Question regarding a particular rear wing
Question regarding a particular rear wing
(OP)
Hello,
I've got a question regarding the effects of a particular rear wing on the 1999-2004 Ford Mustang body style. The wing in question is the Steeda "Race Wing."

I'm wondering what sort of effects this wing will have on the car. Will it create downforce? Will it aid in stability? At what speeds would the vehicle have to be traveling to experience any noticable effects? The list of questions goes on and on.
People who use this wing on thier Mustangs usually experience a drop of 1-3 mph in their trap speed at the end of a 1/4 mile. A friend of mine has this wing on his GT and his trap speeds dropped from 99-100mph to 97-98mph. I assume that the wing creates more drag than the factory spoiler.
If anything I suspect the wing smooths the flow of air as it travels over the rear deck. Anyone have other input?
Thanks,
Steve
I've got a question regarding the effects of a particular rear wing on the 1999-2004 Ford Mustang body style. The wing in question is the Steeda "Race Wing."

I'm wondering what sort of effects this wing will have on the car. Will it create downforce? Will it aid in stability? At what speeds would the vehicle have to be traveling to experience any noticable effects? The list of questions goes on and on.
People who use this wing on thier Mustangs usually experience a drop of 1-3 mph in their trap speed at the end of a 1/4 mile. A friend of mine has this wing on his GT and his trap speeds dropped from 99-100mph to 97-98mph. I assume that the wing creates more drag than the factory spoiler.
If anything I suspect the wing smooths the flow of air as it travels over the rear deck. Anyone have other input?
Thanks,
Steve





RE: Question regarding a particular rear wing
On a race car, wings add drag and downforce. Drag consumes horsepower. downforce increases traction.
There is always a trade of of gains in traction vs losses to drag.
In my not humble enough opinion, if you don't have a high speed traction problem, a wing will decrease performance, especially in a drag race car where cornering traction is not an issue
Regards
pat
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Question regarding a particular rear wing
Be aware that an increase in rear downforce should be complimented with an increase in front end down force, or you end up with excessive push in the car. Decorative wings, which is what you have there are, of no use what so ever in my opinion. They add nothing to your speed (you dont go fast enough) and if you try to go fast enough you are going to DIE. Your car is NOT built as a race car. It truely does not have the built in capabilties to utilize a wing fully.
Please PLEASE get some high speed training if you plan to go faster than the normal road speeds.
RE: Question regarding a particular rear wing
An interesting piece of research is to look at the effective L/D from things like front wings, rear wings, and ground effect. 4 inch chord lengths are not the answer.
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Question regarding a particular rear wing
RE: Question regarding a particular rear wing