supham
11-17-2003, 01:30 AM
What is the weight added by the appearance package which includes the wheel flares, mud flares, and the spoiler? Also, how does it affect the 50/50 weight distribution? Finally, at what speed does the spoiler began to put enough pressure on the suspension to affect the handling?
I know that the add-ons make your bank account $910 lighter :eek: which might also cause balancing problems. It looks nice with the package ;), as does a "stock" version without, but I wouldn't want to add back too much of the precious weight saved or adversely affect the 50/50 balance that are the hallmarks of having a Wankle :D power plant.
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takahashi
11-17-2003, 02:17 AM
Add a front spoiler and a rear wing then it is balance then... that will make the middle $4K lighter for MazdaSpeed verson
brothervoodoo
11-17-2003, 02:28 AM
You pose some interesting questions which I don't think anybody here is going to be able to answer for you. Weight is weight and it's dead weight to boot. So if you are concerned at all, don't get it. I would suppose all the figures and data points you've read in magazines and the Mazda website are quoted without the appearance package installed.
greese
11-28-2003, 02:08 PM
Originally posted by supham
Finally, at what speed does the spoiler began to put enough pressure on the suspension to affect the handling?
my understanding is that spoilers etc have no effect on handling until 70mph. Before then all you are adding is weight and drag which slow you down.
That is why i laugh when i see a del sol with a spoiler the size of a surfboard on it. All they are doing is slowing their car down.
greese
Kaliken
11-29-2003, 11:33 AM
i wouldn't expect drag to be a huge issue until you are going at a decent speed(>70mph) to induce turbulence in the rear (flow reconnects and becomes chaotic) Normal speeds will induce something like below. So a (small) spoiler will not do much to drag but will add to weight. I will not defend large nasty ugly spoilers..
Here is a shot of a model VW beetle in a wind tunnel that I took as part of a class!
drafting behind another car is also a cool concept to see! :cool: