Roll Cage Thickness

[DRIFT_happens]

Just a quick question. I know a lot of guys on here run in XDC. I am in the process of building my s13 and plan to make it XDC legal, so if I ever did want to complete, I could at least pass tech.

According to this years rule book:

5.4.19 Roll Cage Tubing Sizes:
For the purposes of determining roll bar tubing sizes, vehicle weight is as raced, but without fuel and driver. Note: There is an allowance of minus 0.010 inches on all tubing thicknesses. Vehicles that previously competed in XDC or other similar series prior to January 1st, 2011 with different roll cage tubing sizes will be grandfathered in. Minimum tubing size for the roll cage is:
1501 - 2500 lbs.
1.500” x 0.095” Seamless Alloy (4130), Seamless mild steel (CDS Mechanical) or DOM
2501 - 3000 lbs.
1.500” x 0.120” Seamless Alloy (4130), Seamless mild steel (CDS Mechanical) or DOM
1.750” x 0.095” Seamless Alloy (4130), Seamless mild steel (CDS Mechanical) or DOM
3001 - 4000 lbs.
1.750” x .120” Seamless Alloy (4130), Seamless mild steel (CDS Mechanical) or DOM.
Over 4000 lbs.
2.000” x 0.120” Seamless Alloy (4130), Seamless mild steel (CDS Mechanical) or DOM.

Now I would really like to run the 1.5 x 0.095 because I have a little laying around, but I have never actually weighed the car and don't know how tolerant they are to that 2500 lb rule, and know it would be close. Obviously if I have to I'll run the 0.120, but was just wondering what some of you guys who actually competed used in their s13's.

Thanks.

[G5SR20240]

Run .120 wall DOM, the weight difference isnt too bad and it will be a better choice, tubing is roughly 70 bucks per 20 ft stick at 1.75 by .95 around here in SD so I dont see 1.5 .120 being that much more if any, you can always use the .95 for other parts of your cage that are not critical

[DRIFT_happens]

Wow, here in okc I bought a 20' section of 1.5x.095 mild steel for $22. I have used them for my front and rear bash bars, and to be honest, I'm ocd about stupid stuff, and that's why i want to keep the .095 all around. Don't want to mix it. I'll get the .120 if I wont pass tech. But If I don't have to then all I will have to buy is enough my rear main and my side hoops, and I have enough left over here that I can use the rest for cross bracing and door bars and what not.

[G5SR20240]

Now there is a big difference between mild steel and mild steel dom, to me it seems like you might of picked up a stick of non dom, that's roughly the price of non dom here as well. Non dom will not pass any sanctioned race

[PIN GIO 2]

Question tube 1.5x0.95 85 feet good enough for s13 hatchback roll cage?

[DRIFT_happens]

I thought it was dom. Im glad i only used it on that stuff. Ill have to double check the reciept but i thought that i specified that i needed dom. Either way, ill obviously go with the .120 since im not sure about that. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

[G5SR20240]

I thought it was dom. Im glad i only used it on that stuff. Ill have to double check the reciept but i thought that i specified that i needed dom. Either way, ill obviously go with the .120 since im not sure about that. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

Yea mild steel can be rolled into tube and seam welded and it could also be drawn over mandrel (dom) which produces a tube that is equally strong through out its structure, good luck on your cage, takes a lot of patience and good notching bits lol

[G5SR20240]

Question tube 1.5x0.95 85 feet good enough for s13 hatchback roll cage?

It will get a basic 8 point done, or a good triangulated 6 point but If you want to run added triangulation for an 8 point or run dual door bars you'll need more