Dams, aprons & spoilers, myth, legend or fact? Options

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

I recall reading an article way back in the '70s (might have been published in PCAs Panorama) about the effectiveness of various front end devices fitted to a 914. At the time, I was still utilizing the OEM apron beneath the front bumper and a 1200 mile road trip to Colorado opened my eyes to the cross wind susceptibility of the 914s' aerodynamics. Driving at extra-legal speeds across the plains of Kansas and Colorado with wind gusting from the side has the ability to focus a driver's attention on maintaining lane discipline.

After that early odyssey across the plains and through the mountains, I'd subsequently fitted a SE/LE air dam after considering the aforementioned article, in an effort to impart a bit of downforce on the front end, allowing less air to be diverted below the car and thereby increasing the load on the front tires for more directional stability.

With that said, further long distance road trips seemed to have proven the validity of this thinking. The car seems to be more "planted" and less affected by either cross winds or passing/or passed vehicular traffic (i.e. large semis).

But that was almost 30 years ago! I can't imagine there's been a very large body of study put forth on the aerodynamic characteristics of a limited production car, now over thirty years old.

With D/E and other track use excepted, does anyone have any firsthand, hands on experience with 914 front end aero aides?

[orthobiz]

Dang. I was hoping it was a poll. I was going to vote "legend." Hey, even though I may have nothing to add, doesn't mean I don't want to post!

Paul

[PeeGreen 914]

I can say from personal experience that the less air that gets under there the better for traction. I had an LE air dam for a while, and now I have one that is much lower. Your front end feels much more planted, and it isn't AS frightening going around some of the corners at 100mph. One corner in particular you could really feel the front lifting, but now it doesn't. On the side skirts I can't help you as I have never done anything with those.

[jr91472]

I agree, a front dam improves things. If you doubt it, pay attention the next time you pass an 18 wheelers at highway speeds. Without the dam, the front bucks and moves as the car moves in front of the truck.

With the dam, almost no movement at all.


Plus they look cool (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[Rand]

I've been a believer since my first car. I had a tricked Datsun 510 that would really keep you on your toes at 110mph - it wanted to wander. I put a good air dam on it and it became rock solid.

[Bleyseng]

I think ride height has something to do with it also. Stock ride ht and tall tires with soft side walls = blown all over the place.

stock valance,lowered front end, 50 series tires, 22mm sway bars,200rear springs, koni sports and I go 100mph in Eastern Wash and don't notice the wind at all!

[jimtab]

Yeah, we had wind across Nevada and Utah on the way back to the RRC and I have a LOW car, don't have the 200# rear springs but everything else and no problems...except scraping on little humps on dirt roads.

[PeeGreen 914]

My car is rather low, it has 200lb springs, 23mm torsion bars, 22mm sway bar, and still on an uphill hairpin turn it feels very light in the front without the deeper airdam.

[bigkensteele]

Does anyone remember a bodykit called Fox. I think that they used to advertise in VW&Porsche before the magazine was ruined. Their ad was what inspired me to own a 914. The kit consisted of a front spoiler, side skirts and a rear dam, along with a cheesy looking decklid spoiler (which I wouldn't have installed, even in the early '90s).

In my minds eye, that kit still looks good today. Would love to see pics if anyone has this stuff.

If it is what I recall, it could be a solution to the gust problems.

Ken