Too many Spoilers
Discussion
So 'civilian'spoilers then.Groovy aero-downforce generating tool-that help keep your rear end stuck down.OR over-designed tat that has very little to do with aerodynamics?
Many manufacturers are sticking a spoiler on their cars in the hope of giving a sporty look.I'm a fan of function over form & looking around at many brands/designs(after-market ones too) I see that the majority dont have any aerodynamic shape & are positioned/angled in such a way as to avoid any useful air flow at all.What are these ppl thinking?
Many manufacturers are sticking a spoiler on their cars in the hope of giving a sporty look.I'm a fan of function over form & looking around at many brands/designs(after-market ones too) I see that the majority dont have any aerodynamic shape & are positioned/angled in such a way as to avoid any useful air flow at all.What are these ppl thinking?
The spoiler on the back of my FD doesn't provide any noticable downforce but is really useful for opening and closeing the boot lid. It would probably help fuel efficienct when cruising.
If I wanted a car for track day use unly then a big feck off GT wing would be useful. Plus rear diffuser and front canards. Low speed grip would be mechanical but at high speed stability would be nice!
Not a fan of big spoilers on most cars but some suit it well.
If I wanted a car for track day use unly then a big feck off GT wing would be useful. Plus rear diffuser and front canards. Low speed grip would be mechanical but at high speed stability would be nice!
Not a fan of big spoilers on most cars but some suit it well.
tuttle said:
Lovely colour Ian,I love those rear lights on Rexs.That spoiler is quite tasteful too.
It's Violet Pearl so I'm told! Piccys don't do it justice as it goes from a real nice blue to violet under the right lighting with a decent level of metallic sparkle. Under artificial lights it's really stunning. Unfortunately it's not as good apaint job as it looks from a distance - poor prep meaning bad finish in parts (as is usual for jap resprays).
The rear lights are standard post '96 lights (round lenses as opposed to square), as is the spoiler.
tuttle said:
Those guys in background could do with eating a good meal
It's allegedly art! That piccy was taken by the importer (Ben Linney) at his place - well his parents I guess but it's nice out there in deepest hertfordshire!
I'll probably get it resprayed next year (once I've got the mechanical side where I'm happy with it) and go for something with a little more flip in it (ala tvr type) but maybe with a gold fleck rather than normal metallic fleck... Probably cost a bloody bomb to do though!
Iain
I think it just comes down to personal taste. When I got my WRX, I hated the standard low spoiler and I knew it would have to be changed. Some cars suit them and some don't.
I do know what you mean about some spoilers though - they are awful. The horrible little one they fit to the BMW 330 Sport is a prime example - tacky rubbish. Mind you I always feel hypocritical when criticising spoilers as my car has a bloody great huge one on the back
I do know what you mean about some spoilers though - they are awful. The horrible little one they fit to the BMW 330 Sport is a prime example - tacky rubbish. Mind you I always feel hypocritical when criticising spoilers as my car has a bloody great huge one on the back
The spoiler on the P1 is very similar. Apparently it does provide real downforce, but I guess it's limited.
My dad is/was an aero dynamicist (retired), and when I was last visiting he suggested that the distance from the bodywork does need to be large to achieve any real effect. He also commented that it was a shame that the car was so clean otheriwse he could have seen where the airflow separated from the spoiler.
As with all scoobies, the airflow is wrecked by the bonnet scoop.
My dad is/was an aero dynamicist (retired), and when I was last visiting he suggested that the distance from the bodywork does need to be large to achieve any real effect. He also commented that it was a shame that the car was so clean otheriwse he could have seen where the airflow separated from the spoiler.
As with all scoobies, the airflow is wrecked by the bonnet scoop.
smifffy said:
My dad is/was an aero dynamicist (retired), and when I was last visiting he suggested that the distance from the bodywork does need to be large to achieve any real effect. He also commented that it was a shame that the car was so clean otheriwse he could have seen where the airflow separated from the spoiler.
Yes that 'distance from the car body' made me think.You remember the spoilers on early 1970's F1 cars? They were attached on long (at least a meter!) stilts.So long,in fact,that there was quite a bit of lateral movement under heavy cornering.I'll try to dig up a pic.
tuttle said:
Lovely colour Ian,I love those rear lights on Rexs.That spoiler is quite tasteful too.
Those guys in background could do with eating a good meal
Having seen Ians car in the metal I can confirm that the colour is very eye-catching!
I've considered getting a boot spoiler on my car, they are quite small and subtle. The curvy boot is one of my favourite parts of the car though, so I'm still undecided.
No real benefit aerodynamically except perhaps at 100mph+. 
>> Edited by Neil_H on Wednesday 15th September 13:38
The '99 spec FD spoiler is similar to the ones on the scoobs. It's adjustable and (apparently) makes about 5mph difference to top speed between max and min attack so that style will provide some drag and maybe downforce.
Maybe one of the main reasons the spoiler needs to be up quite high to be effective is that it needs to be in 'clean' air to work as an effective airfoil?
Iain
Maybe one of the main reasons the spoiler needs to be up quite high to be effective is that it needs to be in 'clean' air to work as an effective airfoil?
Iain
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