License plate mounting options (update: photos added)

[Sport-Tech]

Ordering the FR-S today the dealer offered the option of tie-mounting the front plate to the center of the wire grill instead of going with the usual drilled-hole bumper mount. I think aesthetically it might look better, but have some concerns about airflow disruption to the rad. Anyone with relevant knowledge care to comment? See photos in post 11 below.

[Calum]

There's at least one thread about using the front tow hook mount location. I've never done it myself, but it seems like a good option, probably better function and form to.

[Sasquachulator]

oh yeah you guys need front plates

[titusdrake]

im not mounting it on front. period...if i get pulled over i will just put it up in windshield

[silverf4turbo]

^ I would do some research and find out if that is also a ticketable offense first lol

[titusdrake]

Originally Posted by silverf4turbo

^ I would do some research and find out if that is also a ticketable offense first lol

i "CAN" get a fix-it ticket..25 bucks..but my friend has been driving his 2012 mustang without the front plate for 6 months now..cops in area don't seem to care..friends dad has a vette without front plate for like 2 years..nvr been pulled over..so i should be fine..i am NOT letting them drill holes into a First86 FR-S..

[silverf4turbo]

(not espousing what the law is) but I have been driving around with no front plates for a while and some places enforce, some places don't, some places it's legal, some places it's not – def good to get a sense of what your jurisdiction is like. I've heard of people saying that the windshield trick doesn't work, but maybe varies depending where you are

Personally I got tired of the tickets since I park on the street a lot so now I'm rocking a front plate with a tilty BYS bracket that sends air to the radiator:



But so much cleaner with no front plate arghhh

[NESW20]

my state doesn't require front plates.

[sbxjap]

Originally Posted by NESW20

my state doesn't require front plates.

Neither does mine



But I'm buying from a state that does.... Will be hell to pay if they drill holes.... Bet it's gonna be first time they see an Asian dude Spartan kick a new demo car in their showroom....

[Sport-Tech]

Thanks for hijacking the thread folks, I knew the "we don't need front plates!" brigade was sure to show up, and here they are on cue, but can anyone actually answer my question?

The tow hook option giving off-centre placement is IMO gag-inducing.

[Sport-Tech]

WingsofWar did an amazing chop with the lowered plate, looks much better. See original, then chop below it. Finally I have a BRZ shot with plate: it appears the BRZ has a smaller overall air opening for the rad at front, so the FR-S with the repositioned plate will give about the same open frontage, meaning there should be absolutely no overheating issues!

[trackmagic]

I think you would be surprised how little air opening a car actually needs to stay cool. This looks good and I will try it on mine. If I notice the water temp getting warm then I will change it. Test it... On a hot day drive with the plate off for 20 mins and note the water temp. Then put your plate on and see if it changes if you drive the same route. If you notice any change I would not risk it, but I bet you won't. If somebody does not do this first I will and post the results. Note the ambient temp and humidity. Your local elevation, how you drove it and anything else that might be relavent

[Saibot]

Personally I don't see an issue with air flow. I doubt the license plate will be a big issue.

[Sport-Tech]

Originally Posted by trackmagic

If somebody does not do this first I will and post the results.

That would be really appreciated, thanks. I most likely won't be getting mine until July/August so you may have a chance to do this first.