That air is coming from the side, not over the top where this would have any effect. Unless you change the profile of the car significantly, you won't change that effect. The maker stated that this would help reduce front end lift. Great, but that doesn't do anything for the side. If it does anything, it would improve overall handling. If its cheap enough, go for it if you like. You won't lose much.
This is a quote from Brian's first post: "A byproduct effect that this part has is that it greatly lessens the side wakes of larger vehicles that go by. " I'll take my chances.
Here are some pictures of our BT Tech Rear Aero Spoiler installed... Thanks!! Brian BT Tech 305-652-3115
THANKS! Just installed the Spoiler - will test drive it later this week on the highway and I'm sure I notice the difference - thanks for a great product! -Dave
Thanks Dave!! We look forward to your impressions once you have a chance to go on the highway... Brian BT Tech 305-652-3115
OK, got my spoiler about a month ago but had to have it repainted becasue the color was way off. My car is Tidelands Pearl and the spoiler arrived looking like it was blue, but not the blue of the Prius. I had it repainted and it came out beautiful and just installed it this weekend, took about 4 minutes. Looks great now. Really looks sporty too.
Hello Cairo... I wish you would have let me know about the color being off on your spoiler. I just checked my records and we have delivered 7 of that color so I would have loved to see what the problem was. At any rate I am glad that you have it installed and everything looks great. Please let me know your impressions of how the car feels now to you at highway speeds. Thanks!! Brian BT Tech 305-652-3115
All I can give you is my real world experiance. I have not noticed any difference in my MPG since I installed the Spoiler. Rowan
Hello Rowan.. Can you give your impressions on any differences that you feel with the spoiler installed?? Thanks!! Brian BT Tech 305-652-3115
Here is my seat-of-the-pants reprt. I have driven the Prius several hundred miles now with the spoiler. It still looks cool AND I believe the car feels more stable driving down the road. It seems as though I am not being blown around as much as I used to be and when other traffic is passing me I really do not feel it now. Brian- As for the paint, I used to be a painter and have a good eye for color. Both my brother and I looked at it and agreed the color was off, pretty far off actually. Not a big deal as my car had been hit on the rear bumper and the paint was scratched so I had it scheduled to go in for paint work anyway. I had the spoiler painted at the same time. Now if someone could make sway bars for this car as well as some heavy-duty shocks.....
Just an FYI, the Spoiler is now available in the PriusChat Shop: http://www.priuschat.com/shop/product_info.../products_id/24
I've been looking thru the thread and forgive me if I missed this, but can someone post installation instructions? I'd like to see what's involved before ordering. Thanks!
Hello Don.. If you can post your email address or email me directly, I can send you the install documents in Word format. It is actually a very easy install and something you can do in under 15 minutes. Thanks!! Brian BT Tech 305-652-3115 [email protected]
Hi Brian - Trying to catch up on all the great gadgets available for the Prius since I just ordered my first one.... I'm a bit confused on the function of this part. I understand it is meant to reduce lift by breaking up some of the "wing shape" of the Prius profile. Of course the rear of the Prius does NOT come to a point link a wing does, and in fact, ends in a squared-of rear-end that begins with a sharp edge. That factory sharp edge would create some spoiled air at the back, which would tend to reduce the wing effect (On purpose, I'm willing to guess!). What is it that this part does differently than the sharp lip just beyond where this spoiler installs? And regardless of all that, is there any empirical info that can be shared? Any measurements of decreased lift? Any evidence of functionality beyond "it seems to handle side gusts better"?? Thanks much!