How noticeable will ditching the whale tail be?
 

So, I was thinking of switching out the whale tail (84 911) with a "stock decklid". Will I notice a difference while driving with spirit on the street and the occasional test and tune day at the track?

Thanks

i took off my tail and replaced with a duck and I did notice a difference ... but I also did not have a front spoiler(bad PO and i know why they always came as a pair) ....

Most say the butt is not as "planted" but it is more apparent at speed ... I know someone had the down force numbers and the rate that it increases with speed on here some place ...

the tail does not produce downforce but reduces the "up force" but that is over lets say 100 mph. So i doubt you will notice anything on the street

Paul Frere's book on the 911 has some numbers on exactly how much lift the whale tail combats. But IIRC realistically there's not much of an aerodynamic effect from these doo-dads until you hit about 80 mph. However, even when traveling lower than that (such as at legal highway speeds) I notice that aerodynamic devices seem to help in crosswinds.

I think most people will notice it by looking at it. If someone took mine I would notice.

Seriously, yes I have switched back to the tail, it is much more planted with he tail vs. stock lid.

The tail just feels a bit better IMO

I think you will notice that you burst into flames and then crash. ;)

I replaced the whale tail and sun roof panel with light weight glass fiber parts from TRE and removed side skirts/rocker panelsfront spoiler. Also I am currently driving without rear bumper (pending assembly after being ripped off by UK based SVP). Inner sun roof steel structure and all associated parts were removed as well, so a bit more than just the rear spoiler

The difference in handling was very noticeable. I have not noticed any difference in stability up to 110 mph but the car is more nimble feels more balanced in tight corners

I like the cleaner look of the car without the spoiler but will have to correct the ride height after the weight loss

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365053667.jpg

On a 73 clone with a ducktail and no front splitter I ran a 1:53" at Cal Speedway (the Roval). I swapped the duck for an iroc with large wicker, front splitter and with no other changes ran a 1:49". The stability was a night and day difference, but that's a fast track maybe two thirds spent well over 120 mph.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365085428.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365085449.jpg