When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi,
I have a 996 C4 and I am thinking about purchasing one of these (https://www.ebay.com/itm/324645816792?ul_noapp=true) but I can't find any data on how this may impact the aerodynamics of the car.
Anyone has fitted one to their car? How is the car behaving?
Most instances aftermarket wings which have not been fully tested and are designed more for aesthetics. These do very little to reduce lift, increase downforce and would simply just add drag and "enhance" the vehicle look.
Ultimately unless on you're on a track or at high speed you may see very little change in terms of behavior. There may not be enough speed to tell if the wing is functional or turbulence it crates is a problem.
Dr. Robert White's article in the Nov '77 issue P mag.
@997ajk
Thank you very much for the input. Yes, that was my concern: the fact that they are more designed for looks than efficiency. I asked the seller for some data from testing but he didn't have anything which leads me to believe that no testing was done.
Thank you very much for the input. Yes, that was my concern: the fact that they are more designed for looks than efficiency. I asked the seller for some data from testing but he didn't have anything which leads me to believe that no testing was done.
But having said that...
2011 Sport Classic 911 had a ducktail from factory, for most part 996 and 997 body, suspension pieces have only some minor front and rear end differences.
Shape/roof design is the same, so if it's a copy it maybe functional and provide benefits of factory designed piece.
Check out the thread "Chunks Slow Build". He ordered a carbon fiber RPM Technik (UK) Duck Tail. Light and well designed by RPM. 2 years ago when I talked to them, they had not yet tested it for aero but we're planning on it. Sibley from 911 magazine did a YouTube video on it as he was reconditioning his Gen 1 996.
I asked the seller for some data from testing but he didn't have anything which leads me to believe that no testing was done.
There's a local company here in San Diego that supposedly is the manufacturer of the ducktail. You could try contacting them even though I also doubt there was any testing done.
I ordered a vented Evo model from RPM Technik. As far as performance is concerned, they race prep cars and some CSRs have been tracked. This is what I’m hoping to emulate.
Thank goodness we don’t own a C4s! I get you, the premium for a the carbon was worth it to me since I’m not going to paint it.
Not to mention it actually looks good and fits with the lines of the car, plus provides substantial weight savings versus stock lid and fiberglass alternatives.
Hi, thank you all for the links.
I think I need to provide a bit more info. I intend to track the car for mild racing: driver ed and autoX. Last time I was on the track we were doing close to 120 mph on the straight so I am looking for a ducktail (not a wing) that is efficient at fairly high speeds, not just decorative. Since my car is also for road use it needs to pass requirements for PA inspection. The RPM Technik being ridiculously expensive (add cost of painting) I am looking at the Better Bodies option but it looks like it doesn't have the third brake light insert and this is likely to fail inspection. Or it is not designed to meet the specs of the original ductail (being lower to allow view of the third brake light) and then is probably inefficient. Your thoughts?
Hi, thank you all for the links.
I think I need to provide a bit more info. I intend to track the car for mild racing: driver ed and autoX. Last time I was on the track we were doing close to 120 mph on the straight so I am looking for a ducktail (not a wing) that is efficient at fairly high speeds, not just decorative. Since my car is also for road use it needs to pass requirements for PA inspection. The RPM Technik being ridiculously expensive (add cost of painting) I am looking at the Better Bodies option but it looks like it doesn't have the third brake light insert and this is likely to fail inspection. Or it is not designed to meet the specs of the original ductail (being lower to allow view of the third brake light) and then is probably inefficient. Your thoughts?
if you are going to track the car, only put something on your car that has been tested and built for the track. We all want to save money but dont do it unless it's proven. The vast majority of Porsche owners don't track there car so any run of the mill bolt on may be just fine. But tracking it is different.
Don't forget, you also need to balance out the front end depending on what you do with the back end.
I have been tracking my 02 996 since 2004. I have spent my money on other things than aero to go faster and prevent my engine from blowing. Depending on your budget, you gotta ask your self a couple of simple questions.
1. Do I want to track the car and properly set it up for safety, durability and speed, or
2. Do you want it to look pretty.
If you have the money to do both, great. If not, safety and durability first.
I am looking at the Better Bodies option but it looks like it doesn't have the third brake light insert and this is likely to fail inspection. Or it is not designed to meet the specs of the original ductail (being lower to allow view of the third brake light) and then is probably inefficient. Your thoughts?
That’s an interesting thought and didn’t cross my mind because we don’t have inspections in FL. The 3rd brake light is no longer an option on the RPM unit, if you get the BB model... you could probably pay to get a regular LED strip to be modded in.
Yes. You are right. No questions: my priority is safety and reliability. My car is not a garage queen but I maintain it the best I can and fix everything than isn't working as it should even if it's not an inspection requirement. Good advice. I will save my $ for a set of Konis. The PO lowered the car on Eibach sport springs but kept the stock suspensions and at 96000 miles it's time to upgrade.
Thank you everyone for the good advice and help!
06-02-2021, 11:23 AM
Duck Tail Spoiler for 996
