Do Spoilers Work?

[Duane <drcollie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Kendrick asks:

>Does the rear spoiler really serve any functional purposes other than
>enchancing the sporty look of a E36?
>Does it really increase a down force pressure on the rear tires? If so, how
>fast does the car have to be going in order for that to take effect?

Kendrick,

I'm no engineer, and there will probably be a REAL response to this
(mebbee) in Tech-no-language from some wag who sez I don't know of which I
speak (though prolly true), but here's my read on it.

The low factory spoiler is cosmetic and will slow your car down.  I know
this because I installed one of PTG LTW takeoff's on my car (they came from
the factory with the low spolier, not the wing installed) and my top end
has scrubbed off down the Summit Main Straight.  I used to see an indicated
top speed of 132 to 134. Now I can only get 126 to 128 in the same spot.
This is not a one time run, but every lap.  No other changes were done to
the car that could have an effect on top end.  Damn thing is heavy, too.
Looks great on the car but I wouldn't do it again.  Anyone want an Avus
Blue factory spoiler with like new paint and the brake light? 

The REAL E36 Spoiler is the high 2-piece LTW wing which I should have
bought. Trouble is .. that sucker is expensive...about $ 1,300.00 with the
spacers. This wing comes into play at about 80 m.p.h. and from the Club
Racers I've spoke with - really honks the car down in the corners in a big
way. HOWEVER - it is so effective at what it does that you MUST run the
accompanying front splitter otherwise the front end rises and the car
steering gets psycho.  Front Splitter is another grand. Other downsides are
rapid tire wear from the downforce and you will lose top end as well
(though you'll more than make it up in the high speed turns).

So unless you are ready to pony up abotu $ 3K for real aerodynamics (don't
forget paint and prep) on an E36, everything else will slow you down....but
you'll be lookin' fine.

Duane Collie
SVR / UUC / RM3DR1
National Capital Chapter

------------------------------