Ever wonder if the STOCK WRX spoiler is really functional?

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Old 01-26-2004, 11:26 AM
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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:
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

Pretty cool, They responded pretty quickly too....

-Ted
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Old 01-26-2004, 11:29 AM
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That is pretty cool that they responded so quickly.

EDIT: removing my bad info.

Last edited by Nick Koan; 01-26-2004 at 05:53 PM.
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Old 01-26-2004, 12:31 PM
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Originally posted by nKoan
..... I thought that all the wing did was to disrupt windflow to cancel out upforce, not provide actual downforce.
"cancelling upforce" by definition, would be generating downforce.
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Old 01-26-2004, 12:36 PM
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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.
Maybe he meant to say, that he thought it was a Neutral wing.....neither providing lift nor downforce.....



-Ted
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Old 01-26-2004, 12:46 PM
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Thumbs up

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 ....
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Old 01-26-2004, 12:58 PM
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Natalie likes teh *** :banana:

i prefer the wingless look anyways...
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Old 01-26-2004, 01:09 PM
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Originally posted by soundwave
Natalie likes teh *** :banana:

i prefer the wingless look anyways...
I was just about to say that she sounds HOT! mabahahahah
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Old 01-26-2004, 01:33 PM
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Originally posted by psoper
"cancelling upforce" by definition, would be generating downforce.
EDIT: Getting rid of my bad info.

Last edited by Nick Koan; 01-26-2004 at 05:54 PM.
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Old 01-26-2004, 01:33 PM
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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....
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Old 01-26-2004, 01:56 PM
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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
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Old 01-26-2004, 02:00 PM
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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.
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Old 01-26-2004, 02:37 PM
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interesting...Huck is right the OEM WRX wing is too low to get enough air to produce enough downforece to make a difference.....
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Old 01-26-2004, 03:07 PM
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<--- wingless

edgar,
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Old 01-26-2004, 03:43 PM
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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 ....
You're killing me man! I admit it took me some time to adjust to the more modern revised look of my04 but since I cleared out the front lights I'd never choose the neon looking, oops, bugeye front end over it. 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?

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.
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Old 01-26-2004, 03:52 PM
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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?
What about the bigger scoop? And altezza's make everything slower, don't you forget that.

And I-speed says the 02's are the fastest. (here: https://www.i-club.com/forums/showth...threadid=46000)

muahahahha
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