Are Whale Tails (Spoilers) effective for street driving?
#16
Three Wheelin'
I, too, have always understood that the factory would supply the spoilers only as a package.
It is very important that the front spoiler be paired with the rear. The front spoiler alone reduces front axle lift at speed, but without a rear tail, rear lift is NOT reduced -- you get BIG oversteer in high speed corners because there is much more lift on the rear axle than the front. 95bmph is more than enough for the spoilers to make themselves known. Also, the spoilers reduce sensitivity to cross-winds and this is quite noticeable even at 60 mph.
Although you may never go this fast, Frere's book says that at 152 mph, a 911 without spoilers generates total front and rear lift of 397 lbs. With the spoilers, the total lift is only 38 lbs! Not only does this improve high speed stability and handling, but it also reduces stopping distances and the tendency to aquaplane.
Personally, I like the appearance with and without the spoilers, but there is no question that they work.
It is very important that the front spoiler be paired with the rear. The front spoiler alone reduces front axle lift at speed, but without a rear tail, rear lift is NOT reduced -- you get BIG oversteer in high speed corners because there is much more lift on the rear axle than the front. 95bmph is more than enough for the spoilers to make themselves known. Also, the spoilers reduce sensitivity to cross-winds and this is quite noticeable even at 60 mph.
Although you may never go this fast, Frere's book says that at 152 mph, a 911 without spoilers generates total front and rear lift of 397 lbs. With the spoilers, the total lift is only 38 lbs! Not only does this improve high speed stability and handling, but it also reduces stopping distances and the tendency to aquaplane.
Personally, I like the appearance with and without the spoilers, but there is no question that they work.
#17
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Bill man,
Your my go to guy, and I luv ya man... So, I will try my best to come up w/ some paperwork on the 'ol SC of mine, or at least the '87 Carrera (I think that guy still has his window sticker).
I hope I can find something concrete for you.
At this point, I will tell you my SC was ordered that way, so it should be on some docs somewhere!
BTW... With the early cars, you could always get the "S" front spoiler on any run of the mill "T or E." We all know there were very few rear spoilers to go w/ the front spoiler back then.
Your my go to guy, and I luv ya man... So, I will try my best to come up w/ some paperwork on the 'ol SC of mine, or at least the '87 Carrera (I think that guy still has his window sticker).
I hope I can find something concrete for you.
At this point, I will tell you my SC was ordered that way, so it should be on some docs somewhere!
BTW... With the early cars, you could always get the "S" front spoiler on any run of the mill "T or E." We all know there were very few rear spoilers to go w/ the front spoiler back then.
#18
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I have the spoilers (both front and rear) on my 1988 Carrera as a single factory option. That said, there are endless possibilities for customization upon ordering a Porsche, and I'm sure a few people ordered a front spoiler only.
I would agree, however, that it is advisable to pair them due to the balance issues previously discussed. I am also keen to keeping the car stock, so if it came with one, I'd repair it and leave it on. Additionally, if you decide to sell it, the "whale tail" is worth more to some, especially if it is factory original.
Oh, and one more thing Dixson . . . that's a nice looking car!
-Sean
I would agree, however, that it is advisable to pair them due to the balance issues previously discussed. I am also keen to keeping the car stock, so if it came with one, I'd repair it and leave it on. Additionally, if you decide to sell it, the "whale tail" is worth more to some, especially if it is factory original.
Oh, and one more thing Dixson . . . that's a nice looking car!
-Sean
#19
Intermediate
I have a '88 Commemorative Edition Carrera (AKA Signature Edition) that came with the front spoiler and no rear spoiler. In all of my research I have yet to see one of these with a rear spoiler, but all seem to have the front spoiler from the factory. I regularly take it up to 130+ mph (in a straight line) on our beautiful Interstate 280. Car does get light but not enough to make me back out. It feels more uncomfortable at 65 mph in cross winds without the tail (really does gets pushed around). I do have it lowered below Euro ride height. I'm not sure if this reduces the amount of air under the car (vacume) enough to off-set some of the lift or if it excelerates the air over the car inducing lift. I too prefer the smooth look but I thinking of buying a rear lid w/spoiler so I can change them whenever I want to.
Always trying to have the best of both worlds.
Always trying to have the best of both worlds.
#21
Since mine didn't come (to me) w/ a whale tail to re-install does anyone have a lead on a Guards Red tail that may be available? Where would I be able to procure one (other than pay the dealer's price)?
Suggestions appreciated,
Bill W.
Suggestions appreciated,
Bill W.
#22
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Bill,
There is a red one on ebay right now:
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33638&item=2400044300" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33638&item=2400044300</a>
Good Luck,
Rob
There is a red one on ebay right now:
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33638&item=2400044300" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33638&item=2400044300</a>
Good Luck,
Rob
#23
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><strong>My 86' has just the chin spoiler. How much does adding a factory tail cost? Where do you get one?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Porsche makes a spoiler kit, complete with all hardware, to retrofit the rear wing to the 74-89 911's. Part number 911.512.909.00, for the Carrera tail (which would be proper for your 1986 model). Porsche says that 86-89 cabriolets adding the tail should change their third brake light to number 911.631.072.00. There's also a Turbo tail kit, if you want that number let me know. These numbers, btw, are right out of the Porsche "Parts and Technical Reference Catalog", best $10 you can spend on your 74-89 911.
It also says in bold letters: "For aerodynamic balance, a front spoiler must also be installed"
Cost? Last I looked, list was around $1100, and for that you should try Reeves in Tampa to see what they can do, which should be around 25% off. Sunset in Oregon does cost +15%, which is about the same as Reeves. So, probably around $800 discounted, plus the cost of painting. Or as Rob posted above, you can buy them used too.
Another less expensive option would be to get an MA Shaw fiberglass version (drops right in the grill opening - I used one on my 81SC, good fit) for around $450, but it wouldn't be original.
It also says in bold letters: "For aerodynamic balance, a front spoiler must also be installed"
Cost? Last I looked, list was around $1100, and for that you should try Reeves in Tampa to see what they can do, which should be around 25% off. Sunset in Oregon does cost +15%, which is about the same as Reeves. So, probably around $800 discounted, plus the cost of painting. Or as Rob posted above, you can buy them used too.
Another less expensive option would be to get an MA Shaw fiberglass version (drops right in the grill opening - I used one on my 81SC, good fit) for around $450, but it wouldn't be original.
#24
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I'm in the Porsche camp! Some e-pics of New Xmas presents-to me! Front and REAR Spoilers. More Air, Downforce, IMHO Looks like it's made for the TRACK! Enjoy your choise!
Please take a peek at a few new e-pics of my 964
w/ some of this years Mods. Should completed next week! (After the DYNO pulls!)
<a href="http://www.p-caronline.com/buckdr1" target="_blank">http://www.p-caronline.com/buckdr1</a>
Thanks Bill Gregory/ Dan Jacobs/ Mike Shaw
Bill
Please take a peek at a few new e-pics of my 964
w/ some of this years Mods. Should completed next week! (After the DYNO pulls!)
<a href="http://www.p-caronline.com/buckdr1" target="_blank">http://www.p-caronline.com/buckdr1</a>
Thanks Bill Gregory/ Dan Jacobs/ Mike Shaw
Bill
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Opps! wrong address for new 'tail pics, Bill W. mines from MA Shaw!
<a href="http://www.p-caronline.com/directory/buckdr1" target="_blank">http://www.p-caronline.com/directory/buckdr1</a>
Say, Bill G, does the RUF lip/spoiler you &(I) have the correct effect for the Shaw 'Tail?
Thanks
Bill
<a href="http://www.p-caronline.com/directory/buckdr1" target="_blank">http://www.p-caronline.com/directory/buckdr1</a>
Say, Bill G, does the RUF lip/spoiler you &(I) have the correct effect for the Shaw 'Tail?
Thanks
Bill
#27
You may also check the pelican site, do a search, seems I remember a guy selling a guards red setup not to long ago. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />
#28
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><strong> Say, Bill G, does the RUF lip/spoiler you &(I) have the correct effect for the Shaw 'Tail?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Hey Bill,
Good job on shrinking the avatar!
Actually, some might suggest our 964's don't HAVE to have anything extra on the front end, since the RS/America's didn't. However, Porsche offered a Tequipment set of splitters (still available), and the 964 RS 3.8 and RSR both had splitters. Porsche recognized the need for front end help in it's higher performance 964's.
The rubber meets the road test, however, is that a 964 with a Carrera tail and nothing on the front end, like an RSA, at 145 mph has a light front end. And there's a place or two at Lime Rock where some additional front end help will be appreciated (March seems so far away). In answer to your question, that's a long-winded yes - I expect a good aerodynamic balance with the Ruf valance and Shaw tail.
Good job on shrinking the avatar!
Actually, some might suggest our 964's don't HAVE to have anything extra on the front end, since the RS/America's didn't. However, Porsche offered a Tequipment set of splitters (still available), and the 964 RS 3.8 and RSR both had splitters. Porsche recognized the need for front end help in it's higher performance 964's.
The rubber meets the road test, however, is that a 964 with a Carrera tail and nothing on the front end, like an RSA, at 145 mph has a light front end. And there's a place or two at Lime Rock where some additional front end help will be appreciated (March seems so far away). In answer to your question, that's a long-winded yes - I expect a good aerodynamic balance with the Ruf valance and Shaw tail.
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I didn't, some kind soul(Rennlister) had pity on me. By time I got around to it...it was there!
Thanks again to all. So now I'm still stuck on getting my Rennlist page linked to the pictures in the "site", The P-car site was a snap, but I'm STILL missing ???, but that's another..... Anyway Off-Topic.
Good to hear that it'll help. Can't wait to try it all out.
Bill
Thanks again to all. So now I'm still stuck on getting my Rennlist page linked to the pictures in the "site", The P-car site was a snap, but I'm STILL missing ???, but that's another..... Anyway Off-Topic.
Good to hear that it'll help. Can't wait to try it all out.
Bill