Schroth claims to make the only performance belts that are DOT-approved when installed in accordance with an application list and the instructions. This ensures the belt can be installed safely without the end user taking responsibility for engineering for which he is likely unqualified. Schroth street harnesses feature asm(r), a mechanism to reduce the risk of submarining, or sliding underneath the lap belt, without the use of a crotch strap. As well, they are made from a polyester material that Schroth states absorbs energy and resists UV light and chemicals better than nylon. Schroth street harnesses install at factory mounting points, preserving the originality of the vehicle.
Schroth has now taken its philosophy a step further, introducing Quick-Fit belts for BMW E36, E39 and E46 cars, and tells us it will have a MINI fitment available by the time you read this. The Quick-Fit belts are a custom fit, attaching to factory lap and rear-seat belt clips. They do require the one-time installation of an additional clip, but thereafter can be fitted or removed from the vehicle in just a few minutes. This allows a car to be used at the track or on the autocross course with Schroth belts, then driven home with just the factory restraints in the car, with no tools required.
Schroth USA/MDI Inc. * (888)536-8550 * (978) 532-1145 * www.schroth.com
Performance Products Porsche Boxster Performance ProgramMassive, warehouse-size superstores are great, the kind of places you can find plasma screen TVs and goose-liver pate under the same roof. Until you have a question, that is. Then, you're pretty much on your own.
It was with trepidation then, when we embarked on Project Boxster R, an undertaking principally based on Performance Products and its massive color catalog, the goal to emulate the factory's Boxster S model. Sure, the Southern California-based company had the goods (pictures, anyway), but, as we have great regard for the stock Boxster, we had questions and concerns. Could it deliver? Would the car be enhanced or compromised by a plethora of aftermarket pieces?
Well, Performance Products not only allayed our fears but satisfied our wildest expectations, offering premium performance hardware with exceptional customer service. Project Boxster R was a raging success. From a performance standpoint, the Boxster R kicked butt-Performance Products had solutions for each system we addressed.
A review of the project must begin with the engine upgrade. Consisting of a PowerFlo Intake system, Dansk Sport exhaust and GIAC ECU, the result was nothing less than exhilarating, turning the rather blase base Boxster into a left-lane contender.
More speed meant more need for improved chassis control, and there we chose H&R's Coil Over suspension system, which firmed up the handling without ruining the Boxster's wonderful ride quality. Performance Products' front and rear upper strut bars added a further measure of stiffness to the already stiff chassis.
The running gear consisted of RH two-piece alloys, through which could be spotted Performance Products' Boxster S Big Brake Kit. Great binders.
Better lighting came courtesy of the same Litronic headlamps found on the world's best cars, and Euro-spec side markers joined such other exterior revisions as a Performance Products' rear wing and Boomerang front lip protector.
The car's interior was tarted up with carbon-fiber door sills, a B&M short-shifter and a Performance Products' Boxster S gauge face package.
Performance Products richly deserves european car's Select Gear award for its extensive line of Porsche hardware and exceptional customer service. It's a rare blend, indeed.
Performance Products (800) 789-1962 (orders) (800) 789-1963 (catalogs) www.performanceproducts.com