Ever wonder if the STOCK WRX spoiler is really functional?
01-26-2004 | 12:26 PM
#1
Thread Starter
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From: SBAIC-South BayArea Impreza Club-Campbell, CA-Thur
Car Info: 2003 PSM STi
Ever wonder if the STOCK WRX spoiler is really functional?
Well, I HAVE been wondering that, and decided to send SOA an email asking that exact question.....I have the answer here......
My Email to them:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOA's response:
Pretty cool, They responded pretty quickly too....
-Ted
My Email to them:
I was having a discussion with some of my fellow Subaru Enthusiasts, and a question came up in conversation, so I figured this would be a good place to start looking for an answer...the question is about The STOCK WRX wing: I have heard that this wing is actually functional, and was wondering exactly how much downforce it provides, IF this is actually true? Or is it a 'neutral' wing and is only for looks and not actually providing downforce on the rearend? Thanks in advance for your help.
Ted Caple
Subaru Enthusiast
Ted Caple
Subaru Enthusiast
SOA's response:
Dear Mr. Caple:
Thank you for visiting the Subaru Web site and for your interest in Subaru products.
We appreciate the Subaru Enthusiasm of you and your friends. Actually, both of your theories about the WRX rear spoiler are correct. The 'wing', as you call it, is mostly for aesthetic purposes (cosmetic appearance). However, it does function and provide some downforce at highway speeds. I am unable to get statistical data on how much downforce is provided, but keep in mind that this component is designed more for the looks than for function.
I hope this answers your question
Best Wishes,
Natalie ***
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Dealer Services
E-Contact
Thank you for visiting the Subaru Web site and for your interest in Subaru products.
We appreciate the Subaru Enthusiasm of you and your friends. Actually, both of your theories about the WRX rear spoiler are correct. The 'wing', as you call it, is mostly for aesthetic purposes (cosmetic appearance). However, it does function and provide some downforce at highway speeds. I am unable to get statistical data on how much downforce is provided, but keep in mind that this component is designed more for the looks than for function.
I hope this answers your question
Best Wishes,
Natalie ***
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Dealer Services
E-Contact
Pretty cool, They responded pretty quickly too....
-Ted
01-26-2004 | 01:31 PM
#3
250,000-mile Club President
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,770
From: Bizerkeley
Car Info: MBP 02 WRX wagon
Originally posted by nKoan
..... I thought that all the wing did was to disrupt windflow to cancel out upforce, not provide actual downforce.
..... I thought that all the wing did was to disrupt windflow to cancel out upforce, not provide actual downforce.
01-26-2004 | 01:36 PM
#4
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From: SBAIC-South BayArea Impreza Club-Campbell, CA-Thur
Car Info: 2003 PSM STi
Originally posted by nKoan
That is pretty cool that they responded so quickly.
But, I thought that all the wing did was to disrupt windflow to cancel out upforce, not provide actual downforce.
That is pretty cool that they responded so quickly.
But, I thought that all the wing did was to disrupt windflow to cancel out upforce, not provide actual downforce.
-Ted
01-26-2004 | 01:46 PM
#5
If you look at the wing sideways ... a cross-sectional view, you'll notice it looks like a airplane wing upside down. That in thoery should create downward force. I think the wing does help stabilize the WRX at high speeds... I have read different posts where people without wings have had their REXs unstable at high speeds and those with wings had their's completely stable.... personally I like the regular WRX wing over the overly large STi one .... but then again I hate all 04 WRX because of their front design. They should fire the designer of the 04 models!!!
Sorry about the rant ....
Sorry about the rant ....
01-26-2004 | 02:09 PM
#7
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From: ...a craphole in No.County San Diego
Car Info: MMVI AW WRX STI
Originally posted by soundwave
Natalie likes teh *** :banana:
i prefer the wingless look anyways...
Natalie likes teh *** :banana:
i prefer the wingless look anyways...
01-26-2004 | 02:33 PM
#9
The wing is sitting right in the middle of a huge amount of turbulence coming off the rear of the car. Ever notice how rain water sits stagnant on your rear window at any speed? Even creeps upwards at times? Due to the boxy design of the WRX the trunk area is one big mess of turbulence. If the wing was about 6 or more inches higher it might actually be functional. Let me find that link where this was discussed in detail....
01-26-2004 | 02:56 PM
#10
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From: out on the twisties
Car Info: WRB WRX 2003 Subaru Sedan
ya i agree with Huck. I beleive the wing needs to be alittle higher to really make any differance.
She does sound HOT though. I like chicks named Natalie. and with a last name like ***. how often do you think she thinks about guys. hehhehe
She does sound HOT though. I like chicks named Natalie. and with a last name like ***. how often do you think she thinks about guys. hehhehe
01-26-2004 | 03:00 PM
#11
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,537
From: AFK
Car Info: 04' JBP STi 02' WRB Wagon
if you wanna see if it really works, just wax it a little, and drive around with it, if you can see some streaks then the air is definately getting disrupted as dust in the air will be scratching up the wing.
On the STi wing after i've waxed the leading edge has patterns similiar to those old prop planes, where its all bare (of wax in this case and quite dull) with minute streaks coming from it.
On the STi wing after i've waxed the leading edge has patterns similiar to those old prop planes, where its all bare (of wax in this case and quite dull) with minute streaks coming from it.
01-26-2004 | 04:43 PM
#14
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Posts: 317
From: I.E., SoCal
Car Info: 04 rally blue wrx sedan
Originally posted by DaWorstPlaya
but then again I hate all 04 WRX because of their front design. They should fire the designer of the 04 models!!!
Sorry about the rant ....
but then again I hate all 04 WRX because of their front design. They should fire the designer of the 04 models!!!
Sorry about the rant ....
As far as the wing goes the 02/03 looks better spoilerless and the 04 looks better with, it helps even out the front end.
01-26-2004 | 04:52 PM
#15
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From: ...a craphole in No.County San Diego
Car Info: MMVI AW WRX STI
Originally posted by 04WRBsedan
And speaking of functionality did you know that the 04's are a slightly faster than the 02/03 because of the revised more aeordynamic front end?
And speaking of functionality did you know that the 04's are a slightly faster than the 02/03 because of the revised more aeordynamic front end?
And I-speed says the 02's are the fastest. (here: https://www.i-club.com/forums/showth...threadid=46000)
muahahahha