OK, I took a trip down to Tucson this weekend with 3 adults (!) in the 911. I started with a full tank of gas.
I estimate the crosswinds on I10 (traffic flow tends to be 75-85 mph, depending on the time of day) were in the 15-20mph range.
Unfortunately as time (and the miles) went by, the front end got lighter, naturally, and things got
very squirrely. I have the typical "rubber lip" (chin spoiler) and a matching Carrera tail. Now, normally I wouldn't have been too bothered about this, but I was all over the lane. Traffic moving around me didn't seem to have much of a problem, though. And the '78-89 Targa that blew by me at 90 mph didn't have a problem either (he had a Carrera tail, and I assume a front lip as well). He was holding a line perfectly.
What's wrong with my set-up??? Before I added the tail (PO had put the lip on) I noticed that the
rear end of my car was moving around a lot. When I put the tail on, things smoothed out well--in no-wind situations. Now the front end wanders around like heck in a crosswind. Do I need to be able to adjust the angle of deflection on my tail depending on crosswinds??? Do I need more "downforce" at the front end? Do I need to adjust my tire pressures? Do I need an alignment??? What gives?
Vital stats:
1981 Targa
Front "chin" spoiler (rubber OEM)
Rear Carrera tail (rubber OEM, aftermkt f-glass)
Colgan bra (the full thing incl. the bonnet)
Dunlop SP8000s, 29PSI all around.
Ambient temp about 85-90 degrees.
15-20 mph wind coming from the West as I headed north at 75 mph.
TIA,
Blue
(PS: You CAN do a day trip in a 911--as long as your wife is 5'1" and your guest is 5'4"
)