Does a rear wing or spoiler make much difference in AutoX?

[BoilermakerFan]

I'm starting a build on a '95 GT Convertible.

I do not like the look of the stock rear spoiler and like the look of either a spoiler delete or just a small lip spoiler. I would like to AutoX the car in the future. I don't feel the need to spend $$$$$ to be at the top, just want to have fun. Since the cars rarely leave second gear, does the rear spoiler even have a noticeable effect on the handling?

 

[RichV]

Just depends on the course. I probably wouldn't be concerned with it until you begin to actually compete. That's when the fun turns into work.

Brett probably has more info on this. [MENTION=10532]MadStang[/MENTION]

 

[MadStang]

Any "mustang" specific spoiler is going to have zero effect on an autocross course. The only spoiler that would be effective is a NASCAR style spoiler where it has a high AOA (angle of attack) and extends off the trunk lid about 8" or more.

other than that a wing is another option, more efficient than a spoiler as there is minimal drag due to not needing nearly as much AOA. but you also give up a cleaner look compared to the spoiler.

Both of these designs are incredibly useful even at low speeds if you set them up right. I have tons of rear grip on the Roush thanks to both of my trunk setups.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Thanks guys. Is there any solid, reliable quick release wing or spoiler mounts available that do not stick up past the deck lid? I guess I could fab up something with Jergen QR pins and sockets, but I wasn't wanting to do that much fab if I can avoid it.

 

[CC'S95GT]

The Steeda race wing is supposed to be functional but I havent been able to locate any information as to what speed it starts producing down force.

 

[ba#97]

I have a tidbit of advice. if you don't have any experience or don't know what class you want to run in, don't waste your money or time on a functional spoiler or wing setup just yet. you may out-class your self real quick and aero is a huge crutch for an inexperienced driver....you honestly won't know whether a certain handling characteristic is being produced by the car, the driver or the aero if you don't know what the car feels like without it first and without you running at your full potential as a driver first. take the car as is and go from there. that's assuming you don't have experience but if you do, then you need to figure out what class to run first so you know what you can and can't do.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Thanks guys. My class would be Third Class or perhaps Bulk Rate. J/K. My 393 engine puts me in a Modified class but I wasn't planning to dive in to be a serious, top level competitor. I just wanted to make sure deleting the factory spoiler would not have a significant negative impact on handling from a safety stand point. I want to run a few times a year just to have fun in an environment where I can kick the back end out and slide a little to learn how the car reacts so I'll be more confident and safer on the street if the back end breaks loose in an accident avoidance situation on the street.

MadStang, have you had any issues with your XXR wheels? I'm looking at the 18" bronze 530s for my car.

 

[MadStang]

Thanks guys. My class would be Third Class or perhaps Bulk Rate. J/K. My 393 engine puts me in a Modified class but I wasn't planning to dive in to be a serious, top level competitor. I just wanted to make sure deleting the factory spoiler would not have a significant negative impact on handling from a safety stand point. I want to run a few times a year just to have fun in an environment where I can kick the back end out and slide a little to learn how the car reacts so I'll be more confident and safer on the street if the back end breaks loose in an accident avoidance situation on the street.

MadStang, have you had any issues with your XXR wheels? I'm looking at the 18" bronze 530s for my car.

people question the wheel quality but XXR's are actually manufactured stronger than any wheel people buy on American muscle Lol. they're great wheels and handle a ton of abuse

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Thanks Brett. I didn't think you had any problems with them but I wanted to ask. Glad to hear that too since I love the look of bronze wheels and planning to paint my car a cross between a '67 Shelby green and the Bullitt green.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Brett, which wheels sizes and offsets are you running? I don't remember seeing it here or on your BTM build thread.

 

[Rogera13]

My son and I just competed in our first autoX and looking forward to our second this Sunday! I bought the 96 GT for this. Our plan is drive, drive drive!!! We have a plan on improvements as we go but we were quickly shown by a Novice instructor that at 80% effort he bested our time in our car by 6 seconds. The thing I'm most looking forward to though is in SCCA they have added a new class referred to as CAM (Classic American Muscle). Read up on the class restrictions! They are few! Interior for 2, RWD, V8 american made and weigh over 3000lbs. The only engine restriction would be nitrous bottle removed during competition. Unlimited suspension and body/spoilers. Best part not competing directly against miata's and other tuner cars! It's starting to grow in my area in Central Florida. A group of mustangs already compete and a few more stangs and firebird and camaro's about to come out of novice!

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Awesome! Thanks for letting me know!

 

[ba#97]

yeah your stock spoiler has no downforce effect whatsoever so you can trash that thing easily. it'll make your car look better without anyways. lol.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

MadStang, I saw your post's about the diffuser in Sleepin's build thread. Can you post a link to your diffuser? I love the look and I didn't realize they actually create down force if applied correctly. I think it would be a good way for me to obtain more down force on the rear without a wing or spoiler to keep my lines the way I want them.

 

[scca_stang]

I have a tidbit of advice. if you don't have any experience or don't know what class you want to run in, don't waste your money or time on a functional spoiler or wing setup just yet. you may out-class your self real quick and aero is a huge crutch for an inexperienced driver....you honestly won't know whether a certain handling characteristic is being produced by the car, the driver or the aero if you don't know what the car feels like without it first and without you running at your full potential as a driver first. take the car as is and go from there. that's assuming you don't have experience but if you do, then you need to figure out what class to run first so you know what you can and can't do.

Best possible advise to a new Autocrosser!!!!!!

go have fun with it a few times first..... if you are new to autocross, you probably couldnt push a stock '86 escort to its full potential, not alone a 'stang...... my point is, start out by teaching yourself how to autocross before you start changing your car.

and ba#97 is 100% right! even the smallest of non effective mods can push your car right out of a competitive class, so dont do that until you know what the mods are going to do for/to you.

 

[ttocs]

welcome to the forum. Not sure if you noticed the post is 3 yrs old though.

 

[scca_stang]

welcome to the forum. Not sure if you noticed the post is 3 yrs old though.

I did not see that..... good point, sorry, it wasnt that far down the list so I didnt bother looking at the dates.

is the OP still a member? what direction did he go?

 

[g36 monkey]

I don't think we heard much from him after this

 

[96blak54]

It was still a good read!

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk