What's with the Si sedan's rear spoiler?

cekIV · Feb 18, 2019

It bothers me the Si sedan's rear spoiler doesn't let air flow underneath. It's solid, all the way to the trunk! Doesn't this affect aerodynamics negatively? Is there an option to replace it with a spoiler that actually lifts above the trunk lid? This one seems like a cheesy, glued-on ornament. Or, do I need to up my OCD meds. ?-)

sgtmorph · Feb 18, 2019

cekIV said:
It bothers me the Si sedan's rear spoiler doesn't let air flow underneath. It's solid, all the way to the trunk! Doesn't this affect aerodynamics negatively? Is there an option to replace it with a spoiler that actually lifts above the trunk lid? This one seems like a cheesy, glued-on ornament. Or, do I need to up my OCD meds. ?-)

I thought the exact same thing about that spoiler! That along with the massive fake black vents on the bumpers, the rear of the Si Sdean is FUGLY IMO. Hence why I went with the coupe

I like the overall rear section of the coupe so much better. Raised spoiler and lesser amounts of "fake vents" LOL

Davsonamission · Feb 18, 2019

cekIV said:
It bothers me the Si sedan's rear spoiler doesn't let air flow underneath. It's solid, all the way to the trunk! Doesn't this affect aerodynamics negatively? Is there an option to replace it with a spoiler that actually lifts above the trunk lid? This one seems like a cheesy, glued-on ornament. Or, do I need to up my OCD meds. ?-)

I am pretty sure Honda would have done aerodynamic test to ensure it is the most efficient design for the car.

SichuanHot · Feb 18, 2019

I still get low 40s mpg highway, so it seems negligible in drag.

rive · Feb 18, 2019

The spoiler on the Si sedan exists to reduce rear end lift, not to produce rear downforce. This article details it rather well.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/wings-spoilers-youre-probably-doing-it-wrong-1665312667

cekIV · Feb 18, 2019

rive said:
The spoiler on the Si sedan exists to reduce rear end lift, not to produce rear downforce. This article details it rather well.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/wings-spoilers-youre-probably-doing-it-wrong-1665312667

That's a great article! Thanks for the link!
I'm feeling much better about it now...

DRuby · Feb 18, 2019

To expand on rive's excellent post/link, I have been wondering about the activities regarding opening the rear vent panels.

It would seem that open vents would introduce more air volume/pressure in a space that the spoiler is trying to keep a clean flow.

I agree that the rear vents don't look great.

cekIV · Feb 19, 2019

DRuby said:
To expand on rive's excellent post/link, I have been wondering about the activities regarding opening the rear vent panels.

It would seem that open vents would introduce more air volume/pressure in a space that the spoiler is trying to keep a clean flow.

I agree that the rear vents don't look great.

Good point! If opening air holes to make it a "functional" vent redirects airflow up towards the bottom of the car, as that article suggests, then it would negatively affect aerodynamics.
Aesthetically, though, I think they're a disaster. Anything aftermarket out there to replace them?

Paprocjo · Feb 19, 2019

I just want to know how to replace the bulb in the spoiler.

jakabony · Feb 19, 2019

Paprocjo said:
I just want to know how to replace the bulb in the spoiler.

It's LED.

Paprocjo · Feb 20, 2019

jakabony said:
It's LED.

Lame I was hoping to replace it with a flashing brake light.

jakabony · Feb 20, 2019

Paprocjo said:
Lame I was hoping to replace it with a flashing brake light.

I am sure there is something in aftermarket that can do that.

cekIV · Feb 20, 2019

Paprocjo said:
Lame I was hoping to replace it with a flashing brake light.

Maybe some kind of electrical component inline ( a relay??) that would provide intermittent power rather than constant?

Paprocjo · Feb 20, 2019

cekIV said:
Maybe some kind of electrical component inline ( a relay??) that would provide intermittent power rather than constant?

I'll have to keep doing some more digging.

fenix-silver · Feb 20, 2019

Paprocjo said:
I'll have to keep doing some more digging.

Not sure where you'd access the wire, but there are modules available to strobe the light, like this: https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/strobe-controllers/brake-light-strobe-module/195/845/

What's with the Si sedan's rear spoiler?

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