STATEMENT : Keeping the rear spoiler up(manually)all the time helps with engine cooling.

I thought I read that somewhere, but I can't find where. Is this true?

Things are starting to heat up here in Vegas, and I'll drive around with it up if it helps the engine.

 

Vegas,
Very True! read your manual- not only will it come up at a certain speed, it automatically comes up if the engine temperature is too high.

 

That's not true ( at least not for the 997 S )

The only purpose of the rear spoiler is to reduce aerodynamic drag and to provide a downforce at the rear axle.
It is either manually activated or raises automatically at ~ 75 mph.

It does not come up if the engine temperature is too high and there is no opening to the outside other than thru the deck mounted exhaust fan
( which runs regardless if the spoiler is up or down )

 

That’s not what the owners manual for my 2007 997S states. On page 63 it says that in automatic mode the extension and retraction of the spoiler depends on driving speed and engine compartment temperature. When the engine compartment temperature is under 122°F/55°C the spoiler extends at 75 mph/60 km/h and retracts at 37 mph/60 km/h but when the engine compartment temperature is over 140°F/60°C the spoiler extends at 50 mph/80 km/h and retracts at 19 mph/30 km/h so it appears that extension of the spoiler does help in engine compartment cooling.

 

Thanks ,
they must have changed it . My manual does not say that .

 

This conclusion is partially true. Keep in mind that, at speed, airflow will cool the engine more with the spoiler up. But at low speeds (most likely under 25-30mph), there is more cooling air flowing via the fan. I always leave it on auto - I figure Porsche's engineers are smarter than my high school AP physics...

 

Either way , I don't think it has anything to do with cooling the engine itself but rather to just keep the engine compartment cooler .

 

I'd have to imagine if the engine compartment is cooler then the engine temp may be a bit cooler.

 

I use to own a 930....Sorry I ever sold it.....and after using the car, I would raise the rear lid to let out the heat quicker. There was plenty of heat back there. Would raisin the engine lid after using the car cool down the compartment quicker and possible extend the life of the hoses?????

 

I've owned a few 930's back in the day including a 500 hp Kremmer and they are simply amazing, so simple , so fast, so solid...a real man's Porsche .