Anyone have the Corksport License Plate Kit?

[ScorpioGTX1]

I don't have a front license plate, but I am toying with the idea of getting the CS offset plate kit so I can affix a JDM plate (see photochop in first pic below) because I am a shameless JDM fanboi (see second pic below). I dunno, maybe it's a retarded idea, but I kind of like the look.

Anyway, what I'm concerned about is if the Lexan plate that the license plate attaches to will come into contact with the bumper at speed due to air resistance. Maybe it's stiff enough not to, but I just want to make sure first. Anyone have experience on this?

 

[utmorpheus]

After many, MANY years of using Lexan and Acrylic for computer case modding I was kind of taken aback by CS's use of it on a front licence plate frame. It was far too brittle of a material to begin with, and I can't imagine UV and heat cycles treating it very well. I actually took my car to a local welder and had them cut the front factory tow hook and weld a steel plate on it. Then I drilled the holes myself and mounted my front number plate. Cost me $50 and I know that(after some red thread locker) there is virtually zero chance that plate is going anywhere.

 

[magnumP5]

I think it's a pretty dumb fad. Just like VW's/BMW's/MB's and Euro plates. Then again this is my opinion and you what they say about those...

 

[utmorpheus]

I think it's a pretty dumb fad. Just like VW's/BMW's/MB's and Euro plates. Then again this is my opinion and you what they say about those...

It's no so much of a fad like the Euro plates, it's more getting the plate out of the way of the air path to the radiator. Removing the plate on my car drops the engine temp in AutoX runs by almost 10*C.

 

[BigBlueDart]

I'm considering mounting a couple of lights in the front license plate spot at some point. In Alabama they don't require front license plates, but if I ever do the lights and end up moving somewhere where a front plate is required I just might have to rig something up.

 

[magnumP5]

It's no so much of a fad like the Euro plates, it's more getting the plate out of the way of the air path to the radiator. Removing the plate on my car drops the engine temp in AutoX runs by almost 10*C.

He asked for opinions on getting the CS relocation bracket and running either a real or fake plate from Japan in the front as has become popular with the "JDM" trend. It is exactly the same as someone with a VW running a real/fake EU plate...

That being said I don't see the need for the bracket anyway. If your plate is causing issues while tracking/autocrossing take it off. It takes <1 min. to remove/install the front plate so take it off when you get to the course and put it back on before you leave. $100 saved. The relocation bracket looks like the plate would block the foglight on the Touring model anyway...

 

[716-mazda2]

I've had it on my car for a while now and it doesn't look like it has come into contact with my bumper. I even ran over a big pile of snow with it at a slow speed and it was just fine. It also doesn't block the fog on touring models.

 

[genericmoniker]

Not that the fogs do much for visibility anyways......

Run down to a fastener shop, try to find a bolt the same thread, cut it down, and either tap a hole or weld a bar to it. Probably cheaper, though much more ghetto.

 

[ScorpioGTX1]

I've had it on my car for a while now and it doesn't look like it has come into contact with my bumper. I even ran over a big pile of snow with it at a slow speed and it was just fine. It also doesn't block the fog on touring models.

Thanks!

Not that the fogs do much for visibility anyways......

Hah, I was just going to say that our fogs are pretty much useless anyway for increasing road lighting. I keep them on anyway to increase visibility to other drivers though, more lights on is always a good thing.

 

[utmorpheus]

Hah, I was just going to say that our fogs are pretty much useless anyway for increasing road lighting. I keep them on anyway to increase visibility to other drivers though, more lights on is always a good thing.

No it does not. In most conditions they create additional glare. Please read this article, and shut off your fog lights.

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/lights/fog_lamps/fog_lamps.html

 

[BigBlueDart]

I've got some relatively weak LED's in my fog lights. Kinda thinking that I'll just wire them to be DRL's at some point. I may also wire up some LED driving lights in the front bumper to the fog switch. Kinda makes more sense, I think.

 

[magnumP5]

No it does not. In most conditions they create additional glare. Please read this article, and shut off your fog lights.

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/lights/fmps/fog_lamps.html

Not trying to start anything but that site seems less than credible. The "tests" referenced have no quantifiable results although they do conclude visibility is better with both fogs and low beams on. Everything else is hearsay.

I actually think the 2's fogs are pretty good for OEM lights. Much better than my old Protege's. I have them on whenever I'm driving in the dark.