Edward1

Hi

I am interested in finding out what years the 911 offered the retractable whale tail as standard equipment, and is it still availabe as a dealer item on new models? Are there any benifits to installing one on the newer models that didn't come with one?

Thanks


Edward <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Jay H

Edward:

The 964 series was the first 911 series to offer a retractable rear spoiler as standard equipment. All previous 911 models had fixed spoilers (if so equiped). The 964 series started in 1989 with the C4 and then continued with the C2 in 1990. Most models after the 964 continued with the retractable spoiler. Noteable exceptions included the RS America and Turbo models which had classic fixed rear spoilers. The 993 and current 996 models have retractable spoilers as standard equipment (except the Turbo models).

Porsche's philosophy of having a retractable rear spoiler seemed to be that they wanted to retain the added cooling, lower drag coefficients and high speed stability of a rear spoiler, but keep the classic 911 lines.

There are several Rennlist posters that have retractable spoilers fitted to their older model 911's.

Hope this helps,
Jay
90 964

Martin S.

I have a retractable spoiler on my 993, but not for long. I am replacing it with a 993Rs fixed tail. I like the look, the lines, etc. And as you will see below, the retractable spoiler just does not do the job.

My friend Bib calculated the Stock 993 numbers from the data in Frere's book, the Porsche 911 Story, latest edition. Interesting that my 993 car is not nearly as good aerodynamically as Bib's 964 car. He does have a RS front spoiler, or my former 911SC with the Weissach Tail. The 993RS fixed tail and front splitters, and side skirts will just about take me to where I was with the 80SC Weissach car.

If I want real aerodynamic efficiency, I have to go to the 993RS CS front splitters and wing with an adjustable leading edge. If you crank the wing down to the maximum angle, there is 140 Lbs. of downforce available at top speed...160 mph +.

Bottom line, if you want aerodynamic efficiency, reduction of lift and downforce, the retractable spoiler is not they way to go. If you just don't like fixed tails...retractable becomes an alternative for you.

JackOlsen

Keep in mind that if you're putting a lid with retractable spoiler on an earlier car, the donor must come from a 964, not a 993 or 996. The decklid shape changed with the 993, and there is no reasonable way to only add the spoiler to a decklid that's not fitted for it.

H. D. Smith

So the 964 deck lid will fit the 75-88 911's? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

JackOlsen

Yup.

H. D. Smith

looks like I am now in search of a 964 lid...thanks for the reply Jack, and Black Beauty looks great both street & raced out with decals.

Goat

Don't forget that you'll have to lose the air conditioning (if you still have it) in order to fit the retractable tail. The condensor won't fit.

H. D. Smith

I did that when I started the weight reductions...so I am on the right track.

Thanks. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> ON THAT NOTE: Anyone know of a donor lid out there?