dixson

I just purchased an 87’ Carrera that has a whale tail as well as the front spoiler. On the front edge on the tail it was raised up about an inch from the deck lid and didn’t look right. I took it off and found out one of the brackets was broken and would be very hard to fix properly. Anyway, the car looks great without the spoiler and I am content without it but my mechanic says the rear spoiler helps the car handle better all around and that it would be best to put one back on. Am I going to notice a significant difference or is it more for looks if I mainly use the car on the weekends to drive through the Texas hill country (winding roads) and take other 100 mile or less trips. I might take it up to 95mph on a short straight stretch from time to time. <img src="http://www.texaslandsales.net/dixson/images/porsche/87%20911.jpg" alt=" - " />

CN

The spoiler has some minor noticable effect above about 75 mph or so. if you don't go much over 90 mph most of the time, it won't really offer you more than looks. If you like the car better without it, keep it that way. If you are going to race or drive fast alot, I'd only consider putting it back on.

Enjoy, Nice wheels (with or without a spoiler)

Fahrvergnuugen

Does the spoiler help shove more fresh air into the engine bay?

RichardL

If you are removing the rear spoiler you should also remove the front one!

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Hi Dixson:

FWIW,......the spoilers on a 911 start working to reduce measureable lift about 60 MPH and their effects are quite noticeable at freeway speeds and above.

IMHO, they are very worthwhile and MUST be used in pairs; front & rear.

One great side effect is that they enhance airflow into the engine compartment and will lower both cylinder head and oil temperatures.

Bryan Moore

My car started out with no aerodynamic devices at all. I went to a couple of DE events in that configuration and thought the car felt very secure at speeds of 90-115 mph. When I added the lip spoiler only, I really didn't notice any difference in behavior on the street (75 mph max). When I added the early ('76?) turbo decklid, however, the difference was noticeable from 65 mph on up. Before the modifications, the car was "nervous" at freeway speeds but now it feels much more stable. Unfortunately, I haven't had it on the track since the changes but even for use on the street, the lip spoiler and tail have been worth the effort for me.

Bill Gregory

As Steve mentioned, they are effective from around 60 mph on up. If you want to read the factory test results, they are contained in Paul Frere's "Porsche 911 Story" book. And, as others mentioned, if you take the back tail off, remove the front rubber valance extension too.

blabla914

Anybody keep track of what the spoilers did for your gas mileage?? Just curious.

Kelly

Bill W.

When I bought my cab a few months ago it did NOT come w/ the rear spoiler (whale tail). However, it does have what I think is the front spoiler (in the 12/95 Parts & Tech Ref. Cat. it shows it as p/n 911.503.055.00).

I gather from these posts that I should remove the front spoiler?

Thanks,
Bill W.

Douglas_T

I would get the Whale tail fixed & put back on...Just as Porsche intended it...

Bill Gregory

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><strong>I gather from these posts that I should remove the front spoiler?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Bill,

Having the front spoiler (rubber valance extension) on without the rear tail causes rear end lift to increase, and contributes to oversteer in higher speed situations. Porsche found in their testing that you really do need a rear spoiler coupled with a front valance, and not one without the other, to receive the benefits. As well, either one without the other creates aerodynanmic problems, which is why the factory never sold one without the other.

CN

I believe that the issue is, if you have a rear spoiler (wing/wale tail), you should have the valence on the front for balance. However, as far as I understand, the opposite scenario is not as important. In other words, I haven't heard that if you have the valence, you should have the wing for balance. This is my "unprofessional" opinion

ked

Dixson, I have an '87, no spoilers (silver, too, but I don't think that effects the aero). I have had it to speeds above your stated limits with no handling or cooling problems. I happen to like the "smooth look" & that's one reason I selected my car. I wonder if more downforce may mask or overcome minor twitchiness that actually resides in the tires or suspension? When everything is spot on, my car feels quite stable. At very high speeds it does begin to feel light, but remains balanced & manageable.

Yet, I agree w/ the advice to "keep it stock", & defer to Steve's expertise (& yes, read Frere's book - a bible of sorts for 911 owners). I would get the car to an expert Porsche body shop & have that bracket examined - a second opinion may be in order.

You made a fine choice - best of luck & enjoy!

Mr Michael B

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Bill Gregory:
<strong> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><strong>I gather from these posts that I should remove the front spoiler?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">...and not one without the other, to receive the benefits. As well, either one without the other creates aerodynamic problems, which is why the factory never sold one without the other.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">WAIT!

My 1983 SC coupe was built & sold BY THE FACTORY with JUST the front rubber lip.

I later added a rear turbo spoiler.

Not arguing, just clarifying.

I had a pal w/ an '87 Carrera coupe that came that way too. And his Father had an SC Targa that also was equipped as such...

Bill Gregory

</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 1983 SC coupe was built & sold BY THE FACTORY with JUST the front rubber lip.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">That's interesting, as that contradicts what Paul Frere, and other big guns, and I want to say the factory too (but I'd have to dig for that reference) have said. How do you know it came only with the front rubber lip from the factory?