How to Choose the Right Custom Spoiler for a Subaru BRZ for Track Days?

Choosing a new spoiler for your Subaru BRZ can feel like a daunting task. With so many options on the market, how do you make sure you’re selecting the right one to enhance your car’s track performance? By taking into account factors such as the aerodynamics, weight, material, and style of the spoiler, you can significantly improve your BRZ’s performance on the track, as well as its sporty look. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process, offering you all the information and advice you need to make the right choice, first time around.

Understanding the Role of a Spoiler

Before delving into the details, it’s essential to understand why a spoiler is a crucial addition to your Subaru BRZ, especially for track days. A spoiler is more than just a stylish accessory – it serves a functional purpose, influencing the airflow around your vehicle to enhance stability and control.

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The primary role of a spoiler is to ‘spoil’ unwanted air movement across a vehicle’s body. As your BRZ moves forward, air pressure builds up at the front of the car and decreases at the rear, causing a lift effect. This lift can lead to less traction between the tires and the road surface, which is not ideal when it’s crucial to have maximum grip on a track day.

Spoilers, particularly rear ones, counter this effect by redirecting airflow, thereby reducing lift and increasing the downforce on the rear tires. The increased downforce improves traction and stability, making your BRZ handle better around corners and allowing faster lap times.

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Assessing Material and Weight

When choosing the right spoiler, its material and weight are critical factors to consider. Lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum are popular choices for spoilers. Carbon fiber is particularly favored for its high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it can provide the necessary downforce without adding a lot of weight to the rear of your car.

Weight distribution in a car is a delicate balance, and while adding a spoiler does alter this balance, the goal is to do so in a way that benefits your car’s performance. A heavy spoiler can put more stress on your Subaru’s rear suspension and potentially slow you down on the track. Therefore, picking a lightweight spoiler is crucial.

Choosing the Right Design

The design of your spoiler will influence the way it impacts your BRZ’s performance, and it’s important to choose a design that complements your driving style and the specific characteristics of the track.

A wing-style spoiler, for instance, is a great choice for high-speed track days. These spoilers have a bigger surface area, which generates more downforce. However, the trade-off is increased drag, which may affect your car’s top speed.

On the other hand, a lip spoiler is a more subtle option. It won’t generate as much downforce as a wing spoiler, but it causes less drag, which could be beneficial on tracks where top speed is crucial.

Considering the Installation

While many spoilers for the Subaru BRZ come ready to install, some may require drilling or other modifications to your car. It’s essential to consider this aspect before making your choice.

A spoiler that attaches to the existing holes in your trunk lid is generally the easiest to install. But if you choose a larger wing spoiler, you may need to reinforce your trunk lid or even modify your rear fenders. Always ensure that any required alterations won’t adversely affect the performance or structural integrity of your Subaru.

Evaluating the Cost

Lastly, your budget will undoubtedly play a significant role in your decision-making process. While the cost of a spoiler can vary widely, remember that higher prices often reflect better materials and craftsmanship.

It’s wise to see the purchase of a spoiler as an investment. A well-chosen, high-quality spoiler can significantly improve your BRZ’s performance on the track, and even help you shave precious seconds off your lap times. Therefore, it can be worth spending that little bit extra for superior performance and durability.

In conclusion, choosing the right spoiler for your Subaru BRZ for track days involves considering the spoiler’s role, material, weight, design, installation requirements, and cost. By taking the time to evaluate these factors, you can ensure a choice that will enhance your car’s performance, look, and your overall track day experience.

The Impact of Different Spoiler Styles on the Subaru BRZ’s Performance

When choosing the right spoiler for your Subaru BRZ, it’s essential to consider the impact of different spoiler styles on your car’s performance on the track. It’s not just about aesthetics; the style of spoiler you choose can significantly affect your BRZ’s aerodynamic performance, handling, and overall speed.

A gurney flap, for example, is a small lip added to the trailing edge of a spoiler or wing. This seemingly simple addition can create a significant amount of downforce, improving grip and stability during high-speed maneuvers on the track. Originally used in Formula 1 racing, gurney flaps have proven effective in a variety of motorsport disciplines and can be a worthwhile addition to your Subaru BRZ’s spoiler.

On the other end of the spectrum, a rear wing is a more noticeable and aggressive modification. It serves the dual purpose of increasing downforce and reducing drag, making it beneficial for high-speed track days. However, it’s crucial to remember that a larger rear wing can also add weight and may require additional modifications to your BRZ, such as reinforcing the trunk lid or installing camber plates.

A trunk spoiler, or lip spoiler, is a more subtle modification. While it may not generate as much downforce as a rear wing or gurney flap, it does have less impact on the car’s overall weight and drag. This style of spoiler can be advantageous on tracks where top speed is more crucial than cornering grip.

Conclusion: Selecting the Ideal Custom Spoiler for Your Subaru BRZ

In summary, choosing the right custom spoiler for your Subaru BRZ for track days requires a careful evaluation of several factors. Understanding the role of a spoiler and its impact on your car’s performance is fundamental. Additionally, considering the material and weight of the spoiler, its design, installation requirements, and cost are all crucial elements in the decision-making process.

For a track-focused BRZ, lightweight materials like carbon fiber and aluminum are ideal. Whether you opt for a minimalistic design like a lip spoiler or go for a more noticeable rear wing, remember that the style you choose should complement your driving style and the specific characteristics of the track you frequent.

Regardless of whether you prefer the understated performance enhancement of a trunk spoiler or the aggressive look and high downforce of a rear wing, always consider the impact on your Subaru’s aerodynamics, weight distribution, and overall performance.

Lastly, remember that a spoiler is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. It’s an investment in your BRZ’s track performance and can make a noticeable difference in your lap times. Therefore, it’s worth spending a bit more for a spoiler that’s well-designed, made from high-quality materials, and suits your BRZ perfectly.

In the end, the right spoiler for your Subaru BRZ is one that enhances your track day experience, improving your car’s performance without compromising its structural integrity or aesthetic appeal.