Body General body information and techniques for restoration, repairs, and modifications.

aero wing spoiler

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-25-2009, 11:27 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Njs305t/a's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Long island, NY
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi
aero wing spoiler

I'm not really sure where this thread belongs but I was just wondering if the aero wing spoilers did anything besides look cool. I know the early trans am spoilers (82-84) spoilers helped with aerodynamics.
Old 07-25-2009, 11:36 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
HCR13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Augusta, Ga
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 355ci L98 soon to be turbo'd
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi
Re: aero wing spoiler

I'm sure it helped with some aerodynamics but the factory oem spoilers were so heavy it probably hurt mileage...
Old 07-26-2009, 12:57 AM
  #3  
Junior Member
 
smart7final's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Banning, CA
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1987 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 305 T.P.I. With 3in exhaust & chip
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt with 2.73 gears
Re: aero wing spoiler

Yea I have one on my 87 and the sun gon to it and rotted it out. Why would Pontiac use RUBBER? And they are way heavy!
Old 07-26-2009, 12:12 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
HCR13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Augusta, Ga
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 355ci L98 soon to be turbo'd
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi
Re: aero wing spoiler

thats a very good question...
Old 07-28-2009, 06:10 PM
  #5  
Member

 
Net-Viper X's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 Bird w/Aero Pkg - 02 T/A Col Ed.
Engine: 5.0L - 5.7L Ram Air
Re: aero wing spoiler

Originally Posted by HCR13
thats a very good question...

My car is a 91 and for a while when I was working on it I had the spoiler off it, and the thing was DANGEROUS on the interstate. The rear end felt like it weighed nothing and it got squirrely every time an 18 wheeler went by if I was doing over 60. It handles fine at high speed with the spoiler on it, which is the 91-92 model TA wrap around. It might not have been so noticeable if I had never had a spoiler, but after having one for years, the difference was very apparent and just seemed unstable.

The 91-92 model of spoiler doesnt weigh much at all compared to the older rubber ones, since its made of plastic rather than rubber or fiberglass. Its very thin and hollow and probably weighs less than the repro fiberglass 91-92 types, as I can easily carry it with one hand. If you are concerned with weight, you might consider finding a factory one over the fiberglass repro. I would ask someone who has one, as I dont know how much the fiber ones actually weigh but Im sure they are thicker.

It definately makes a difference to the handling of the car at high speeds, and seemed to help prevent the car from trying to weave.
Old 07-28-2009, 09:31 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
HCR13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Augusta, Ga
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 355ci L98 soon to be turbo'd
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi
Re: aero wing spoiler

I currently have a 4th gen WS6 spoiler on my Trans Am and it definitely is lighter and looks better. I just don't know why they chose solid rubber for the oem....
Old 07-29-2009, 01:31 PM
  #7  
Member

iTrader: (3)
 
mmm88TA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.43 posi
Re: aero wing spoiler

Originally Posted by Net-Viper X
If you are concerned with weight, you might consider finding a factory one over the fiberglass repro. I would ask someone who has one, as I dont know how much the fiber ones actually weigh but Im sure they are thicker.

It definitely makes a difference to the handling of the car at high speeds, and seemed to help prevent the car from trying to weave.
I had the factory rubber wrap around spoiler on my car for approx. the first 5 years I've owned the car it was replaced w/ Hawks fiberglass one about 3yrs ago after my hatch was vandalized. I didn't notice any changes in drivability but it is a lot lighter and the hatch struts seem to like it better. IMO it is a great upgrade over the OEM one. As far as the OP question goes, I couldn't tell you if it actually has a real purpose besides looks or not.
Old 07-30-2009, 09:35 PM
  #8  
Member

 
Net-Viper X's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 Bird w/Aero Pkg - 02 T/A Col Ed.
Engine: 5.0L - 5.7L Ram Air
Re: aero wing spoiler

I was referring to the 91-92 factory spoiler being lighter than its fiberglass equivelant, since its made of thin hollow plastic. I have never picked up one of those older rubber ones, but Im sure they are quite heavy by comparison.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sp8ty
South East Region
5
09-24-2018 03:55 PM
F-body-fan
Body
30
11-04-2015 06:13 AM
sp8ty
Exterior Parts Wanted
3
10-23-2015 08:35 AM
TP355Z
Exterior Parts Wanted
1
10-21-2015 01:05 AM
codeysabatini
Exterior Parts for Sale
1
09-24-2015 05:40 PM



Quick Reply: aero wing spoiler



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:50 PM.