jcnesq

I just replaced my original and very trashed front spoiler lip. And within two weeks, the new one is starting to get scruffed up even with the extra care I am trying to take.

Anyone know of any better ideas to the stock spoiler? Or is this just a maintenance part to be replaced with oil changes?

gxcross

I'm curious about this also.. doing the same thing - replacing every oil change. There's gotta be a better alternative.

richk

27k miles on my TTcab and I am on my 5th spoiler lip.

bonehead

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, I don't think you'll find one less expensive than the OEM part.

jcnesq

No, not cheaper, just an alternative that might last longer. Maybe an aftermarket one that is smaller?

avader906

The spoiler lip is listed as "disposable" part by porsche. In the case of 997 tt its actually costs a lot - or more expensive than other 997 models. It is a 5min job to replace the lip on condition that the bumper is not damaged.

I am not aware of any porsche or aftermarket part that would increase the clearence on front axle for 997tt. 997tt has lift on front axle 120mph+ and aftermarket products are designed to make it safer at high speeds by actually decreasing the front clearence. You can google "splitter" "spoiler lip" etc to get a feel for what aero problems occur at high speeds.

I think many (on non-lowered cars) use carefull driving approach taking into account the long overhang the car has on front. Things like taking speed bumps at low speed (5mph<) and at 45degrees, being carefull when parking noting the overhang ad curbs. Personally, if the lip is not painted, scratches are not that visible (black pu). People with lowered cars would usually go for a lift kit (either just front or front/rear).

The lip is there to add downforce, or in case of 997tt oem to limit the lift on front axle. There are mainly 2 alternatives available: carbon fiber look at me parts (expensive) and less expensive pu - designed to provide better downforce. 997 tt front bumper is different from gt3/cup and doesnt have the same attachment points (gt3 motorsport/cup lips are the cheapest). So this leaves one with either oem, oem aerokit lip or pu parts like from cargraphic. The last 2 decrease the clearence.

Eric - Plug Guy

I keep two in rotation. My guys did the lowers when I took delivery (we had to mix a special formula anyway to get the lowers exactly right - I'm Mr. ****). So we painted two lips at the same time. About every 18 months I'll swap lips. If the one coming off is repairable and not too bad - we'll fix, sand, repaint and let it rest in the warehouse a year until the next time.

The only other option I considered was a lowering and lift kit. Wanted to drop the car an inch or two, but knowing how it scrapes as is, that's not an option for now. The lift kit was very cool, but for the suspension, lift kit and labor, the comparo to the replacement lips is an easy one.

Cowhorn

I have been using with great success the PASM in "sport" mode when going over speed bumps and up/down curbs because it decreases the amount of vertical wheel travel and minimizes the chances for bottoming out or scraping the front lip. Does anyone else do this?

jhbrennan

Yep - reduces rebound and compression of shocks

Terry Adams

At 45K my lip is sorely scraped.

Thought I would try some DIY (not finished yet). Sanded, then brushed with tile scrubber pad, then applied some black shoe die.

Was looking for the rubber renewal stuff, but could not find it.

I am not going too far with this, because in another week it will look just as bad again.

jhbrennan

I ordered a quart of this black tire paint a couple of years ago. It's a concentrate so lasts a long time and seems to work well.

http://www.millertire.com/

Terry Adams

Thanks. Just what I was looking for.

It seems ridiculous to try this DIY stuff, but so is $400 installed for something that will look just as scraped after a few thousand miles.

jason952

what about rhino liner? anyone try that?

Terry Adams

Skipping the DIY ... just gave the dealer the go-ahead for a new lip $350 installed.

45.6K miles, $350, I can live with that, and have better things to do with my time.

WGS

Porsche ought to use the same technology that allows the rear spoiler to raise at a given speed to develop a front lip that raises and lowers at, say, 35 mph. It provides no aerodynamic advantage below that, and it would save a lot of heartache.