Spoiler vs. no Spoiler
Mr. Karma
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
First of all, I wasn't trying to start an argument. Second of all:
When I made that statement, I wasn't talking about MPG. As far as my point goes, I went with all I have to go on because as I said, I have no time "scientifically" test the theory. I only know what my experience has told me, and in MY experience, a spoiler has had little to no effect on fuel efficiency.
That's why I said your numbers didn't compare to my statement.
This is the last I'm going to post on this particular discussion (between sauceman and I), because it's pointless arguing about it. Let it be known, however, that I do respect your opinion, Sauceman, I just thought you took what I said a bit too seriously.
Originally Posted by Nicodemus
Honestly, 99% of stock spoilers don't do a thing as far as downforce.
Originally Posted by Nicodemus
If it's any better a comparison, we had the same model car the year before (same engine, same curb weight, same CoD) with no spoiler and still had about the MPG from the old one to the one we have now.
This is the last I'm going to post on this particular discussion (between sauceman and I), because it's pointless arguing about it. Let it be known, however, that I do respect your opinion, Sauceman, I just thought you took what I said a bit too seriously.
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 136
Likes: 1
From: Boston
Originally Posted by elduderino
The spoiler came from racing as a way to create downforce on the driving wheels of high-powered RWD race cars. This trickled down to street cars, most noticeably in the early 80's as the 911 whale-tail was the epitome of spoilage.
A front-wheel-drive car with a spoiler is like a transvestite wearing a padded bra - even if she looks damn good, there really isn't anything there to work with.
On a top-speed car, a spoiler might be good to create downforce - but only on a massively-powered Bonneville track racer. Hence the 200HP comment.
However, spoilers create downforce by adding turbulence - which equals additional drag. Your Cd goes up with a spoiler, decreasing efficiency, and therefore, decreasing fuel economy. Side skirts, on the other hand, help create a low-pressure area under the car that sucks the car onto the road, lessening the chances of losing traction or control.
I don't know if you were ignorant before, but you're not now. Bored maybe...; )
A front-wheel-drive car with a spoiler is like a transvestite wearing a padded bra - even if she looks damn good, there really isn't anything there to work with.
On a top-speed car, a spoiler might be good to create downforce - but only on a massively-powered Bonneville track racer. Hence the 200HP comment.
However, spoilers create downforce by adding turbulence - which equals additional drag. Your Cd goes up with a spoiler, decreasing efficiency, and therefore, decreasing fuel economy. Side skirts, on the other hand, help create a low-pressure area under the car that sucks the car onto the road, lessening the chances of losing traction or control.
I don't know if you were ignorant before, but you're not now. Bored maybe...; )
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by sauceman
How much mpg do you get with your spoilered car? I don't have one and I get 38.5 mpg on my 6MT.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 6
From: Windsor-Quebec corridor
Originally Posted by observer
I noticed you're from Canada. Are you sure your fuel economy isn't 38.5 kilometers per gallon? That comes out to be 24 miles per gallon which is just right on the official specs of 22/29 MPG for your 6MT. From my experience auto makers tend to report these figures on the higher side rather than low.
see sig.
JDM Pursuer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
I got the spoiler not because of wanting to improve the MPG, but I believe the OEM spoiler matches TSX. It's a "low" spoiler (are you sure it's "tall"? take a look at the Type R spoiler) and so even the back is tall, it still looks ok. to me, putting on lip spoiler looks almost the same without it, and so it's a waste of money.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Mooresville, NC
Originally Posted by peterjedi
In a vacume I would agree with you that the spoiler does nothing for MPG. In real life we don't drive in a vacume.
Mr. Karma
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Originally Posted by observer
What, and walk your car back home?! j/k with you 
Actually, I thought about that a little while after I posted it, but decided to leave it. lol
Cruisin'
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: D.C. Area
I personally love my OEM spoiler. Btw, I am on the younger side of people around here(23).
Anyways check it out.
I think the lip spoiler is too small.... and I don't feel like my car is rice rocket for having the spoiler.
Anyways check it out.
I think the lip spoiler is too small.... and I don't feel like my car is rice rocket for having the spoiler.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Toronto ON
thanks all for the suggesetions u guys are awesome. right now i'm probably leaning towards not getting the spoiler. if anything i guess i can always get it later on if i change my mind.
thnx to all the peeps that posted pics it really helped.
thnx to all the peeps that posted pics it really helped.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: MD VA DC
Hey everybody,
Im trading in my NightHawk Black TSX for a faster car. But, that does not mean that I absolutely looove this car. Well, I just painted my m3 Lip Spoiler and I havent installed it on the trunk so I decided to sell it for 115.00 US dollars. If anyone is interested I could send pics or answer any questions at BenBPI@aol.com
Or you can go to my ebay site...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW
Im trading in my NightHawk Black TSX for a faster car. But, that does not mean that I absolutely looove this car. Well, I just painted my m3 Lip Spoiler and I havent installed it on the trunk so I decided to sell it for 115.00 US dollars. If anyone is interested I could send pics or answer any questions at BenBPI@aol.com
Or you can go to my ebay site...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,242
Likes: 0
From: nerdlingerton
one of the many reasons why i love the tsx is no spoiler, lip spoiler, or oem spoiler, they all look great. i chose the oem spoiler because the lip was too subtle/unnoticeable. having an oem kit without the spoiler looked pretty sweet, but i thought the spoiler made the car look a little sportier, even more so after i drop it.
i took some pics of the spoiler for greghic and anyone interested in replica spoilers and posted them on this thread:
http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/show...6&page=2&pp=25
i dunno, take a look at rondog's cg:
http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13219
nice setup, kind of like what i want to do sans the rims, since i already replaced mine.
like you said, wait and see. in the meantime you can look at some more pictures and compare them. imho, pwp would probably look best with a lip spoiler though.
i took some pics of the spoiler for greghic and anyone interested in replica spoilers and posted them on this thread:
http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/show...6&page=2&pp=25
i dunno, take a look at rondog's cg:
http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13219
nice setup, kind of like what i want to do sans the rims, since i already replaced mine.
like you said, wait and see. in the meantime you can look at some more pictures and compare them. imho, pwp would probably look best with a lip spoiler though.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
vive la difference
anyone who thinks a spoiler is solely for a huge RWD track car may like to take a look at WRC - yes it's a popular sport in countries that prize driving skill over out and out straight line speed or circling an oval for a few hours...
either way - vive la frickin difference - as they say in France - who really cares - if you like the look of it - go for it.
what cracks me up is how snooty folks get on this list about the lip spoiler - yes - i can't think of a finer way to make your car look like an enlarged Civic Hybrid (yes the lip spoiler comes as standard on that one guys)
giddy up
cheers
A
2004 TSX 6spd CG/EB with spoiler :-)
Triumph 955i Speed Triple '01
and now departed:
Ducati Monster 750 "Lord Duc" '99
Suzuki Bandit 600 '97
Ford Focus ZX3 - :-) '00
Fiat Cinquecento Sporting '95
either way - vive la frickin difference - as they say in France - who really cares - if you like the look of it - go for it.
what cracks me up is how snooty folks get on this list about the lip spoiler - yes - i can't think of a finer way to make your car look like an enlarged Civic Hybrid (yes the lip spoiler comes as standard on that one guys)
giddy up
cheers
A
2004 TSX 6spd CG/EB with spoiler :-)
Triumph 955i Speed Triple '01
and now departed:
Ducati Monster 750 "Lord Duc" '99
Suzuki Bandit 600 '97
Ford Focus ZX3 - :-) '00
Fiat Cinquecento Sporting '95
Obnoxious Philadelphian
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5,549
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Originally Posted by jozza
either way - vive la frickin difference - as they say in France - who really cares - if you like the look of it - go for it.
what cracks me up is how snooty folks get on this list about the lip spoiler - yes - i can't think of a finer way to make your car look like an enlarged Civic Hybrid (yes the lip spoiler comes as standard on that one guys)
what cracks me up is how snooty folks get on this list about the lip spoiler - yes - i can't think of a finer way to make your car look like an enlarged Civic Hybrid (yes the lip spoiler comes as standard on that one guys)
edit: Why is the spoiler issue more devisive than abortion, religion, or politics??
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Mooresville, NC
Originally Posted by elduderino
I prefer the Helmholtz effect of an open sunroof myself...
And, I don't know what the heck this smiley is supposed to be, but it cracks me up...
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
IMO, the TSX looks much better with the spoiler, especially in PWP. If you have $650 Cdn. to spend, what the hell, go for it! It accentuates the looks of your car, not that it doesn't look sharp as it is.
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