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Old 05-09-2008, 06:33 PM   #1
RallyLegacy
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Default Are the spoliers on BD Legacys Functional

I was looking at the spoiler on my Legacy today, and it looks like it could actually produce some downforce at speed. I don't know if the spoilers on all Subaru's but the Sti are just for the "sporty" look, but I would like to know if anyone has any info.
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Old 05-09-2008, 06:41 PM   #2
rougeben83
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actually the sti's are functional. That's why the 06's even has the extra little diverter on the rear windshield to divert more flow to the rear wing.

All spoilers are functional given enough speed. It's just a matter of whether you drive at or above that speed is the question.
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Old 05-09-2008, 06:58 PM   #3
silentracer
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It is not functional. The only spoilers that are functional are the ones at the roof line. As stated above, the STI's is functional.
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Old 05-09-2008, 07:28 PM   #4
RallyLegacy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rougeben83 View Post
actually the sti's are functional. That's why the 06's even has the extra little diverter on the rear windshield to divert more flow to the rear wing.

All spoilers are functional given enough speed. It's just a matter of whether you drive at or above that speed is the question.
I know the STi spoiler is functional, thats why I asked if all but the STi spoiler are just for a sport look, or if they actually do something like the STi one does. I guess I wasn't clear enough.
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Old 05-09-2008, 08:04 PM   #5
Jonathan
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The '97-'99 Legacy GT trunk mounted spoiler, while technically speaking is "functional" in that there is indeed some minimal down-force produced at high speed, the effects are rather minimal. I think that it is fair to characterize this particular spoiler as more of a stylish item, then as a truly significant down force producing device.

I think I recall a few years ago Patrick Olsen tried back to back runs with his car. One run was with his trunk spoiler and non-functional "hood scoop" in place, and the second run was with the "hood scoop" covered with duct tape, and the trunk spoiler removed. I think his "results" were that he felt no differences and his times were identical. I don't recall which track he ran his test at, unfortunately.

Typically with any sedan the trunk is a poor location for a spoiler as the air coming off the top of the roof is mostly unsettled turbulence. The rear windows downward slope creates something of a "void" or a vacuum and the rear spoiler doesn't have much of anything to work with as a result.

Our spoilers design is such that there are no "end plates" at the edges of the spoiler so that even if air rushing over the top of the spoiler were to be deflected, much of this air would be expected to "spill over" the top of the spoiler and run down the sides. Given the spoilers close proximity to the top of the trunk (its like 2 1/4 above the trunk) very little air flows through the spoiler, and given the thickness of the spoilers cross section and no major differences in air flow above or below the spoiler, and of course the limited length of the "wing section" (3-4 " ?) there isn't much that this spoiler could accomplish even if it had a decent volume of air flowing through it.

Last edited by Jonathan; 05-09-2008 at 09:48 PM. Reason: Corrected the spelling of Pat's name.
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Old 05-09-2008, 08:52 PM   #6
Patrick Olsen
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There are no Subarus with spoilers. Subarus have wings. Old NASCAR = spoiler. Car of Tomorrow = wing. (Actually, I guess the STI Limited has a spoiler, so there are some Subies with factory spoilers.)

The wing on the 2.5GT seems to be designed to be aerodynamically neutral. There's no airfoil shape to it whatsoever, as opposed to the STI or EVO wing elements which clearly are designed for downforce.

As Jonathan said, years ago at Summit Point I ran with and without the rear wing to see if it would make any difference. I didn't detect any change in handling balance, nor did my top end on the long main straight seem to change appreciably. Not exactly the most scientific data, but I think the only "downforce" it provides is due to its own weight.
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Old 05-10-2008, 03:26 PM   #7
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They don't necessarily provide significant downforce, but a spoiler can be functional in other ways; a lot of spoilers smooth out the air on the sharp cutoff that is the trunk, providing less drag. Again, I don't know how significant it would be on a BD GT.
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Old 05-10-2008, 09:04 PM   #8
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What about the BK/BG wagon wing?
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Old 05-11-2008, 12:15 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chi_San View Post
What about the BK/BG wagon wing?
Depends on the spoiler/wing. Some provide nice rear window clearing airflow And yes, I think they do a little good for aerodynamics as well, but again, nothing terribly significant.
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Old 05-12-2008, 06:47 AM   #10
JoKerNZ
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AFAIK any spoiler does not alter aerodynamics till about 160kph / 100mph, remove & attend track day to see difference

wagons are slightly more aerodynamic than sedans (BD vs BG anyway also AFAIK)

3disclaimer none of the above info is to be regarded as fact just what I have heard/read on net ie: dolphin language
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