires a better, non flexing platform to work from? If you've never done this don't bother with a reply. I need to know from someone who has done this, not what you think it will do. I already know what I think it will do.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Last October, I ran the TGP course, see: http://www.tgprace.com in my 10ae on Kuhmo V700's and no roll cage. You can see my setup at http://www.se-rx7.com/members/2ndgen/stevecappelli.html IMO, two things contributed to and excellent handling car.
1) 3 strut bars.
- a mazdatrix front (upper) bar with firewall braces.
- a Cusco front (lower) bar. I forget where I got it.
- a Cusco rear tower bar,
and

2) a pretty smooth track.

I think if I'd been on a rough track, some chassis flex would have been apparent. At TGP, I could drive hard, and still have smooth transitions into /out of corners (as opposed to running over rumble strips, for example). In a Solo II event, you will be transitioning the car much harder - probably. Some flex will likely be evident.

FWIW, I plan to install a cage this fall:)

Steve C
Marietta, GA

You need to be careful autocrossing with slicks and no cage. Slicks will still grip even if you are riding on the walls, which makes the car more prone to rolling over. I know this because a car almost rolled over on me while I was working a corner. Fortunately, the car had a roll cage, and we just tipped it back on all fours, and it had minimal damage. However, I doubt that things would have gone so well if the car did not have a cage to protect the driver.

qwck10th - I'm actually going to the track this weekend for a soloII event. I'll be running my Honda(no flames please) since my car isn't ready yet. I made my own front strut tower bar a few years ago and it looked good but I couldn't tell if there was any improvement. That was only one bar though. Since I'm building this car as a dedicated racecar I'm planning to eventually have a cage in it but money is tight and I just want my car to run. Just to rub it in a little I live about 10 miles from the track. I'll probably drive to the track with my race tires on the car.

Evil Aviator - I understand what you are saying. I'm just currently planning to purchase my rims and tires next year and hopefully by then I'll have a cage installed and I will not have to deal with the what if factor of rolling over without a cage. My main question was wether it was worth while to run slicks without a cage. I'll probably be chasing the setup due to more chassis flex. Till I get my racing slicks I'll be using some old DOT R-compound tires.

Thanks for the replies.