Not yet. I'm telling you, it would be less of a PITA for you to just get a 308 GTSi and be done with it...
Remember, I'm moving back to HSV, going to put two lifts in the garage if you need the storage space.
The "spoilerless" does look good. Helps clean up the rear roof line. I do agree that the body colored roof panel helps with the smooth look. My 328 has the standard black top and black spoiler. If I was to remove the spoiler then the roof panel would have to be painted the body color. A nice job, well done.
The spoiler may have an aerodynamic/cooling effect. 308/328 have similar aerodynamics to my car, with the caveat that "similar" doesn't mean "identical". With the closed bottom and general upper body shape, you get an extreme low pressure area just behind the rear window even at highway speeds. This has the effect of drawing air UP through the engine and out the trunk vents. The lip at the rear edge of the car creates a high pressure area from the air coming over the roof by inturrupting the air flow, and this created downforce, although the 308/328 lip looks too small to be effective. The 'basket handle' on the rear of the roof may change how the low pressure zone is formed. I can't tell from pictures, but if the angle directs it past the low pressure zone it may enhance it, drawing more air around the engine and helping cooling. If this airflow hits the very rear part of the trunk it may also enhance downforce. Or, it may just be a cosmetic add-on! Ken
Ken, I ran without the spoiler throughout the summer months. I saw no changes in cooling behaviour with and without the spoiler, nor in handling. Given that it was an option elsewhere, I'm convinced it's primarily a cosmetic device.
My Euro 308 QV- no spoiler. I like them better without the spoiler also- so... your car looks great. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have one of each...it's just one more darn thing to silicone.......I see some seperation starting on mine....I think it's 'gone' in the repaint!
Thus, the inevitable question: since the 348 and 355 had a similar roof/rear deck configuration, why didn't they come with a similar spoiler? I think I'm going to take mine off when I get the roof repainted.....
Ken, I agree with your explanation, but the reason Tillman did not notice any diference is because it is a very subtle effect. In reality you would need instrumentation to measure the diference, particularly at the speeds we can attain in street driving. So if you like it (I do) keep it, if you don't... Disclaimer...I am NOT a rocket scientist, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but I have worked around aerodynamics for many years.
That would be the world's most expensive seatbelt warning light. I am beginning to think I may have to buy one, swap the lights, and flip the car.
Honestly, there is one in Huntsville that I am going to grab as soon as it hits the market (if it ever does). It's a one owner 81 - with the correct seatbelt warning light - and happens to be the first one I rode in 22 years ago. I am just going to hold out for it.
A bit more progress Still needs to dry, then sanded/buffed Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Honestly, I like it, but just as much with the spoiler on. I may have to see more pictures before I really make up my mind.
I'm very partial to the looks/lines of the 308 and 328. I think your car looks fantastic in it's current spoilerless state. And I don't think I've ever mentioned this before, but that *color*! Wow - very classy.
Tillman - I think it looks terrific - lean and clean. Pininfarina design shapes look so much better unfettered. Can't wait to see it completed!
My garage is too dark to get a decent shot. These will have to do until the weekend or so. Once again, Jano and Rafi did a great job. The only problem is that now the rest of the car looks like it needs a repaint! Oh, and the need for new rear package shelf fabric. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
