Help me choose a rear wing

[jakermc]

I have a '83 SCarrera (3.2 Euro engine) that is primarily a track car. I'm torn between two choices, the classic duck tail and a 3.8 RSR wing that has been sized for an SC body. You can see it here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2414254728&category=33638

I love the look of the duck tail but I am not sure how the RSR tail will look. The normal one usually looks too large on an SC, but this one is scaled down a bit.

Performance is another issue. Since its a track car, performance is crucial. Is the extra downforce of the 3.8 wing significant (and necessary) when compared to the ductail? I am using the stock chin spoiler on front, at least for now. I drive in DEs, usually more technical courses versus the 'fast' tracks. On the local track, although I am not there yet because of ability, the instructors seem to reach top speeds of 120mph to 130mph for very brief periods in the straights. Fastest sweeping turns are at about 80mph (my speed, not the instructors).

What do you guys thing about both the look and the performance benefits of the larger wing? Which would you choose?

[89911]

There is no comparison to the amount of downforce produced by the ducktail compared to the RSR wing. It comes down to how long your car is driving over 100mph and the esthetics. Driving around town with a big honking wing isn't for everyone and it actually borders on the ridiculous. Why don't you split the difference and get what was designed for your car, a Carrera wing!

[IROC]

Or you could get one of the '76/'77 style turbo wings (in fiberglass). Pretty good aerodynamically (probably better than a ducktail) and very nice aesthetically...IMHO.

Mike

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Stay away from the aftermarket wings, if possible. Most of them take a considerable amount of fitting and re-sizing. Try to find a factory wing. (I recently got one for my '83 SC--the original single-grille whaletail.) The big difference is that the factory wings have a substantial metal framework to which the fiberglass is bonded, which as far as I know none of the aftermarket wings have.

Stephan

[Moses]

CARRERA TAIL!

[Harlan Chinn]

I prefer the period correct early turbo(single grill) Weissach tail myself. However the rubber lip for this style tail is no longer being made.

[Lothar]

I just added this AIR tail to my SC. I'm not sure if these are still being made. It replaces the decklid and is very light.

[masraum]

I agree, either the ductail or the early turbo/carrera tail, or even the late carrera tail.

Aftermarket can take some work to fit, so get quality. MAShaw always comes out on top when people ask for the best quality fiberglass.

[Tinker]

If it is a track car only, go BIG. From SEVERAL knowledgeable people I`ve spoken with, you want the BIGGEST wing you can fit on the back. The duck tail and Carrera tail will do very little for you on the track. That 3.8 tail is a start, but you`ll need the taller wing on it to work properly.

I bet JackO has the same opinion on this.

Tinker

[Lothar]

I beg to differ with Tinker regarding the Carrera tail. A Carrera tail contributes significantly to reducing lift at track speeds. That's not to say that a bigger tail wont provide even more, but you also will introduce drag while you are generating downforce.

The AIR tail in the pic that I attached can be enhanced with an adjustable lexan extension to add even more downforce. My car is also primarily a track car. I will probably add a front splitter soon. You couldn't tell from the first pic, but you can see here that this is one big-a$$ tail.

[TerryBPP]

I like the one on the left. Pic courtesy of MASHAW.com

[Chuck Moreland]

Will you go beyond DE and start time trialing or racing?

If yes you need to start thinking about class rules. Figure out where you want to be running and use the GCR for that class as your blueprint.

[Jack Olsen]

All the Porsche wings that guys are talking about here will reduce lift, except the 3.8 RSR wing -- which actually provides downforce.

I have both the ducktail and a 3.8 RSR wing. In April, I drove at Willow Springs and was running 1:33's on street tires. Last weekend, I went back with the ducktail and the front splitter taken off. I couldn't do better than 1:37's on the same tires.

Granted Willow Springs is a faster-than-normal track. And granted, the 3.8 RSR tail (with extensions) is ugly. But you can't argue with results.

Looks better:



Goes faster:

[reesestewww]

jakermc,

go with the duck tail. i have some specs on the down force that a duck tail provides. Ill look fot them.

[reesestewww]

Got em'

[tobluforu]

Once you go quack, you never go back!

[JonT]

I'm a quacker

[jakermc]

Thanks for all the opinions and the pics. Despite all the input, I am still torn between the two.

Being period correct isn't important to me as the car is already a bastard - SC U.S. body, 3.2L Euro engine, 930S steering wheel, bored MSDS throttle body, intake ported and polished by Andial, headers, no cat, no heat, A/C partially removed, Recaro SRDs, RS door panels, rear seats in the process of being torn out in preparation for RS perlon carpet, etc. Original interior was brown, but now being converted to black with each change. Not to offend anyone, but the carrera tail never appealed to me.

I expect to do DEs only for a while and if I make the jump to racing, I'll probably go with a different car. Given all the mods I have already done, I'll be surprised if I end up competitive in the class. I may be wrong here, haven't really checked the rules.

Jack - How is the balance of the car when the RSR tail is on and you are running the front without the extra extension on the lower valance? The rear isn't too stuck in relation to the front?

This would be easeir if the duck tail wasn't so good looking. Its like having to choose between the good looking girl and the smart girl. Of course, with cars its a lot easier and cheaper to change tails......

[Jack Olsen]

I've never run the 3.8 tail without the lip in front. I'm sure you could compensate for the extra push with swaybar settings.

Two tails might be the best way to go. A fast girl AND a good looking one.

[ted]

Where was it I read recently about spoilers and wings...

A spoiler just spoil's the air so that the car will create less lift..
no downforce just less overall lift.

A wing, in the case of a 3.8 element is similar to an airplane wing but upside down.
So it creates real downforce with less drag.

The 3.8 element is adjustable and with raised struts you can get it in clean air above the roof.
Set the element to max downforce and try the high speed sweepers...as you get confident with the rear not moving out decrease the amount of downforce (and drag) till you find your comfort zone. Minimal drag and minmal downforce.

I own both and over 100mph I'd choose the 3.8 wing.

Test it yourself, high speed track lap times will tell.

Try each in a 100mph sweeper and let us know what you decide.