Next, we installed the necessary components for the cage to be fitted. For this, we kept the steering column in place and loosely fit the dash. The dash bar will need to mount to the steering column and the dash is required to fit to the A-pillar tubing. We then installed the racing seat in our desired position, since this is needed to locate the harness bar when building the cage. We opted to use Taitech seat rails from ScienceofSpeed because it allows for a low mounting position that maximizes headroom while maintaining a slider to accommodate multiple drivers. We also chose a seat with head restraints because they offer additional support and protection in case of a side impact. Finally, we needed to choose a hardtop because this will allow the cage builder to closely fit the main hoop and upper bracing to its contours. We decided to go with a Spoon coupe hardtop from A&J Racing. This roof is very light at 28 lbs and minimizes aero drag with its long coupe-like shape, making it a perfect match for our lightweight Time Attack build.
Now we were ready to deliver the S2K to our cage builder. Having built multiple cages myself, I can assure you it is a long, uncomfortable task, and unless your welding skills are top notch, it is best left to an expert. The best way to choose a cage builder is to go to your local racetrack and check out the cages in the cars. Look for cage elements meeting in common points or nodes, tight fitment to the unibody, and complete and consistent welds. Cold welds will look like a big lumpy buildup on the surface and are not safe. Ask the teams where their cages were built and you will quickly find which shops do good work and which do not. There are many places claiming to build rollcages but very few that do it well. Be sure the place you choose uses the correct design material, size and wall thickness to meet your sanctioning body’s regulations.
The inner guts of the door will shed some more weight while the CF cover adds a nice aesth
We are fortunate to have O’Brien Motorsports within a half hour from our location, but it would be worth a much longer haul considering the work he offers. Ronnie O’Brien is the owner and looks after all of the cage design and fabrication. A quick look at an O’Brien cage reveals beautiful TIG welds, excellent fitment and perfectly noded elements. As you can imagine, a cage of this quality takes time to build; however, the wait is well worth the quality you receive and the safety that comes with it. Pricing is very reasonable as well and you can order your cage in DOM steel or 4130 alloy steel. For a small additional cost, we opted for the 4130 tubing which offers better strength properties and more uniform construction. As an added bonus, O’Brien Motorsports can also look after any additional fabrication needs that are required.
As it stands, our S2000 cage is about half complete at this point and is looking fantastic. Stay tuned as the remaining elements are installed along with beautiful dimple-dyed sheetmetal gussets.
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The Spoon hardtop is a great addition because it minimizes aero drag and it weighs in at a
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Rollcage build in progress. Check out those sexy bends!
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Flush right to the roof. Just like we want it.