Just wondering did anyone notice any difference (spoiler down not working) in relation to downforce and handling. I understand its providing 9kg of down force. What is max velocity you would dare go with non working spoiler.

 

Been driving my 03 sans a working spoiler now for about 2 months. The new spoiler hardware is on order, or has been ordered and I plan on taking the car in this coming week to have the old hardware replaced and the spoiler working again.

In the meantime, I've driven to nearly 100mph with no apparent issues. However, one can't say up to 100mph is safe.

There is the issue of time of exposure. My time at 100mph was short. Very short. I encountered no wind or road conditions that could have contributed to a problem with a non-functiong/non-deployed spoiler.

I mean even at less than 100mph say you crest a rise in the road the car could get out of shape without the downforce the wing provides.

Generally one doesn't know a car's aerodynamics failed him until he's viewing the world upside from inside an upside down car...

 

People on this forum have removed the spoiler completely for some runs over 200 MPH with no ill effects. Maybe some will see this and reply.

 

Well, a 200mph run suggests a very brief excursion into the double ton speed range which means the exposure to something untoward happening due to the spoiler not being present or deployed is brief. And I bet the 200mph speed was obtained on a flat straight section of road with probably little wind.

When someone laps the 'ring turning in a good elapsed time with no spoiler attached and makes it across the finish line safe and sound I might soften my stance but in the meantime I would advise caution.

 

I tested this yesterday on my trip to the sea on the well known road. I took the car up to 150mph. Weather conditions were perfect. Car felt the same grip-wise but over 120 mph I could feel rear-end getting just a little bit happier than usual. Nothing really concerning but I felt it. I also took some high speed sweepers at that speed car remained planted. So in a way, I answered my own question. I do think that at 200mph I wouldn't risk, taking a fast sweeper but perhaps this would only be my psychological state of mind.