Well, the roof rack worked well on the '03, but I'm interested in switching to a hitch mount rack for the STi. I've read some posts on IWSTI and people are installing hitches with little to no problem. Some things I'm worried about is cutting, removing or otherwise modifying the air diffuser in the rear, exhaust clearance, and aesthetics (I don't want a big 'ole trailer hitch hanging out the back when the rack isn't on :hs. Anyone on here running a hitch setup on an STi and can provide some insight? Thanks all!
http://www.izoomgraphics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=32 Thats the Da'Lan and the Drawtite should fit also. It says that it is made for the 06 year. I am not sure many people have a hitch on the new 06. I am running a hitch on my 03 WRX, and there was no cutting or anything, but I am not sure about the diffuser.
The hitch that I have is the Drawtite. It doesn't work the best if you have a big can exhaust. I have played around a lot with different types of exhaust hangers to get it to fit right. The Da'Lan looks like it would be better for a can, because it looks like it has a larger clearance for the exhaust, but I have heard that it sits lower on the bumper. You can barely see the hitch though in the pictures, besides the small receiver. I can't imagine the air diffuser being really important unless you are doing lots of trackdays or maintain really high speeds. You can always sell it to fund your hitch.
Thanks for the pics guys! This has been helpful. I hear good thing about the da'lan. Will post up once I decide on something. [update] Got a PM from a guy on IWSTI...posted pictures in http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1067985 of the Da'Lan hitch on a 06 STi. He had to do some cutting of the diffuser as well as removing the diffuser's metal mounting plate. It looks like he used wire tires to hold the diffuser back on?!?!? Hmm...no likey. There has to be a cleaner way to install. [/update]
That doesnt look to bad man. YOu could probably figure a way to tap a small bolt thru the hit itself. Specially since your mainly using it to haul bikes. Probably figure out some way to clean up that install. Buy the hitch and get it over with Looks like he used the wires / zip ties to hold it on until he can tap into the hitch itself to put a bolt thru.
why not just take the diffuser off and sale it?? Help recoup some of the price for buying the hitch to begin with.
Certainly an option...I'm still trying to figure out if it's "functional"...if it's truely for higher, race track speeds, I won't see the benefit. Keith and I looked at it last weekend and it's a piece of plastic...how much is it really doing?
I'm sure it's doing something. I would like to think that they're not going to waste their money sticking something on there that really isn't needed. i.e. no radio's in the 04's (for weight savings?? -- I mean come on, the radio is like 5 lbs. at most)
A little cutting is never bad if you have the right tools and are knowledgable enough to measure. I got a diff plate to fit with a cutting torch and some measuring. A 6-disc in dash changer is pretty heavy (closer to 20lbs.). About only putting things on that are really needed, what about the wing? There is much debate about that, and I know of many people that have removed it and still race track days. I think it is just rally inspired.
I agree about the wing. I considered the one that came with my car useless. All it did was bounce around in the wind and block my rear-view. No wing for me... Only thing I consider it useful for is model identity. **I know it's supposed to work over 100 mph** --which is probably the same speed the diffuser starts working.
Dalan makes super nice hitches, I have a buddy that owns a bike shop that has an awesome connection and he said that he would be happy to hook up forum members. Boneshaker Bicycles Ask For Randy 770-222-2663 Tell him Matt Ball told you to call
Awesome Matt, thanks for the contact. And he's local! About 11 miles from the house. I'll give them a shout. Thanks.
No problem, Randys a good guy, he owns a supercharged Miata, I'm working on bringing him to the darkside
Matt, thanks again for the contact...I just got off the phone with Randy. He's going to find some prices and get back to me! See, Keith, I'm working harder.
Da'an Hitch is on it's way. Ordered from iZoom Graphics...should be here within a week. I will post up pics after it's installed. Up next...the bike rack! (after I sell the old one)
You are running stock exhaust right? I know BelvinAWD said he had fitment issues with his aftermarket can exhaust. I would definitely be ready with some 19gauge wire or some different sized exhaust hangers if its aftermarket.
Stock exhaust...a few guys on IWSTI are running this (some with stock and some aftermarket). Yes, aftermarket will require extra long hangers, but stock should be all good. :wiggle:
Ha ha, true! I haven't tried (and don't plan) on trying to squeeze it the STi and I desperately need a tune-up. I'm tempted to ride it to the bike store at this point. I am reminded of the WRX-days before the roof rack, when I packed it into the back seat...argh...not fun!