Practical: Spoiler Removal

[Guest]

Hello, all

I know the offical line that the front and rear spoilers are effective on a 3,2. What I wonder is whether anyone has actual experience of removing the tea tray from the rear of their 3,2.

In UK conditions, where we rearly drive for long above 95 mph (except, maybe, along the southern M74) do the spoilers really make a difference? I would like to take mine off for looks - I will put it back before I go to Germany again ;-) But what really is the true story about whether it will cause me any trouble in the UK, about stability and engine coolung?

What I am after is reports of acctual experience not theory!

Alistair

 

[Jamie Summers]

This have been discussed several times on this forum - do a serach back through the old posts under ' removing the whale tail'. I've taken my whale tail off and have had no problems to date. Cross-winds are a bit more noticeable at high speed, but otherwise in my experience it's really not worth worrying about. 120mph + on track no problem, 130mph + on the motorway (in Germany honestly Officer) a bit twitchy, but frankly what do you expect !

 

[Guest]

The only point to make - remove the chin spolier as well. Aerodynamically, the Carrera wing was designed to run with the chin spoiler to prevent understeer. With the chin spoiler only, you'll potentially introduce oversteer at speed which you don't really want to do in a 911.

 

[Jamie Summers]

Tony, you're point is a fair one and oft' quoted but I can't remember ever seeing a 3.2 where the chin spoiler has been removed as well as the whale tail (cue flood of pictures / posts). I left mine on and haven't, touch wood, had a problem so far on track or road - I've had a lot of the inherent understeer dialed out as well (wider front wheels / geometry etc.)

 

[Alan_Armstrong]

Alistair, just a quicknote to mention that you will have the mounting holes visible once you
remove the tea tray off the boot lid!

Alan

 

[Richard Pottle]

I removed the rear spoiler on my car and kept the chin spoiler and noticed that the car actually felt more stable at high speeds and less nose light - I would almost recommend it!!!!

 

[Guest]

I can second Jamies comments, having been in his car on track, compared with mine which has both sets of spoilers, we couldnt tell any difference in turn in or understeer really. I was suprised at how firmly planted Jamies car felt.

Unless your a top driver, I doubt you would tell.

 

[Guest]

Just to be different I have removed the whale tail and fitted a duck tail ! I left the chin spoiler on and have noticed very little difference even though the ducktail provides less down force etc, etc. This has saved a tremendous amount of weight as well which does make the car feel a little lighter to drive.

Simon

 

[Guest]

a 3.2. with a ducktail - pics please!!!!!

[]

 

[Guest]

It will look like a 74 Carrera (see picture) but without the chrome. Its a look I am thinking about for mine, primarily for the weight loss, but there are a lot of other weight loss areas to consider before I get to the tail. Besides, my wife likes the tail...

RB

 

[Guest]

Here you go folks, some people will hate it some will love it I guess.

Regards

Simon

 

[Guest]

Maybe you should add "Carrera" stripes down the side? Perhaps in silver (like mine []) or maybe matt black - for a real stealth bomber look.

If you had the Fuchs refinished with polished petals it would look outstanding (not that it doesn't already!).

I like it [].

RB

 

[Guest]

I've fitted an entire C2 bootlid with retractable spoiler - best of both worlds, although the downforce of the C2 is nothing compared to the whale tail.

 

[Jamie Summers]

Matt black Carrera stripe, now there's an idea! I wonder whether that would look cool on a black car or really crap ? I'm tempted by a silver one like yours Richard but the idea of matt black really appeals to my "mean but understated looks" programme ! When I get round to putting some sport Bilsteins on I'll drop the car down a tad which will add to the look. I might even go for some drug dealer tinted windows (probably a bit OTT though !)

 

[Guest]

I've found that driving with the fuel filler cap open helps make LH turns easier!!!!!!!![]

 

[Guest]

What does the matt black decal look like? I am guessing pretty good. Below is the reverse with the whole car matt black and just the decal shiney black.

 

[Guest]

Here's an interesting discussion on the various deckilid options. I like the ducktail and 964 options best.

 

[Guest]

Richard,

I agree re the polished "petals" I have been quoted approx £1K to have them re anodized !! Too expensive for me. I have some 8" to fit to the back sometime when the tyres are done.

Not sure about the script - but will be losing the sill trims, heavy mirrors, and bumpers once I have finished fitting wind up windows simpler heater controls and lighter seats.

Anyone know where to get a plastic front end like the one illustrated in your picture but for standard wings ? www.gt-racing.com do one but they are in the states ?

Regards

Simon

 

[Guest]

I agree re the polished "petals" I have been quoted approx £1K to have them re anodized !!

Centre sections are painted not anodized, so I don't understand this.

On my old 1972, I used paint stripper to take all the black off then I sanded with progressively finer grades to 2000 grit then autosol polish. Finally I masked the petals and had a bodyshop spray them. Got lots of compliments although they were never that good IMO. I could do better now. It is not a huge amount of work.

RB

 

[Guest]

A couple of years ago I decided to repaint my Fuchs myself.
This took approx. 3 hours per wheel, what with the jacking up, removal, masking (around the curve, easy on 8", harder on 7"), using Hammerite satin black spray paint (I was told that they started out satin finish), etc. I didn't do a wonderful job (not too much rubbing down etc., but they were pretty sound to start with), but the occassional touch up of stone chips still keeps them looking good.