Tails - Good/Bad/Depends

[kenpac]

What's the thinking on Tails (and front spoilers) on an SC. When are they beneficial? Do they help much in autox/DE? Do they help control at higher speeds on the highway? How much do they typically cost to retrofit?

Thanks

[s_wilwerding]

I've never driven an SC without a tail, but my SC had both the rear tail and front spoiler. It was very stable at speed. One benefit of a tail that is often overlooked is that it generally results in cooler engine temperatures, since the tail forces more air into the engine compartment.

[masraum]

Car and Driver had an article in '74 where they determined that a tail started to work at as low as 30mph, and it's effectiveness goes up from there. I would think at highway speeds you would definitely be able to tell a difference (at least my highway speeds) and that it would help at a DE, but probably not much at AutoX.

And of course there is the engine cooling advantage as well.

Remember to always add the front if you add a rear.

You can get tails as cheaply as $350 for aftermarket, and then they need to be fitted, installed, and painted. The fronts probably start at $200-$300 and go up from there. I have seen people buy a used tail in the correct color for their car for $500-$900 at which point you are probably getting a pretty good deal.

[Vipergrün]

Tails/front spoilers help a lot with stability and engine cooling.

Don't run a rear spoiler/tail without a front one.

Carrera tails go well with the SC, some think the Turbo tail is too big/overpowering in looks.

Ducktails are becoming popular. I have one

Figure to spend 500-800 for a Carrera spoiler in good condition, plus paint, unless you find one in same color.

Ducktail will cost 300-400 plus paint/prep

Front rubber lip spoiler will cost 200-250 including mounting hardware. This is a pretty easy DIY job.

Otherwise, there are a whole lot of tail/spoiler options out there at varying cost and quality.

Have fun!

You'll find as many different opinions as there are different aerodynamic aids, but the consensus is that the front and rear spoilers that Porsche installed help keep the car more firmly planted at higher speeds. If you plan to DE the car or drive triple digits you will benefit. Mine (so far) are just for the pimpin good looks.

[Noel]

I've done DEs with and without wings on my SC and the difference is night and day. The car is sooo much more stable at speed. BTW, I still have my decklid sans wing that I install for concours events. With the front spoiler and no rear wing the car is a little scary at speed in crosswinds.
I think I read somewhere that the lift produced at 140mph without wings is about 400lbs and with the wings it is 35lbs. That is a huge difference.
I also thing you can feel the effect at speeds as low as 60mph. Especially in crosswinds.

Noel

[kenpac]

Originally posted by Noel
I think I read somewhere that the lift produced at 140mph without wings is about 400lbs and with the wings it is 35lbs. That is a huge difference.

OK my suspensions are confirmed, the 79sc I'm looking at does not have the wing/spoiler and I noticed a distinctive floaty feel at speed compared to others I've driven with wings. I sort of like the clean lines of no wing, but at speed I’d feel more comfortable with it.

Thanks everyone