Somewhat Off Topic- I Need Help

[RICK3059]

Good day fellow members. I have a problem and hopefully someone can help. This will be my first year in the ranks of Solo racing. I have already purchased a Mazda RX 7 strictly for racing. I plan to trailer the car to all events. The gross weight of the car is 2440 pounds. I am trying to find out what the tow capacity of my 1991 Lumina Z34 is. It has an automatic and a 60 degree GM stock V6. The Mazda will not be road certified so I must trailer the car. Anyone that has an answer, I sure would appreiciate it.
Thanks guys.
Rick

[turboawd]

You must add the weight of the trailer as well. I'm not sure what they trailer weighs, 1500 lb? I don't think you can trailer more than 1500 lb total with your car. It doesn't have the power, your rear end will bottom out, you will burn the transmission.

[ADAM]

my trooper that is rated for 5000lbs can barely pull my car and trailer..my car weighs 2700 and the trailer around 1400

[RICK3059]

Thanks guys, you have confirmed what I thought was the answer. I am also thinking about a tag-a-long which would just put the front wheels off the ground. Yes / No ??:confused:

[Chris91GT]

Like the others have said, more likely than not, if you're even hauling just the weight of the car that auto is going to be a molten heap if you ever have to tackle a modest-grade hill or an onramp. You MIGHT get away with it for a while, but probably not. Plus, you'll almost certainly cook the brakes trying to slow twice the Lumina's weight.

I've been doing quite a bit of research into a tow vehicle for the Stang this year, and even with a flatbed trailer I'll be pushing close to, if not more, than 5000lbs. That requires a dedicated truck. There really isn't any other way around it.

Plus, as Adam said, even some trucks are burdened by that load. From my research I've decided to invest in a 99+ GM half ton with a 5.3. Of course, there are plenty of slightly older trucks that will do a great job as well for a lot less if you don't really want a truck for everyday use (mine will become my daily driver).

Hope some of this helps!

[Shaman]

My 4.8L Sierra barely pulls my car and trailer. I have to go to 4th gear and stand on the throttle for any major hill. The car + trailer weigh in at 4800 pounds, just under the limit for the truck.

Your Lumina doesn't stand a chance even tho the RX7 is 1,000 pounds lighter than my car.

[ADAM]

yep..driving to shannonville is hell..every hill my poor truck strains...it has a 3.5l v6 with 210bhp and 215ftlbs torque..and is reated for 5000lbs... god forbid if i actually tried to haul that....its leased so i really don't care :) i don't think a car would do very well..plus the tongue load would be hell...

next truck is a nissan pathfinder...no more izuzu

[Shaman]

I'm probably trading mine in for a Lightning. I figure that'll tow it pretty well once I jigger with the supercharger pullies a bit.

[ADAM]

my mechanic has a svt lightning..its pretty quick..i went against him in my car while back i was suprized how fast it was...

[RICK3059]

THANKS FOR THE INPUT GUYS. I SPOKE TO ONE OF THE MECHANICS HERE AT WORK AND HE SAYS BEEF UP THE RAD WITH COOLANT, MAKE SURE THE TRANNY COOLER IS WORKING AND STOP FOR A REST EVERY HOUR. I THINK I'LL TRY IT ONCE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. I WORK AT A DODGE DEALER AND CAN HAVE JUST ABOUT ANY DEMO ON THE LOT. LOOKS LIKE A BIG 1500 FOR RICKY THIS SUMMER.:D

[Chris91GT]

Could be an expensive one-time test Rick...