LIVEFRMNYC
macrumors G3
Spoilers can be useful.
Spoiler - Opinions?
- Thread starter Squilly
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Grey Beard
macrumors 65816
prostuff1
macrumors 65816
As SandboxGeneral pointed out, spoilers do have a functional purpose when designed that way. F1 racing cars at high speed create enough down force to keep them stuck to a ceiling when driving (http://www.discovery.ca/article.aspx?aid=13512)
Granted, spoilers on normal every day driving cars will not produce that much down force but the principle still holds.
Squilly
macrumors 68020
But aren't those usually raised, not integrated with the trunk like mine?
Shrink
macrumors G3
Real spoilers come n many different forms, depending on the car, and the aerodynamic need for downforce. Some are raised, some are integrated into the body work, and so on.
There are front end spoilers (called "chin spoilers"), and back end spoilers.
What you are looking at, however, is a cosmetic, hey-I'm-cool, most likely useless, bolt on.
If you want to know more about real spoilers, I suggest that you do some reading on your own. Your question is about the aesthetic appearance of the bolt-on thingy...not a real, functional, spoiler.
macquariumguy
macrumors 6502a
Like mine?
I think it's important to differentiate between a spoiler, which exists to shape airflow, and a wing which is designed to provide downforce at high speeds.
Squilly
macrumors 68020
Like mine?
I think it's important to differentiate between a spoiler, which exists to shape airflow, and a wing which is designed to provide downforce at high speeds.
I'm pretty sure it was called a wing when I bought it.
thatoneguy82
macrumors 68000
Like mine?
I think it's important to differentiate between a spoiler, which exists to shape airflow, and a wing which is designed to provide downforce at high speeds.
Yeah, like that. It almost doesn't look like an "add-on" because of its integration with the rear/trunk, especially since it seems to include some sort of tail light/brake light as well.
imaketouchtheme
macrumors 65816
imaketouchtheme
macrumors 65816
I did that as well and noticed there weren't a ton of links so I wasn't sure. The reason I asked is that car is owned by someone who lives in my town (it's not a big town) and thought that was bizarre to see on here.
S.B.G
Moderator emeritus
I just did a Google image search and found it that way. I typed in "ugly rear spoiler" or something like that.
Just adding another data point. Porsche factory installed spoilers are the retractable lip version... not a fin. I know this is month too late... but I it's an excuse to post a photo of a Porsche.
You can bet money that the Porsche version has been wind tunnel tested. Note that normally it is retracted and flush with the rear lid... and that it raises only when a certain speed is reached - when it actually does something functionally.
ps For really ugly spoilers Google 'Porsche Whale Tail'
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D.T.
macrumors G4
I kind of dig on it, though Id have to see it from some other angles.
Truth is, even most OEM spoilers (whether implemented as a rear wing, a front air dam, underbody, etc.) usually provide only minor effectiveness at street legal speeds. Most cars arent going to be lapping the Ring, or running the Texas Mile
Something aftermarket might not provide _any_ real aerodynamic results, but is a good way to differentiate your car, especially a high production model like an Altima.
The stock Supra spoiler was fun, great example of the mid-90s Japanese design trend. I opted for an adjustable Stillen rear wing
Truth is, even most OEM spoilers (whether implemented as a rear wing, a front air dam, underbody, etc.) usually provide only minor effectiveness at street legal speeds. Most cars arent going to be lapping the Ring, or running the Texas Mile
Something aftermarket might not provide _any_ real aerodynamic results, but is a good way to differentiate your car, especially a high production model like an Altima.
I needed this thread today - starting the day with a smile on my face.
It looks ok to me. However it's your car and you'll need to live with any mods you do to it.
I had a decent spoiler on one of my cars a few years ago.
The stock Supra spoiler was fun, great example of the mid-90s Japanese design trend. I opted for an adjustable Stillen rear wing
mobilehaathi
macrumors G3
Bump reminds me.... I got it installed. Pics:
What's the point of pictures that don't even show the bloody thing?
Squilly
macrumors 68020
It does. Zoom in.
mobilehaathi
macrumors G3
Come on man, it's like you aren't even trying.
You know, if you are ever on the Canadian west coast... PM me. I'm a professional photographer, and I teach photography as well. Just for a chance to meet you, I'll give you a free afternoon of photo lessons. Includes beer.
ucfgrad93
macrumors Core
Agreed. Those pictures are worthless Squilly.
Squilly
macrumors 68020
mobilehaathi
macrumors G3
You know it is trivial to remove that information, right?
Squilly
macrumors 68020
You can't do much of anything with just that.
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