stock wing downforce?
 

Just wondering..., does anyone have data showing that the stock rear wing generates any downforce (or upforce!)?

It should be down force. I have heard that this spoiler is a working one and it helps at speeds over 100 mph.

Given that the spoiler has a symmetrical profile and has virtually no AOA, I wouldn't think that it would have much effect, even at 100MPH.

KuoH

1. It isn't a spoiler. It's a wing. A spoiler is when it's attached to the car. A wing sticks up into the airflow.

2. Most factory rear wings do not generate any downforce... in fact, the only one I can think of off the top of my head is a 1969 Charger Daytona, or a 1970 Plymouth Superbird, but even those were 'set' to ZERO at the factory....

3. It probably adds stability.... maybe....

- Rob

Spoilers
 

Hi spoiler freaks, The first rule engineers have when working on spoilers for street cars is "First do no harm" So i'm guessing Zero force of any kind would be the right amount. Take care, BOBB

Mychailo,
yeah, no AOA, but it does have an effective cross sectional area. Should be able to calculate it and compute the drag associated with it and vector out some effective downward force...
-Bill

It is not a spoiler.

- Rob

Despite the creative terminology, I think I understand what you're trying to say. However drag does not automatically equal downforce, though it can reduce speed, thus lift if there is any. Now as for calculating the effective drag, you can probably generate more just by sticking your hand out the window and holding it perpendicular to the airflow.

KuoH

I see nothing in the dictionary that prevents the use of the word spoiler from being applied to the rear airflow modifier on the SVX. In fact the word wing generally carries a connotation of lift, which is definitely not the intended design when used on a car.

KuoH

the wing is NOT symmetrical from top to bottom
it is actually an airfoil flat on top curved underneath

i have heard that in the wind tunnel tests it is functional at high speeds, over 100, which i believe,

althoguht the car in general seems to suction to the road more the faster you go

Yep, you're correct that drag does not automatically equal downforce, thus my comment of "vectoring it out" - since the "spoiler" isn't perpendicular to the airflow there will be some downward force resulting from the drag (granted that it probably won't be much). As to more drag due to your hand, you're probably not too far off -- depending on the size of your hand, it's effective surface area is probably somewhere on the order of 20-30 square inches. My guess is that the spoiler's area is around 100-130 square inches.
-Bill

I had the opportunity to watch my SVX at 100mph on the highway on Sunday... the rear wheel gap actually shrinks slightly at speeds over 80 so I assume there is usable downforce being created.

I have called it a spoiler because that is what Subaru has called it. I have not questioned their use of the term. :)

Interesting. I happen to live in an area where there are frequent opportunities to drive at 100+ mph, and I've taken advantage of it. I've recently noticed that there appears to be rub marks on the car from the trunk lid has made contact with the car. The gap between the trunk lid and the car is about 3/16" when the trunk is closed. I tried pushing the trunk lid down to make contact with the car. I applied about 25 lbs (conservative estimate) of force to one rear corner of the trunk lid, and the rubber bumper(s) compressed only enough to cut the gap in half.

Yep. And considering I'm running 350lb springs in the rear, the fact that the rear is riding lower at all at speed is impressive.