Front tow eye options
 

Ive just started tracking my 8 but ive hit a problem all tracks require a tow eye fitted now a couple have been ok with just one on the rear but others have been anal and said front only but I have an aftermarket front bumper wich covers the eyelet and as im unwilling to drill into the bumper I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue and found a solution .

The most ridged point on the front or rear of the car is the crash bar. Everything else is sheet metal. I don't know how you are going to do what you want without drilling a hole into the bumper.

yeah thats the problem it was suggested I use straps instead

If you use straps you risk destroying the entire front bumper if its not mounted properly or is pulled from the wrong angle.

Also be warned that many of the dress up "tow eyes" are crap and will not do very well at pulling your car out of anything. Without seeing the bumper I cant really make a recommendation.

Exactly what I was afraid of.


I did think I could make an extension bracket the drops down just enough to come through the main grill but then I have issues with weakness.

I'd just drill a hole, line the hole with a grommet of an aesthetically pleasing color, and call it a day.

Sorry dude but I just can spoil the bumper with a nasty old hole.

drill and then make a cap for it when not needed?
looks or function--youre choice?

I had a similar situation with an RX-7 years back. I welded a tow point onto the top of the front strut tower. Of course this means you have to open your hood to attach is (you can then let it down once you're being towed). It actually worked fine. Nobody seemed to mind at track days but I don't think it would pass a race tech.

Unfortunately we dont get away with much the track inspectors are a tad on the anal side and walk around with clip boards trying to sound important.
I did think I could get an old front brace of a scrapped 8 chop out a section that has the thread and get that welded on just not sure if it will hold up when being towed.

we need more anal people who do their job properly, especially the ones responsible for saving our ass when something goes wrong

We have had great luck with these: http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant...egory_Code=TOW We have the "light duty" version attached to the sheet metal core support on a 3100lb SSC car, it had no problems when it need to be pulled out by the strap.

As long as no one has to pull you at an extreme angle it should not cause any problems with your bodywork - and lets be honest, if you are having to use this, the damage the strap may cause is likely the least of your problems.

What they said.

When some moron asks why you have a hole in your bumper, you can sound cool when you say "it's for when I run my car at the race track"

run without a bumper?

let me easily solve your problem.
have a second front bumper, doesnt matter the color or condition of the paint, for track days so you may have access to the factory location. this way you dont have to modify anything on your car and you dont have to worry about track debris damaging your nice front bumper.

if your worried about a little hole in your bumper for the tow hook, maybe you should reconsider taking said bumper out onto the track

edit: not trying to hate, but if you go off that bumper is gonna be toast anyways

nobody ever goes off at the track, but everybody looks to admire and stare at this car with intense scrutiny on the street

lol make a fiberglass replica of your bumper and use that :p