basically the title says it. are the stock tow hooks compatible with the rules of your standard HPDE/PDX or do i need to get somthing that extends out further?

 

They are fine

 

The FD does not have stock tow hooks. Those are tie down points.

 

I think most organizations don't require tow hooks for HPDE events.

Mahjik is correct, the FD has factory tie downs, not tow hooks. You can use them for a short tow, or to pull the car onto a flatbed, but be prepared to damage your bumper...

 

ok thanks for the replies. is the difference between tow hook and tie down the two just the size/location? kinda shameful that i've never thought of this......

 

I managed to rip the "tow hooks" off of my FC.. they're tie downs, and that's the difference.

the ones in the rear are pretty strong though, at least on 2nd gens. The front ones (on any generation) are flimsy.


Pretty cheap to upgrade, pretty expensive to fix a bumper..

it's up to you.

 

These are pretty beefy, and priced pretty well.

Rennen Metal Tow Hooks for FD

 

I use a length of old seatbelt looped around the big horizontal tube on my FC in the front. Dunno what the FD has that's strong to attach to.

 

I have those in a box waiting to be installed. Very nicely made and cheaper than the $150 Feeds other people buy on here.

 

I was thinking of doing something similar for the front of my FD also. With the bracketry/subframe from my custom Vmount rad/IC setup, regular out of the box tow hooks don't fit.

 

Another advantage of the tow strap instead of hook is that you won't smash your shins on it while walking around the car or working on it.

 

I have these on my car, definitely a well made product (I was the one who called and had them made ). FYI they sell those hooks on ebay for less than on the website. Might be worth a quick search before you buy.

 

Thanks for that, I put them on my car earlier this year.

 

thanks those rennenmetal hooks look like the way to go.

 

LOL...WHAT!???!?!?! How did you manage to do that? Those things are beefy as hell? what were you trying to pull?

 

yea, i wasn't going to argue the point.

the difference is pretty much that most sanctioning bodies require a 2" hole, the positioning is better for less risk of bumper damage, and of course the guys don't have to worry about crawling under your car to attach, meaning they can get you off the track more quickly.

i have used the front tie downs to pull another car out of a ditch and they held, no damage to the bumper for that matter(had the lip off at the time, so it gave a bit more clearance)

anyhow, thanks for all the inputs. i confirmed with the group running the event that it wouldn't be a big deal for this event. I will be ordering the rennen models sometime soon, for the next event.

 

Oh yeah, one note on the RennenMetal hooks:

They are not a direct bolt on if you are still running AC. You will have to modify the AC condenser bracket to install the front tow hook. It isn't a huge deal, but be warned that it will take longer than 2 minutes to install.

If you don't have AC anymore then it bolts right up.

 

condensor interference? i am not running a/c so i am not worried just wanna clarify.

 

Yes, the front tow hook and the factory AC condenser mount use the same hole in the frame. Without AC it bolts right on.

Also, you will need the factory driver's side rear tie down to install the rear tow hook. Unfortunately most US FD's are missing this piece, but Ray at Malloy Mazda can ship you one for ~$25.