Installing a front spoiler on a 1988 S4
 

My 1988 S4 didn't have a front spoiler on when I bought it so I am seeking other listers opinions as to whether I should install a new one on. Can any of you tell me if these get torn-off and/or damaged easily? Is it really important to have one of these on the car from a functional standpoint? I should note that I don't do any track/high speed events so I imagine the primary value of installing a front spoiler for me will be a cosmetic one.

Should I decide to put a front spoiler on, do I only need to buy the front spoiler and an installation kit....or are there other items I need as well?

A lot of owners have a "make it perfect" urge, but I don't think there is much functionally going on with the front or rear spoiler below 100 mph. I like the way the spoiler looks, and messed with mine to make it look nice, but its at a perfect height to smack against curbs and parking stops, so it may need attention from time to time.

I think somebody that knows your model would need to look at it from below to see what else might be missing.

my 80 Euro had neither front or rear spoilers, but I my opinion, the 928 just looks naked without.

your S4 should have one, as S4's came with one (same for GT and GTS)---as opposed to the early 928's spoilers being added as production went along.....the S models incorporated front brake cooling ducts to help the front end keeps its best end forward.

yes, as with any low riding sports car, care should be exercised to not knock off spoilers, facia, engine components (there's a good list of stuff;)), suspension pieces, as nauseum.......

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There is front spoiler, front belly pan (consider the metal replacement from 928 International), and then there is a secondary aluminum belly plate (should be easy to get used).

I absolutely think you should have all three... Why?

1. While it may not be a safety hazard to drive without the spoiler and belly pans under 100mph, you can still increase your gas mileage by having them on. Without these, drag will be higher - and don't let anybody tell you it's insignificant even at hiway speeds! Also remember that if you hit oncoming wind, from an aerodynamic perspecitve the wind's speed is added to the speed of your car...

2. You will get a lot more dirt and debris in the engine compartment without these.

3. It can help protect your AC compressor a bit - the lowest part on the engine. Hit something with the compressor, and your engine block is toast - because the AC bracket is mounted to the block. (This is also one reason why you should not lower your 928, unless you use stiffer springs)

4. The front aerodynamic of the 928 is designed for optimal airflow in and out the engine compartment. Without these pieces in place the heat is not sucked out of the engine compartment as well, resultilng in more wear from heat (think: fuel lines, coolant hoses, vacuum connectors and other rubberized pieces, as well as the paint on intake and cam covers).

5. Without the cooling ducts in the front belly pan, your motor mounts don't get cooled, and therefore will fatigue and collapse sooner.

BTW: In a 928 the fun doesn't really start below 100mph... it's designed as a high speed Autobahn cruiser. With the proper aerodynamic pieces in place, the car is unbelievably stable. If I feel crosswind, I know I'm not fast enough... above 90mph I rarely feel it.

^^^^What Nicole said. ;)

Low Miler SmileWavy

repeat Nicole's comments-