Do these cheap trackday towing eyes fit Porsches?

[Johnny G Pipe]

Hi, searching the net for an answer to no avail..

These look good value
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Parts-Trailer-Hook-E...

and at 18mm diameter looks the same as the OEM towing eyes I use for my 964 and 996. I'm not sure if this is exact though, and also not sure if the thread pitch will be correct. I know my BMW towing eye also fits my Porsches, so am guessing there is a chance it is standard for euro or at least german motors..

Anyone any experience before I blow seven whole pounds on one?

[Schermerhorn]

I would imagine any VAG car has a compatible towing eye.

[Richair]

For that price I'm going to order one and see!..

[theredbaron]

i have one ! dont do it ! lightweight alloy, think it will break if used.

[PorscheGT4]

oem one works, I don't see why people buy these !

[majordad]

PorscheGT4 said:

oem one works, I don't see why people buy these !

Because the hole is bigger, or looks bigger. In certain Race Classes and certain Tracks it's a requirement to have a bigger hole.

[Johnny G Pipe]

Just looking at these as I need a towing eye as I lost mine, and it is cheaper, lighter, more compact and a bit cooler looking for the occasional trackday.

I know they are just ali c/w the heavy duty OEM bad boys, but surely they are pretty much the same as the ones porscheshop had in for 50 quid..?

[Johnny G Pipe]

theredbaron said:

i have one ! dont do it ! lightweight alloy, think it will break if used.

Does it fit your Porsche then?

[Richair]

I ordered one earlier so will report back when it turns up.

[theredbaron]

yes it fits fine. although the lock nut butts against the bumper.

Johnny G Pipe said:

Does it fit your Porsche then?

[Johnny G Pipe]

Richair, did you get the towing eye mate?

Cheers

[Richair]

Sorry I've been meaning to report back, but it's been a busy week after starting a new job...

It turned up and it's actually quite well made: the main bolt is turned steel, as are the fasteners and the rest is cnc alu. The only thing is it turns up loosely assembled so you just have to spend ten minutes with some loctite to make sure everything is tight. Overall I'm very impressed (I'm an engineer btw) and will probably order another for the rear.

I'll caveat this by saying I've not test fitted it yet, but will pop by the lock up later today and will come back with a photo ;-)

[Geoff997]

I got one which is also described as universal but arrived with smaller thread size than that used by Porsche. It actually fits a BMW.

[Richair]

Having visited my lockup yesterday I can confirm that as per Geoff's message above, Porsche do use a larger brand specific tow eye thread (m19 x 3mm I think) so it doesn't fit. However I thinking of having a new steel adaptor turned to fit as this will still cost a lot less than buying a Rennline or similar Porsche specific tow eye (I should be able to do both ends for under £50 I reckon). So it's only worth doing if you need them for racing I guess.

Photos: