Spoiler

[deepblue]

After seeing a number of spoiler-less Esprits at the Castle Combe track day I am considering removing the rear spoiler from my S4. I like the 'clean' look that this gives the car. So, should I do it - would it effect the resale value etc.?

[lotusman]

"Should you or shouldn't you? That is the question. Whether tis nobler to suffer the effects of less-than-the-best aerodynamics, and reduce your potential resale market by despoiling a vehicle designed by arguably the best there is, Or to follow your fashion and desire. Ah there's the rub!

My '89 came "clean". At over 60 mph the front end tried to float up until I put on the technically perfect front lip spoiler and improved my gas mileage in the process. Then I put on the technically accurate X180R spoiler and could feel the car hunker down on the road to maintain traction.

Obviously, I am an engineer. People such as I DO, "Know the difference." I would not buy a car that has been eviscerated. So much for resale value and market. Frankly, I don't see why non-engineers such as Mr. Munoz would buy a Lotus let alone be able to own one with say the closest shop being 5 to 10 hours away. Apparently, he came rapidly to his senses.

So, take off the spoilers? Buy an econobox instead, I see they're pretty clean.

lotusman
'89 non-SE

[paul c]

Fair comment on the cars lower spoilers and bibs. But just how important is the rear wing anyway?

Lotus sold V8 models with and without rear wings and the last four pot (the GT3) had no wing but cars ten years older did have wings...

With this in mind,i would assume that lotus consider the stevens rear bodystyle to be enough on its own.
Are the wings partly for looks and not entirely functional then?

Paul C

[bojangles]

hmm I want the swiss low profile spoiler........it provides the needed effect, and looks smoother..
And from what I have read the rear spoilers are not for downforce, they are for clean air exit to reduce drag...
I am an engineer too and i dont need a repair shop nearby, i love doing my own stuff..

Bruce S4s

[britten_mark]

I think the S4 wing is the nicest of the lot, and as such am in a minority!
It looks pretty damn gorgeous just as it is, any change will be for changes sake.

[karmavore]

S4 wings are the best combo of spoiler/clean look/originality. Don't do it!!!

Luke.

[NJGSX96]

britten_mark said:

I think the S4 wing is the nicest of the lot, and as such am in a minority! It looks pretty damn gorgeous just as it is, any change will be for changes sake.

Right there with you. I love the spoiler on my S4.

[GKP]

paul c said:

Fair comment on the cars lower spoilers and bibs. But just how important is the rear wing anyway? Lotus sold V8 models with and without rear wings and the last four pot (the GT3) had no wing but cars ten years older did have wings... With this in mind,i would assume that lotus consider the stevens rear bodystyle to be enough on its own. Are the wings partly for looks and not entirely functional then? Paul C

But the GT3 and V8 GT did have a small lip fashioned from the rear panel to help smooth the flow off the back of the car.

Some of these cars were fitted with the later V8 style spoiler by their owners/dealers but the factory wasn't keen on this happening because is some cases the front of the car could lift at speed.

[britten_mark]

GKP said:

Some of these cars were fitted with the later V8 style spoiler by their owners/dealers but the factory wasn't keen on this happening because is some cases the front of the car could lift at speed.

The front of my GT3 goes disconcertingly light at the front end at high speed. It's my first mid-engined car though, so maybe I just need to get used to it.

Funny enough from years back I always planned to put an S4 wing on when I got a GT3, and mine had one factory fitted but the previous owner didn't like it an took it off. He says I can have it back, so who knows.

>> Edited by britten_mark on Monday 14th June 21:54