Don't Drill MOMO Composite Seats

#1

The FIA rating on my Momo Cup VTR seat has just expired. I e-mailed MOMO USA to ask if I could drill the seat in order to install a brace like I/O Port Racing sells. Here’s their response:

[i]I have just received verification from Italy that any external modification to the seat will void the FIA certification. We do not recommend any type of drilling to the seat. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Rob[/i]

This answer doesn’t surprise me, but I’m glad to have it "from the horse’s mouth." As usual, the cheap alternative (I/O Port) won’t work. Bring on the expensive stuff (Brey-Krause)!

Sasha

#2

Sasha,

I’m in the same situation with my Cobra Suzuka seat. It expired this year and I had to install a I/O port seat back brace at the VIR to get my race car log book.

I don’t understand the concern about drilling your seat back to attach the brace if your FIA rating has expired anyway. MOMO must have assumed your seat was still under current certification when they told you drilling the seat would void the FIA certification. Maybe I’m missing something?

  • Ken
#3

As I undertand it -a seat back brace does NOT have to be bolted or fastened to the seat… it is only a brace to hold the seat from going back

[quote]15.6.22 Seat Back Support
A seatback support must be made to hold the seat from going back in the event of a
crash. A plate should be used to distribute the load. No bolts, corners, or sharp objects
should be placed is such a manner that could lead to a possible puncture of the driver in
a high impact crash. Proper design and installation is crucial to safety and it is
recommend that the driver employ the services of a professional race car builder for this,
as well as all other vehicle safety items. An exception may be made for those seats
homologated to, and mounted in accordance, with FIA 8855-1999 standards. Those
seats that qualify for the aforementioned exception must conform to the entire FIA 8855-
1999 set of regulations. This includes a mandatory seat replacement of any seat more
than five (5) years old. Please reference the FIA regulations. http://www.fia.com/[/quote]

In fact… a floating brace would be much safer if the seat is being stressed (IMO)

#4

Ken,

I told MOMO my seat was expired. They said not to drill it at all regardless. While this may be CYA, it makes sense to me that putting holes in a composite seat might not be a good idea. This is another one of those modifications where there’s tons of speculation and crazy theories on the internet (just like head and neck restraints). I was trying to cut through all this speculation and got the definitive answer from MOMO that I was looking for: don’t drill the seat.

Sasha

#5

Maybe ya shoul’ contact HOMO… MOMO …

#6

Sorry about the jist… i thougt it was funney