I'm not a big fan of the fixed wing look, but I have a broken pump, I'm getting ready to install an new Tech Art Type 1 replica wing and I have to have the wing up to remove/install the wing.

Given this, I had to figure out a way to do a fixed wing.

1. Go to the hardware store and purchase a 1/8" steel rod.
2. Go to the automotive store and buy some brake cleaner.
3. Cut two 3.4" long pieces
4. Remove the pump and lines (optional, but cleaner)
5. Spray brake cleaner inside the ram to clean it. If you have some compressed air, you can spray that in to dry up the brake cleaner
6. Manually pull the wing up and put something between the wing and deck to hold it up (I used a 3" section of 3" silicone hose).
7. Put the 3.4" long 1/8" rod you cut into each ram (you will have to push slightly to push the piston up inside the ram).
8. Reinstall the short banjo bolt to hold the rod in.
9. Manually lift the wing and remove what ever you were using to hold it up.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT use the bolt/rod to force the wing up and be careful when you lower the wing. You do not want to bend the rod inside the ram. It can be removed, but is it a PITA.

The rod cost me around $2.50 and I already had brake cleaner, so it's very economical and you don't have to take the ram apart, or mess with the spring inside the ram.

FYI the total weight savings was only 3.4lbs.

Later, Steve

Here is a picture after the mod

 

Brake cleaner will destroy the seals inside the rams, just FYI. The chemicals in them can have adverse affects on certain rubbers and vitons. I would just drain them and leave them that way with a residue inside, isnt going to hurt anything with a little pentosin still inside.

 

I like the idea & simplicity. Do you think the rods would be sturdy enough to stabilize the wing @ upwards of 200mph?

 

IMO, not that it matters at all & I'm sure I'm going to get flamed on for this. To me, it is mind boggling the short cuts people take instead of doing it right. This is not a Honda. : / Rant.

 

Well the wing is up, and it looks clean to me, so good job.

 

I'm sorry, I guess I forgot this is the Porsche community.

Let me try it this way.

Introducing an exciting new product!!!!

From the research and development arm of XYZ Porsche Specialists.

- Why spend $2,000+ replacing the poorly engineered and unreliable factory hydraulic system that raises the stock 996 turbo wing?

- Why spend $2,000+ replacing the rear deck of your 996 turbo with a fixed wing as a "band aid" to poor factory engineering?

- Why deal with a system that only optimizes down force when you exceed 75mph?

- Our kit has been extensively engineered with stainless steel wing struts to optimize downforce across the complete speed range.

-This kit also uses retaining bolts machined to the thousanths of an inch to apply just the right amount of torque to the struts to optimize reliability and stength.

- Unbelievably this extensively engineered kit can be purchased for $900!!!!

- We understand this is over $1,000 less than other alternatives, but we believe that the demand will exceed expectations and will allow economies of scale that will make this pricing fiscally responsible for XYZ Porsche Specialist.



Just having fun of course.

Let me start by saying that I have no intention of using the wing on my Porsche in the up, fixed position. I also want to state that I'm not going to spend $1,200+ to repair an unreliable system that is know to fail. Especially when it only generates 60 pounds of downforce at 190mph in the up position. A larger, lowered aftermarket fixed wing will more than likely match those downforce numbers.

Seriously, the majority of people install a fixed wing kit for one of two reasons.

1. They like the wing in the up position and the unreliable factory system has failed. They also don't see a reason to spend $2,000 on an unreliable system.
2. They like the looks of the wing in the fixed position and factory system is not designed to stay in the up position (as it applies a large amount of force on the seals when in the up position and working against the spring pressure).

Fortunately the fun of our hobby is that everyone has different tastes. This is why there are tons of different makes, models and trim levels. This is also why the aftermarket industry is so large. Different tastes keep it interesting. As I stated before, I have no plan of leaving my spoiler in the fixed, up position, but I'm glad other prefer it that way.

After all it's not like we're installing a big "universal" wing on the deck with sheet metal screws.

Later, Steve

 

luckily I replaced my entire ram setup under warranty so it was free. However, within 2 months I installed a GT2 decklid and haven't had any problems since

 

The seals are going to dry out regardless unless you cycle your wing regularly. They are at the top of the rams, so unless your using the fluid to push the pistons up, the seals are getting very little lubrication. This is probably why the seals fail in the first place.

Plus, since you're using the stock banjo bolts, the fluid will leak into the hot engine bay. I don't believe one quick shot of brake fluid followed by a blast of air to evaporate it will due significant damage.

Later, Steve

 

in all the years I have been viewing this and other 996tt forums I have only read of one fire and it wasn't caused by this, so although what you say may be true, it has never happened to my knowledge with any frequency. When things like that happen, the car community finds out quick, like with the ferrari 458 fires.

 

I had read in an earlier post that our wing generates 60lbs. of downforce at 190mph.

I applied more than 60lbs. of weight on the top of the wing after the installation without any issue.

Later, Steve

 

I doubt there would be a fire, but my point is cleaning them out with brake fluid is even less of a risk.

Later, Steve

 

LOL!

Good post, and nice simple fix. I did something similar when I installed my GT2 style wing on mine.

 

BTW your mod is definitely a more complete and finished solution.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-solution.html

 

I basically did the same thing. I machined a couple of pins out of stainless rod and inserted some short bolts in place of the banjo bolts. Then I got tired of the continually raised wing and just took the whole thing off. I need to make some plugs to cover the ram holes in the rear deck.

 

It's a simple 1/8" diameter steel rod. Most home improvement stores will have it.

Later, Steve