Using the RX7 Tii to tow
07-26-08, 05:18 PM
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Using the RX7 Tii to tow
I searched and read some threads like this one here:
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hlight=rx7+tow
Im moving to MN from IA about 250miles max. I got the seven and a mirage that I need to take up there. So I was just wondering if it would be ok to tow that far using the RX7. The mirage is about 2300lbs but with all my other crap that I bringing with me too. Its alittle more than that.
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hlight=rx7+tow
Im moving to MN from IA about 250miles max. I got the seven and a mirage that I need to take up there. So I was just wondering if it would be ok to tow that far using the RX7. The mirage is about 2300lbs but with all my other crap that I bringing with me too. Its alittle more than that.
07-26-08, 05:53 PM
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The owners manual says no towing. That said, FC's have decent power and great brakes (at least on turbos or NA's with the sport package), so light towing (like maybe 800lb, max), such as a small utility trailer to carry a few hundred pounds of tires, tools, etc to the track shouldn't be a problem.
What FC's lack is transmission (and differential, for that matter) oil cooling capacity - towing substantial loads builds up gear and oil heat fast. Plus, if your car is TII, the engine will be running in boost a lot (more) with the kind of load you're talking about - putting extra heat load on the engine and cooling system. On top of that, the hitches available are rated at 2000lb max load - you're talking about a lot more than that, by the time you hook up a dolly, your Mirage, and sundry items. Finally, your towed weight comes close to matching that of the vehicle - which means in corners, down hills, etc, the towed mass is going to want to drive straight ahead, and push the tow car around, as well as make your front wheels unload under braking - the last thing you want! With the a large tow vehicle, and the proper types of hitches, having the towed weight close, or even exceeding the tow vehicle's weight isn't a problem, but that won't be the case here. So I would not advice this at all.
What about getting a friend/relative/stooge to drive the 2nd car, and buy them a bus pass to get home?
What FC's lack is transmission (and differential, for that matter) oil cooling capacity - towing substantial loads builds up gear and oil heat fast. Plus, if your car is TII, the engine will be running in boost a lot (more) with the kind of load you're talking about - putting extra heat load on the engine and cooling system. On top of that, the hitches available are rated at 2000lb max load - you're talking about a lot more than that, by the time you hook up a dolly, your Mirage, and sundry items. Finally, your towed weight comes close to matching that of the vehicle - which means in corners, down hills, etc, the towed mass is going to want to drive straight ahead, and push the tow car around, as well as make your front wheels unload under braking - the last thing you want! With the a large tow vehicle, and the proper types of hitches, having the towed weight close, or even exceeding the tow vehicle's weight isn't a problem, but that won't be the case here. So I would not advice this at all.
What about getting a friend/relative/stooge to drive the 2nd car, and buy them a bus pass to get home?
07-26-08, 06:22 PM
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Yeah thats what I thought. Im still trying to get someone to come with me but no luck so far. They all say that theyre busy. I'll figure it out though. Thanks!
07-27-08, 10:40 AM
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I wouldn't suggest it.
If you have a small trailer with a few personal watercraft or a set of tires for the track it will be fine. But another vehicle is out of the question.
Just last week I needed to move my '76 Cosmo from one storage yard to another, the distance of about two blocks. I had the bright idea to just tow it with my (bridgeported big turbo) RX-7. While it did work, it was not pleasant and would NEVER be an option for any distance. To get going it took slipping the clutch at 3K for a good 20 seconds while the turbo howled and the suspension creaked. It's just not a good idea. I wish I took a video, because it was quite funny.
If you have a small trailer with a few personal watercraft or a set of tires for the track it will be fine. But another vehicle is out of the question.
Just last week I needed to move my '76 Cosmo from one storage yard to another, the distance of about two blocks. I had the bright idea to just tow it with my (bridgeported big turbo) RX-7. While it did work, it was not pleasant and would NEVER be an option for any distance. To get going it took slipping the clutch at 3K for a good 20 seconds while the turbo howled and the suspension creaked. It's just not a good idea. I wish I took a video, because it was quite funny.
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07-28-08, 08:41 AM
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I'd say get a friend or get a U-Haul. A van and a trailer sizable enough for 2 cars shouldn't be too expensive.. certainly cheaper than the cost of replacing all the parts you may damage towing with the 7. Friend would probably be cheapest though.
