Rear Spoilers

[sutty]

I am thinking of ditching the rear spoiler but am wondering if it provides any downforce at all. If it provides any at all, I'll leave it for the sake of track days.

Any engineers out there that actually KNOW if any useable downforce is produced.

(Would rather hear from people that KNOW rather than opinions from those that are just guessing.)

Thanks,

Phil.

[jEtONiT]

I dont think the spoiler does make any difference in downforce..

there was a thread discussing this ages ago, maybe someone can dig it up..

[Adam]

Would rather hear from people that KNOW rather than opinions from those that are just guessing.

Jet, see above.

[ktford]

Having been over certain speeds without my spoiler in the 65,000k's BP has travelled I can vouch for the cars steadiness without the large piece of crap on the bootlid

[God666]

The standard rear spoiler weighs about 2kg and at about 100 kph the downforce provided is still about 2kg.

However, at about 160 kph, it is starting to generate some downforce which would require some wind tunnel testing to assess. At 230 kph, you are going to be getting a decent amount of downforce from it, again, figures would take some work to establish.

Having said that, at 230 kph, it is unlikely you are going to be doing anything other than travelling in a straight line on our mediocre roads (maybe your private road is a bit better than our highways!).

When you get up to 300 kph, the entire shape of your car is going to be an issue with respect to downforce, something that the 2kg piece on the bootlid is not going to compensate for greatly.

So, unless you are exporting your car to the Autobahns of Europe, if you don't like the look of it, take it off.

Just note that the Audi TT became rather unstable at speeds in excess of 220kph and the addition of that tiny rear spoiler (about 15% the size of the XR6T spoiler) solved most of its problems. Audi fitted these as a safety recall from memory. Fluid dynamics, you gotta love it.

Oh, by the way, being an Engineer, just to let you in on a little secret.... most of the time, we are just guessing. Schitt falls over and breaks on us all the time.....

Edited 02/01/06 06:18 AM by God666

[Cowiesxr6t]

The standard rear spoiler weighs about 2kg and at about 100 kph the downforce provided is still about 2kg.  

However, at about 160 kph, it is starting to generate some downforce which would require some wind tunnel testing to assess.   At 230 kph, you are going to be getting a decent amount of downforce from it, again, figures would take some work to establish.

Having said that, at 230 kph, it is unlikely you are going to be doing anything other than travelling in a straight line on our mediocre roads (maybe your private road is a bit better than our highways!).

When you get up to 300 kph, the entire shape of your car is going to be an issue with respect to downforce, something that the 2kg piece on the bootlid is not going to compensate for greatly.

So, unless you are exporting your car to the Autobahns of Europe, if you don't like the look of it, take it off.

Just note that the Audi TT became rather unstable at speeds in excess of 220kph and the addition of that tiny rear spoiler (about 15% the size of the XR6T spoiler) solved most of its problems.   Audi fitted these as a safety recall from memory.   Fluid dynamics, you gotta love it.

Oh, by the way, being an Engineer, just to let you in on a little secret.... most of the time, we are just guessing.  Schitt falls over and breaks on us all the time.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I took mine off the other day also and carnt tell if its on or off. Sorry yes I can when I look in the rear veiw mirror.....

Cowie

Edited 02/01/06 06:20 AM by Cowiesxr6t

[Paradoxx]

I remember reading something about it a while ago, apart from looks the rear spoiler serves a purpose by cleaning up the airflow at the rear of the car, directing it away from the back of the car and keeping it.. well... cleaner I guess.

As for downforce, already been answered, it is useless!

[Adrian6T]

that's why mine will be going very soon

[T007]

I am thinking of ditching the rear spoiler but am wondering if it provides any downforce at all. If it provides any at all, I'll leave it for the sake of track days.

Any engineers out there that actually KNOW if any useable downforce is produced.

(Would rather hear from people that KNOW rather than opinions from those that are just guessing.)

Thanks,

Phil.

Are you serious

[Adrian6T]

I am thinking of ditching the rear spoiler but am wondering if it provides any downforce at all. If it provides any at all, I'll leave it for the sake of track days.

Any engineers out there that actually KNOW if any useable downforce is produced.

(Would rather hear from people that KNOW rather than opinions from those that are just guessing.)

Thanks,

Phil.

Are you serious

What part of his post are you laughing at. I think his question was very serious and straight to the point.

Whats so funny??

If you have nothing contributing to say then just dont say anything.