STI rear carbon wing

[nikitopo]

I would like to discuss the functionality of the rear wing. Given that this is a momentum car, how much is the performance improvement in high speed corners? Experience from BRZ tS owners will be really helpful. The only quote I have till now is the following:

Above 50 miles per hour, "we pick up a little more downforce in the front and a lot more in back," says Todd Hill, BRZ car line manager at Subaru of America.

[wparsons]

Downforce = grip = higher cornering speeds. You'd have to balance it with drag on long straights, but for most tracks I'll bet the wing is worth it if it's producing good downforce.


Not sure how effective the factory TS wing is though, could be much better options out there.

[nikitopo]

Originally Posted by wparsons

Downforce = grip = higher cornering speeds. You'd have to balance it with drag on long straights, but for most tracks I'll bet the wing is worth it if it's producing good downforce.


Not sure how effective the factory TS wing is though, could be much better options out there.

The question is how much better? I remember a comparison back in '12, but not with the tS wing. The difference was a few tenths of the second for a single lap (*). If this the real difference, then it means that the wing is useless for street usage with only exception a bit better handling in top speed here in Germany?

(*) Here is the link in Japanese. You can use Google translator:
http://www.c-west.co.jp/labs/86_20120420.asp

[RayRay88]

Originally Posted by nikitopo

The question is how much better? I remember a comparison back in '12, but not with the tS wing. The difference was a few tenths of the second for a single lap (*). If this the real difference, then it means that the wing is useless for street usage with only exception a bit better handling in top speed here in Germany?

(*) Here is the link in Japanese. You can use Google translator:
http://www.c-west.co.jp/labs/86_20120420.asp

Don't even bother with a wing, if your primary purpose is for the street. (Unless you do a lot of autobahn runs and want the stability)

If you go to the track it's going to make a difference. I remember Topher mentioning in his reviews that the car felt more planted all around the track and that in return greatly increases driver confidence.

The tS was consistently pulling 2 seconds faster than his brz (back to back driving), which has a header/oft and stickier tire.

I also agree with the expense statement. I'm sure you could get a Voltex or Verus low drag wing for cheaper (both validated wing profiles).

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by nikitopo

If this the real difference, then it means that the wing is useless for street usage with only exception a bit better handling in top speed here in Germany?

That's going to be the case with any significant aero... at average street speeds it won't be effective at all, so you'll see zero benefit.


If you're buying a wing for a pure street car, your expectations should be hard parking points only.

[RayRay88]

Perhaps you're better off with a functional rear diffuser. Reduce drag and increase overall/rear down force. Plus it's low key enough to run on the street without attracting too much attention.

[nikitopo]

Originally Posted by wparsons

That's going to be the case with any significant aero... at average street speeds it won't be effective at all, so you'll see zero benefit.


If you're buying a wing for a pure street car, your expectations should be hard parking points only.

It might sound strange, but the closest track here is the Hockenheimring (3 hours drive) and it is opened for the public only 4-5 days per year. In these days they'll enter 90+ cars per time which is for me really nuisance on a 4.5 km track! Even if the distribution of the cars is even on the track, it means that each car has a free space at most of 50 meters.

At least we are still lucky to not have street speed limits on the autobahn. I was thinking to use the aero for high speed driving mostly on the mountains. The speed can be quite high over there too. What do you think?

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by nikitopo

I was thinking to use the aero for high speed driving mostly on the mountains. The speed can be quite high over there too. What do you think?

I think you should be consulting with the manufacturer of the wing to see what speed range the airfoil was designed for...

[nikitopo]

Originally Posted by wparsons

I think you should be consulting with the manufacturer of the wing to see what speed range the airfoil was designed for...

I don't think STI will provide any information on this. I am aware that it has a screw and you can adjust the angle in two different positions. Anyway, we'll see. I am not in hurry ...

[Kiske]

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3URmBqZqJUc[/ame]

As mentioned by the above.

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by nikitopo

I don't think STI will provide any information on this. I am aware that it has a screw and you can adjust the angle in two different positions. Anyway, we'll see. I am not in hurry ...

I would bet quite a lot that there are better options for the same, or less, money than buying the OEM STI wing.