Judging Interest for LOW flexible front spoiler Options

[VaccaRabite]

Last week I approached Mikey914 about making a flexible front spoiler similar to the NLA Flexdam. He went to Camp see what I was on about, and noted that it was fiberglass and rubber and asked Morph about making the glass part.

Verdict: it can be done. But, is there interest?
This is what we are talking about:
(IMG:http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/images/John1/914_rubber_spoiler.jpg)

So. Are we interested in such an item? Cost would likely be in the $110 to $120 range, depending.

You would get all the benefits of a really low spoiler, without the worry of killing it on the street every time you approached a speed bump or random twig or driveway.

As a car moves swiftly down the road, air does under the body of the car as well as over the top, which produces lift. A low air dam blocks that airflow, and helps keep the car attached to the road at speed.

Plus, they look cool.

So. Who wants one?

[Demick]

I had the flexdam on my car for years. I got it because I also thought it was the best looking spoiler.

However, if you run it with the rubber, IT WILL HINDER THE ENGINE COOLING in a significant way. The lower rubber section will raise your oil temperatures by 25 degrees. I assume it also affects the head temps. Hard to believe, but it's true and I experienced it first-hand.

Nothing wrong with just the fiberglass portion though.

Of course, this was for a type4 motor. May not have the same effect on a six, and obviously isn't a concern on a watercooled conversion.

Demick

[lotus_65]

I had the flexdam on my car for years. I got it because I also thought it was the best looking spoiler.

However, if you run it with the rubber, IT WILL HINDER THE ENGINE COOLING in a significant way. The lower rubber section will raise your oil temperatures by 25 degrees. I assume it also affects the head temps. Hard to believe, but it's true and I experienced it first-hand.

Nothing wrong with just the fiberglass portion though.

Of course, this was for a type4 motor. May not have the same effect on a six, and obviously isn't a concern on a watercooled conversion.

Demick

i wonder if this is why the LE dam has the notch cut in it?

[Mikey914]

I had the flexdam on my car for years. I got it because I also thought it was the best looking spoiler.

However, if you run it with the rubber, IT WILL HINDER THE ENGINE COOLING in a significant way. The lower rubber section will raise your oil temperatures by 25 degrees. I assume it also affects the head temps. Hard to believe, but it's true and I experienced it first-hand.

Nothing wrong with just the fiberglass portion though.

Of course, this was for a type4 motor. May not have the same effect on a six, and obviously isn't a concern on a watercooled conversion.

Demick

i wonder if this is why the LE dam has the notch cut in it?

It's exactly why the LE has the notch. Also look at the 916 front. there's a break at the bottom that is used to allow the air to flow into the low pressure area created by the shape of that design. The idea here is to accomplish this by notching the rubber to do the same thing. Closer to the with of the 916 gap. The great thing is that the rubber can be modified to achieve the level of airflow you desire. If you cut too much, not a problem, just replace the rubber. I would be very interested in having one of the A/X guys do some testing for me. Start out with the full skirt, cut a 2" gap. cut a 6" gap, cut a 12" gap, as watch how the temps change. My thought is that the 12" gap is what will be required as that's closer to the distance the on the 916. I thing the sweet spot may be just slightly less.