a few more from page 1

 

Is that the curt one?

Ahh ok it is, thanks

 

it looks as if the hitch would hit on a stock muffler.
are there any other bolts than the two on the bottom?
or are there two on the back of the bumper also.

+1 for having a hitch on the Z

 

That looks great.

You mentioned that you had to cut some 4x4 pieces, is this from the bumper? Also, is it something visible/permanent (in case when it comes time to sell the car) ?

Also, how much would a trailer like yours cost?

I just emailed the DropHitch folks, to see if they have anything that will fit a G coupe. Their website only lists one for a G sedan. *fingers crossed* !

 

you can see in this pic the 4x4 square that I had to cut out. that is approximate size but honestly I screwed up. You would only have to cut may a 2.5" wide slot maybe 4 inches deep.

there are four bolts total that you have to use. if your standing behind the car, two of them go straight in, then of course there are two that you can see in the pics that go up into the bumper from the bottom. the directions said to cut a 1.5" center hole in the bumper to get all the bolts in but I skipped that and just used a LONG piece of wire to fish the bolts inside the bumper. its was faster and seemed safer then cutting a big hole it in. the bumper drills very easily, its basiclly looks like thick layers of aluminum. And no matter how many threads I read, it was still twice as easy to get the bumper cover off then any of them said it was. its really an easy process..just seemed a bit over whelming in the begining. Not sure how it would work with a stock muffler. what someone would need to do is measuer the distance from a stock system to the metal bumper. the hitch prolly sticks out beyond the metal bumper, under the car maybe 2 or so inches. so if the stock muffler actually sits that close then it may not work. i don't think the stock system fit that snuggly by the actual bumper tho.

the trailer from TSC (Tractor Supply Company) I think was around $450.00 the guy I bought it from had purchased the mag wheels to match his vette so he says. but the white wheels that came with it would have worked just as well. he welded on one piece of angle iron to hold in the tires, drilled some holes for the tie down straps and that was it. I ran 70-80 on the hwy last track event and ya can't even tell its back there. Doesn't sway, doesn't push the car, its super light so when I am home I just push it in the garage by hand.

 

I built a hitch (the same one first350 has) for my '03 Z and was planning to build the same type for my '07. While under the car last weekend, I was noticing that the bolts for the subframe have quite a few threads avalible. It should be possible to build a hitch that connects to the subframe via the frame bolts (mounting point between subframe components and the large bolts that hold the subframe to the chassis). The advantage of something like this is it would be far stronger than any hitch that bolts to the rear bumper and possibly, easier to install (ie: no welding of brackets, drilling or a significant disassembly of the rear). The disadvantage would be the substantial weight of steel that you would be required.

At any rate, a solution like that would be prefferable on a Nismo Z rather than the option of cutting the diffuser.

 

+1 I would have some serious trouble bringing myself to do that.

 

Drivesolo - let me know when you'll be making the new hitch...once all the rain starts this winter , I'll have plenty of time to help !

 

^ will do. I'm starting to get some ideas of going w/ a different route.

First350, do you recall when you and I were discussing the possiility of bulding a hitch that would be hidden behind the rear license plate (i.e.: like some S2k's)? I think I might want to revisit that possibility. A solution like that would also work for a Nismo Z or anyone w/ a really lowered car.

 

That's a great idea. There is quite a bit of space behind the bumper cover in that area to make a nice setup. Plus there are also hinged plate brackets you can buy so that you can simply lift your plate up instead of removing it each time you hook your trailer up.

 

i thought about going that same route. only things that stopped me were one the heigh at which the hitch would be. either you would have to build a ugly drop hitch or the car would have to sit so low it prolly wasn't drivable on the street anyhow. the other thing that stopped me was the plate itself. yeah its still attached, but it would be laying flat which would only attract the eyes of the state troopers. I don't know about you guys but that last thing I need to do is attract more attention to an already flashy car. If someone could make this work I think it would definately be the way to go. I was thinking also along the lines of a hitch that hid behind the bumper cover in the same location as mine is in. Only difference is there would be a removable "flap" for when it came time to tow. Something similiar to the piece you remove to install the tow loop on the front bumper.

 

I understand what you mean...but I've found that the highway patrol haven't given me much attention when I'm towing my trailer...IMO they give some respect to those of us who take our cars to tracks and do it leagally - I get much more attention when I'm just driving around w/out the trailer.

 

nice - I'd love to help with that! They have some fairly large tongue drops, so as long as it'll clear your rear bumper fascia, you should be able to get it to the right hieght. (All the raised trucks have to run a big tongue drop, so I think the parts are available).

*The Yellow S2000 that goes to WW events has a small peice that's welded to the top of his bumper...that's all he had to add to be able to attched the hitch. (plus the license plate hindge)

 

+1.. dont do it.. Nismo Z with hitch = you crazy!!! lol

 

+1000000000000...don't do it

 

??? I just went back and read through some of the post on this thread. Why are there so many people saying not to put a hitch on a Z for a race trailer? Is it understood why a race trailer is neccessary?

The hitch behind the plate would not be a concern. It would only be tilted up and out of the field of view when the recieved is connected. In that instance, you would be towing a trailer and the rear plate would not be visible any way. The police would go off of the license plate of the trailer to identify you.

 

It's the people who buy a sports car and never use the "sports" part of it. instead they are into flash.

 

I disagree...it takes a "sports" car and makes it look back woods..aka redneckish....I guess you could always tow your camouflaged bass boat and your pop up camper with it too

 

+1111

i CRAMMED 4 race tires on rims into my car a few times and swore i would never do that again. besides that, you have tools, jack, stands, extra parts, helmet, cooler, tent, maybe camping equipment, cameras, tons of clothes b/c all day ya sweat like **** (or atleast i do). Trailer FTW if you care enough about your car to keep the inside nice and be competitive at any event.

 

lol... I think you just proved Solo-350Z's statement above. You do realize this is the Autocross/Road racing forum and more importance is placed on performance and usability rather than on asthetics.