Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa Bay, Florida, is to modify its SheiKra rollercoaster to include “floorless” cars.

The 200ft tall ride opened in May 2005 and features a 90-degree drop, making it one of the first dive coasters in the US. The track will remain unchanged but the cars will be changed to provide a more intense psychological experience for passengers, by installing cars without floors or a front rail.

The coaster’s existing seats and shoulder harnesses will be fitted into new chassis that will support the chairs above and the wheels below. The bulk of the changes, however, will occur at the loading platform, where retractable floors and handrails will be installed.

The ride will close on 29 May for about three weeks for the conversion and reopen on 16 June.