From memory Cusco/Safety21 cages are not and can not be FIA/CAMS approved due to inspection holes in the bars. also CAMS requires weld in cages as far as i know.
First of all, why do you want FIA approval?
you will only need CAMS approval unless you are competing in a class, even then you will still only need a CAMS approval
Bolt in cages arent legal, whether they are padded or not, and arent exactly the safest option either.
regarding legality, welded cages are permitted, 4 or 6 point. no side bars are allowed in a road car, but as long as the cage is padded, with a CAMS approval, you are good for the street.
Unless your car is super light weight and trying to shed vital kg's off the car, then use Spun steel. Chromoly is more expensive, not as strong, and need more re-inforcement and points to be as structually strong as spun steel.
ASAIK, last time i rang Meridian Motorsport (www.mmsport.com.au) they quoted roughly $1700 for a welded, unpainted 4 point CAMS approved cage.
extra bars CAN be welded after, and paint it yourself, cause the extra cost they will charge you is just for the time it takes for them to prepare, mask etc.
Steer^Gimic: Thanks for the info and for the link. The only reason I mentioned FIA is because all FIA approvals automatically qualify for CAMs and FIA, being international, might encompass more variety. The reason I want a CAMs approved cage is not only for the insurance of the highest level safety, but the investment of a vehicle I can later enter into restricted events - given my ultimate goal is to compete in 1600cc events with my CR-X.
It is handy to know that all CAMs cages need to be welded, but I am yet to find out if welded cages can be approved by VIC Roads: their guidelines only mention lug and bolt connections - so I emailed them to ask.
I read through Meridian Motorsport's document regarding cages and they quote an estimate of $2000 for the analysis and subsequent design/plan for a once off cage to suit a custom purpose. So it will probably be a $4000 project.
you know what you should do? is look through all the Hot4s and Autosalon mags and see all the tech sections - especially autosalon. In the last 6 months there was at least one installation of a rollcage with details of the places doing it - I'd think a 4K cage would be an absolute full cage with bracing everywhere imaginable... 2-3K MAX for a 6pt!
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