Sunroof GSX vs. non-sunroof GSX with roadrace cage

[UofACATS]

I'm at a point where I want to sell my GSX which has a large and undesirable sunroof, and pick up a different platform with a bit more inherent stiffness. I'm not 100% on it yet, and I'm also considering getting a professional cage installed which would drastically and positively effect the cars rigidity.

(PRECISION CHASSIS WORKS - HOME) (check out the VR-4)

Now I've seen one GSX without a sunroof, but they're rare. If I build the GSX a second time around, I'm starting with the full cage, and yanking the sunroof to be replaced with aluminum cover. Considering the substantial cost associated, I'm considering waiting for a non-sunroof roller and investing in that.

My question comes down to whether, considering the full, roadrace cage, there will be an appreciative difference between the two. The cage, seat, sunroof mod, plus little extras will be 5+ grand. I want to race the next car I build for quite some time, and don't want to end up regretting something easily avoidable.

I also have to consider I already own my car, it has a few mods already done, etc. (plus the usual emotional attachment one develops with a car they spend every weekend wrenching on.)

Any thoughts.....

 

[Dallas J]

Ive given thoughts to the same thing. A friend of mine has a 97 GSX without a sunroof I can buy for a pretty decent deal but it would be a significant amount of work trying to swap my motor and everything else over. So much so that I just dont think I want to go through it especially given that I dont know how long Ill stay with the Talon. Considering that, Ive decided to just race what I have for now.

 

[cmspaz]

The lack of sunroof does make a difference, how much I'm not sure.

 

[MIdsm]

If you are at the point of getting a cage built you could just plug the sunroof or look for a non sunroof roof skin. A good body shop should have no problems taking off the original roof skin and installing one w/out the sunroof. Some cage builders actually take the roof off anyway to ease the access to all the cage joints. Good luck.

 

[dieselsdad]

The pro team guys will just replace the roof skin with a non-sunroof model if they already have a good priced chassis. It's not nearly as hard as it sounds. If you can weld you can do it yourself. If not, the cage builder should be able to do it for you. If you are going to RACE the car then yes, it is worth it. Everything gains clearance, your helmet to thr roof line., the cage itself, the cage builder will appreciate it when he is doing his work, the car will be lighter where it counts, up top etc....

 

[123abc]

The pro team guys will just replace the roof skin with a non-sunroof model if they already have a good priced chassis. It's not nearly as hard as it sounds. If you can weld you can do it yourself. If not, the cage builder should be able to do it for you. If you are going to RACE the car then yes, it is worth it. Everything gains clearance, your helmet to thr roof line., the cage itself, the cage builder will appreciate it when he is doing his work, the car will be lighter where it counts, up top etc....

That last one is probably the biggest reason to get rid of it. Get that COG down.

 

[TofastForU_99]

I am actually in the middle of my cage instal in my 97 eclipse gsx. when i first got it i was like Ahhh i wish i had a sunroof but now im super happy that I dont have to go through the trouble to fill the hole. ill post some pics up for you guys.