Sundown72

General question for people who track their Z:

The series I’m running in requires a tow hook. The car is also a street car (to/from the track) with a front license plate (also a class requirement).

Does anyone know of an offset tow hook mount for the 350Z? Or if you’re doing something else, what’s your solution?

Thanks.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

I ran my stock tow hook and no front plate

Heel Til I Die

iTrader: (2)

You could always relocate your front plate.

Something like this:

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Nah- don't drill your bumper any more. Just zip tie the license plate frame lower and to the side in the radiator opening (are you sure your track really needs this?) and run an aftermarket/OEM tow hook in the center slot.

Heel Til I Die

iTrader: (2)

That was just an example of relocating the front plate. There are no drill kits available like this:

Sundown72

Thanks for the feedback, all.

The tow hook is a series requirement, and a good idea generally for track cars. My class requires the car be plated and insured for the street, and I’ll be driving it to and from local events, so the plate is also a need.

Moving the plate further into the grille opening isn’t really an option, I’d like to avoid compromising the cooling.

I’m thinking I’ll likely get a tow-hook plate mount and just swap it at the track for the tow hook.

Thanks again.

350ZXLR

Check the rules again and ask for clarification (then please post the result). "For the street" might just mean registered and drivable on the street but you should be able to remove the front plate for the track since it's private property. It sounds like the organizer is just trying to simplify enforcement of the street-legal class spec. If you can show them the second license plate, then they should be happy. I'd be concerned about blocking the airflow and they should understand that.

rancor

I put some riv-nuts, designed for plastic, in the bumper and remove the front license plate and holder and install the OEM tow hook. Thats been fine with the two groups I've done track days with. If you really do need the plate the side of the grill option is probably best to keep it on the front of the car. About 4" of the grill on each side are blocked off on a stock Z so your not reducing your intake area as much as you think. Also just through of windshield plate mounts but again only if its needed and allowed.

Sundown72

Thanks again for the replies. I think there’s been some confusion. The front plate doesn’t have to stay on while on track, I was just hoping to avoid having to swap back and forth.

Seems like the swap is the way to go, so I’ll be taking the plate off and putting the hook in while at the track.

350ZXLR

Indeed. From the OP:
This wording makes it sound like running street legal with a front license plate is the class requirement.

It sounds like rancor has the answer. I don't have a stock front splitter so can't check the airflow, but it's encouraging to hear that there's a place without airflow that the plate can reside.

Dan Garcia

iTrader: (71)

i built my own bracket for a benen tow hook, have not taken the time to bolt it yet because i have no dead lines, one of these days when i have to remove the bumper i will run the bolts.