Hi, I have a standard 2004 CF and I've always wondered about the spoiler. Does this thing perform a usefull purpose and if so what is it's purpose? It looks to me like it would weigh the rear end at high speeds.
With a car that understeers why would I want to weigh the rear?
I'd be happy to disable it if it's just a bad joke. Please advise.
Vince

 

There have been other discussions here that detailed just how much down force the spoilers create. Since the n/a Crossfires are capable of 150 mph speeds I would think it is for stability at higher speed. If you do all your driving at 80 or under you may have a point.

 

Actually, I think the spoiler is there more to prevent "lift" than for downforce. But yes it does create some downforce.
There are many threads dedicated to this sublect.
Personally, I run with mine down most all the time. Since an audible alarm sounds off at just over 90mph (when ever the spoiler is deactivated) I think that's the speed where it's really neccessary.IMO
I installed a simple on/off stitch so I could decide when it was appropriate for it to go up.

 

Like many have said here before........mine doubles as an ironing board.

 

don't feed the trolls. No ironing boards on my car...just some attractive fiberglass for them to stare at as I go by...

 

LOL. Wanted to say that before 'they' did.

 

There are at least some ripples in our spoilers, so who really has the ironing boards...lol

 

Just for kicks! Put your fingers together and extend your arm out the window while do 70 MPH. Did your arm break? If not,tilt your extended arm and fingers upward then downward. Maybe that will help break your arm. I've just got to think that little pop-up spoiler has got to be giving your car plenty of down force. Squirrel Crusher

 

Yeah it must push the rear down some. It looks like its main function is to spoil the airflowing over the top of the car that lifts the rear. OK, its necessary at high speeds. Question answered. Thanks all.
Vince

 

Since it is called spoilers in the first place, it is intended to spoil the unnecessary or unfavorable movement of the air of your car when moving. This is more useful for sports cars or racing cars. Very useful if you're a racer of some sort.

 

That may be a close to the truth. If a car at 100 mph creates 100 lbs of lift but with the spoiler activated the lift is reduced to 60 lbs you still have some lift. When the designers say the spoiler creates 40 lbs of down force they are not telling a lie, but you still have lift.
I have always wondered where the 40 lbs or whatever comes from anyway. Does it negate all the lift plus some or less than all the lift. Sales figures are not necessarily too truthful.

 

According to Eric Stoddard, the proto design models showed significant lift in wind tunnel tests. The spoiler was required in this car if it was to exceed 120 MPH.

Mine does, so I am sure Mr. Stoddard is likely right.

I have driven mine without the spoiler activated and at about ninety the rear end gets soft. At 115 MPH it gets loose.

However, at 160 MPH it holds like glue with the spoiler deployed.

Whether one believes me or not, Mr Stoddard does have credentials.



roadster with a stick

 

So, if I put a switch in, I can make it stay down without setting off a code or alarm (below 90, that is)?

I remember reading here SOMEWHERE that one of us tried his car (Coupe or Roadster, I can't reemmber) with the spoiler down all the time and he picked up 1 or 2 mpg. At $4 a gallon, that's almost worth the effort of a switch, if true on a Roadster.

 

Well, the designers have it coming up at 62 or so MPH for a reason I guess. I do not drive fast at any rate so I consider the spoiler all for looks for me. I usually push the button and have it deployed (I love that word) all the time.

As for gas mileage? If 2MPG is all it takes for this old man to look cool, than money well spent.

 

Here ya go Pizzaguy.
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...e-vs-wing.html

 

all vehicles create lift some are more aerodynamically engineered better than others. it will create lift bc of the air going underneath the chasis its purpose is to create downforce on the wheel drive to help apply pressure to stabilize the tires to apply pressure to the road . the weight of the engine and the person(s) in the front minimizes the lift at high speeds if the car was going over 155 and didnt have a spoiler the car could possibly lift into the air due to a lack of unbalanced pressure between the two wheels because the wheels are in contact with the ground

 

hence the air underneath is always going to be at a higher pressure than the air going over any moving object according to newtons second law

 

take it from me im a pilot

 

uh it actually wares the rear tires out at a faster rate bc more pressure is being applied but you do get a better grip on the road im sure the mpg is minimal depends on how many miles you go if your on the highway u may save a few gallons because the pressure is offset on the tires thats the only reason y i turn my traction control off to save tire tread

 

all vehicles create lift some are more aerodynamically engineered better than others. it will create lift bc of the air going underneath the chasis its purpose is to create downforce on the wheel drive to help apply pressure to stabilize the tires to apply pressure to the road . the weight of the engine and the person(s) in the front minimizes the lift at high speeds if the car was going over 155 and didnt have a spoiler the car could possibly lift into the air due to a lack of unbalanced pressure between the two wheels because the wheels are in contact with the ground