This is just something I was thinking about, so I thought I would see if it is even possible.

My autopower roll bar with the cross brace in weighs a lot. So I was wondering why race cars dont use lighter materials like CF or Kevlar for roll cages, it seems like it would save alot of weight. So I'm thinking there is a reason they dont use them, is a metal superior to a composite if the car was to roll over?

It also seems like a cage/bar wouldn't be a very hard piece to make either.

So, why dont we see any composite roll bars/cages??

Originally posted by Spencer
So, why dont we see any composite roll bars/cages??

Because CF is brittle. It would shatter on impact.

and if you really get to "use" the carbon fiber rollbar, the interior of the veh will be covered w/ "carbon dust".:eek: ...bad idea.

Originally posted by BMWRacerITS


Because CF is brittle. It would shatter on impact.

Thanks for the confirmation Bryan, I figured that would be the answer.

it wouldnt help but it sure would look nice..

Part of the benefit of the cage is how it bends when struck, too. That would take a lot of research to duplicate. You'd figure the cost would be pretty impressive as well, I suppose.

The better quality the CF, when it breaks, the less it becomes stringy and the more it becomes little razor-sharp pieces. :eek:

Neat idea, though.