What do YOU use to tow your track car?
#463
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
After having my clutch fail at my last track day I am inclined to start towing the Miata so I am not stranded.
#465
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Just a quick question. I have an Outback XT manual with some light tuning (295whp/320ft/lbs) and class IV size hitch. Is it realistic to think about getting a good tow dolly for my full weight MSM (three hours or less of towing one-way)? Is this tough on the Miata and not really worth it?
After having my clutch fail at my last track day I am inclined to start towing the Miata so I am not stranded.
After having my clutch fail at my last track day I am inclined to start towing the Miata so I am not stranded.
#469
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
MSM = 6-spd.
OXT with full LGT brakes and SS lines, along with 101 load rated tires. so that might help. Will likely shell for a tow dolly with brakes, though.
Seems like the barrier for the drive shaft it putting it back together at a track and fighting through the bracing? I need to research that now.
Thanks for the feedback.
OXT with full LGT brakes and SS lines, along with 101 load rated tires. so that might help. Will likely shell for a tow dolly with brakes, though.
Seems like the barrier for the drive shaft it putting it back together at a track and fighting through the bracing? I need to research that now.
Thanks for the feedback.
#470
SADFab Destructive Testing Engineer
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/moderator.png)
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Beaverton, USA
Posts: 18,642
Total Cats: 1,866
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
<p>The reasoning is that the input shaft lubes the gearbox. So spinning the output shaft means you ahve parts inside that aren't getting proper oiling.</p><p>That said there are plenty of anecdotes about people driving cross country towing their miata with the driveshaft in.</p><p>I personally wouldn't risk it on a MSM 6 speed.</p>
#473
Moderator
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/moderator.png)
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 20,885
Total Cats: 3,075
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
5-speed with thousands of miles on a tow dolly crew checking in. Removing driveshaft not necessary. I've been doing this for years.
It is 500 miles from my home to Road Atlanta one way. I've dragged this little car there numerous times. And many closer tracks, too.
It is 500 miles from my home to Road Atlanta one way. I've dragged this little car there numerous times. And many closer tracks, too.
#474
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
MSM = 6-spd.
OXT with full LGT brakes and SS lines, along with 101 load rated tires. so that might help. Will likely shell for a tow dolly with brakes, though.
Seems like the barrier for the drive shaft it putting it back together at a track and fighting through the bracing? I need to research that now.
Thanks for the feedback.
OXT with full LGT brakes and SS lines, along with 101 load rated tires. so that might help. Will likely shell for a tow dolly with brakes, though.
Seems like the barrier for the drive shaft it putting it back together at a track and fighting through the bracing? I need to research that now.
Thanks for the feedback.
Good info. Question, do you think the same would be true for a 6 speed? Would be awesome to not have to worry/deal with pulling the driveshaft in the future!
#476
Supporting Vendor
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/vendor.png)
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
iTrader: (33)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: atlanta-ish
Posts: 12,659
Total Cats: 134
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
<p>IIRC, the 6 speed lubes from the input shaft, so that would be no bueno. My Mazda 6-speed trans service manual is at home though, so I can't reference it right now. I think I uploaded it to the forum at some point. </p>
#477
Elite Member
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 2,101
Total Cats: 180
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Dunno if I'll be buying back my totaled 7.3 - It did have up upgraded turbo, injectors, programmer, and a new trans with less than 15k on it. I'm hoping State Farm will take all that in consideration when they offer me totaled price. I've got receipts.
Ma new ride shipping in from TX
I'm suffering from sinus cold - meds have me wired - there's no other reason I'd be up at 5:30am
Ma new ride shipping in from TX
I'm suffering from sinus cold - meds have me wired - there's no other reason I'd be up at 5:30am
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/race-prep-75/150157-what-do-you-use-tow-your-track-car-80-screenshot_2015_09_16_05_37_41_40c0b0b5d203d0c6ebd80b3c525c06b856c8221b.png?dateline=1442400475)
#478
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
On the VW note my hitch finally came in today. No custom piece so I'm not worried about quality. Made by Westfalia who makes a ton of parts for VW OEM. 3700+lb class 2 that replaces the rear bumper and bolts into the frame rails. People in Europe been towing cars/campers/etc with their TDIs with this exact hitch for years.
Gonna test it out next week since I'm moving apartments to see how it does with a loaded trailer. I know there are a some who think I'm dumb for doing this but it has a stage 2 clutch, EGT gauge, 330 tq, 3 subframe braces, stiffer sway bars, GTI brake calipers, and stiffer springs. Should do great as long as I'm not dumb. Been towing motorcycle trailers since I was 16 so I'm not exactly new to this.
![](https://i.imgur.com/ExaOlnA.jpg)
Gonna test it out next week since I'm moving apartments to see how it does with a loaded trailer. I know there are a some who think I'm dumb for doing this but it has a stage 2 clutch, EGT gauge, 330 tq, 3 subframe braces, stiffer sway bars, GTI brake calipers, and stiffer springs. Should do great as long as I'm not dumb. Been towing motorcycle trailers since I was 16 so I'm not exactly new to this.
![](https://i.imgur.com/ExaOlnA.jpg)