Tow Car Insanity.

Yet again, I am beyond insanity.

last time I brought up a tow car dream build, I got flamed pretty hard, so I am going a little more conventional with this one.

This

plus this supercharger

plus this kit

these rims

plus H&R coilovers and adjustable anti-roll bars, fender flares, Brembo big brake kit, trailer hitch, and electric trailer brakes.

what does the GRM public say?

Manual transmission, turbo, etc.

Built by the fine folks at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama.

Go for it.

that was my inspiration...I have to finish the track car first, but I think this will be my next big purchase.

what manual will swap into one of these?

Not sure which one they used. I'm thinking V6 Accord transmission. I'll ask around for you on Monday.

Hmmmm.....That's something to think about when the Odyssey gets paid off...I didn't know that they made a supercharger for it.

I have wanted to stiffen the suspension though.

= transmission failure.

As long as you're towing something light on a light trailer, I love the idea.

A manual isn't the best for towing and the Oddy autos are trouble prone. Is that supercharger intercooled? If not and if its a non bypass model or you spend lots of time in boost you will run into heat problems.

Even after all of that, I have a buddy who will be selling one in a year or two and I will be really tempted.

MrJoshua wrote: Oddy autos are trouble prone

I think that depends on the year. The newer ones are better that the ones from the early 2000's

We haven't had any problems with our 2003 (knock on head), but according to research on the Ody Club forum, ours is within the problem year(s).

I would also go with a newer one though.

what is "newer", I am looking at 2004 models...This is the 3rd Gen, I am looking at late 2nd gen models.

secondly, it isn't that hard to build a finned oil pan, Odyclub forum members have been adding heavy duty trans coolers to their vans.

thirdly, if I was going to be spending this much on a van, I would probably put in forged pistons, add an intercooler, and boost the hell out of it.

oh, BTW, I am going to get an aluminum trailer, probably single axle, and i will be pulling something lighter than a Miata.

didn't GRM tow with an Ody at one point?

The van in the aforementioned post uses a six speed from an acura tl.

Mini vans suck.

FWD sucks.

But this is full of win.

thanks Dude...

the TL had a more powerful version of that engine did it not? maybe a supercharged TL motor would pack even more kick...?

Cool idea! I've always liked these wedges. Here's a link to the 1 lap Honda http://www.hondaalabama.com/index.php?category=One%20Lap&ref=One%20Lap%20Page&search=ride&src=gendocs

If I win the lotto I'm taking a Nissan Quest (with a VG30E) and swapping in a VG30DETT from a 300ZX.

Here's my mini-van tow setup. I've posted it here before. Totally stock Ford Freestar with Econotrailer (4 wheel electric brakes) and Spridget. Racecar/trailer weighs roughly 3000# and I have a 3500# limit so you can't tow big vehicles. But it's perfect for my application. I usually stick to 60-65 MPH with it: it has no problem with the big hills in central PA (on Rt 80). Much prefer it to my previous Chevy C30 van. As per the Ford suggestions, I never tow in lockup. Has at least 50 pulls on it. We just got back from Pittsburgh Vintage and we'll be at NJMP in about a month and then The Glen after that. Gets an honest 16 MPG (with a/c on most of the time ). I towed my "new" Austin A35 back from central Ontario (to NJ) with this setup earlier this year. 23 hours non-stop except for fuel. Through a lake-effect snow storm both ways.It was rock-solid the entire way.

Plus it can be used as a "normal" vehicle when not towing. I am noticing more and more mini-vans used for towing at our vintage events. I've seen two Odys used for towing.

aeronca65t wrote: Plus it can be used as a "normal" vehicle when not towing

Why tow with a trailer? You can get really nice tow dollies which would cut down on a lot of your weight, plus it doesn't really put any wear on the car to tow it. If worried about tires, have some crappy spares to throw on.

This suggestion isn't necessarily for you (you obviously have your setup figured out) but if that Freestar can tow 3500 pounds, it can basically tow any midsize car or smaller no problem.

you can't back up

HiTempguy wrote:

aeronca65t wrote: Plus it can be used as a "normal" vehicle when not towing

Why tow with a trailer? You can get really nice tow dollies ....... This suggestion isn't necessarily for you (you obviously have your setup figured out) but if that Freestar can tow 3500 pounds, it can basically tow any midsize car or smaller no problem.

You're right and I did think about that.

But this is a race car and it did come back once (in '04) when it would have been "untowable" on a dolly (thanks to wiping out both left wheels after smashing the "blue walls" at the The Glen).

A dolly is a decent choice for towing regular cars and maybe an occasional track day car.

My uncle bought the re-designed oddisy when new, it had that fancy "v-tech" v6 and would put out 200-210 hp or so(don't remember exactly) when you would run high test, as per owners manual.

Should be fun with a blower.

This is my tow rig/parts hauler. Unfortunately It needs oil-drains to be re engineered and I have no motivation for it now. Towing with a rwd full frame vehicle is too easy.

sounds like a lot of work and compromises. hate to be a party pooper.