Mazda3 Hatch Spoiler
- Thread starter delsp5
- Start date
SmilesPerGallon
Member
- :
- 2002 Protege5 5MT Black
Bump. 
The Protege5 and the 3 are completely different bodies with different curves and dimensions, so the chances that everything will line up and look like anything other than a botch job without major modifications to the spoiler are going to be slim to none. You'd be better off modifying a Protege5 spoiler, or finding a used aftermarket one that suits your taste.
Aerodynamically though, you'll probably achieve the exact opposite of what you're setting out to do. Below is a link to an excellent article by a fluid dynamics engineer re: automotive wings and spoilers. It should be required reading for anyone wishing to modify the airflow over their car:
http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/wings-spoilers-youre-probably-doing-it-wrong-1665312667
Relevant quote from the article:
"Just to make it extra clear what I'm saying here: spoilers that stick up above the roof of the car are blisteringly stupid. They make the car's slipstream significantly larger and add a ton of drag. Don't be the guy with the idiotically-large spoiler. No good comes from that."
Blunt, to be sure, but it's for your own good. Sorry.
The Protege5 and the 3 are completely different bodies with different curves and dimensions, so the chances that everything will line up and look like anything other than a botch job without major modifications to the spoiler are going to be slim to none. You'd be better off modifying a Protege5 spoiler, or finding a used aftermarket one that suits your taste.
Aerodynamically though, you'll probably achieve the exact opposite of what you're setting out to do. Below is a link to an excellent article by a fluid dynamics engineer re: automotive wings and spoilers. It should be required reading for anyone wishing to modify the airflow over their car:
http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/wings-spoilers-youre-probably-doing-it-wrong-1665312667
Relevant quote from the article:
"Just to make it extra clear what I'm saying here: spoilers that stick up above the roof of the car are blisteringly stupid. They make the car's slipstream significantly larger and add a ton of drag. Don't be the guy with the idiotically-large spoiler. No good comes from that."
Blunt, to be sure, but it's for your own good. Sorry.
I totally get the airflow thing. It was also a good read. Also thank you for such a detailed response. I was really going for more on the aspect for looks as trying to figure out whether the spoiler benefits performance doesn't make sense for a daily driver. Not to mention the lack of aftermarket spoilers for the p5. But again thanks!!
SmilesPerGallon
Member
- :
- 2002 Protege5 5MT Black
You're welcome, glad I could help. BTW, the stock spoiler on the Protege5 does have a function. By disrupting (spoiling) the laminar airflow over the rear window, it greatly reduces the lift and drag that the window would normally produce. That's why you see similar spoilers an almost every hatchback, station wagon and SUV sold today.
If you're after a distinctive look that will set your Protege5 apart from the rest (while also improving fuel economy) you might try increasing the length of your spoiler, rather than the height. Some interesting/extreme examples can be found in the "Partial Kammback" section of the EcoModder forum:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/fuel-economy-mpg-modifications.php#41
More information on the Kammback shape from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kammback
Have fun, and good luck!
If you're after a distinctive look that will set your Protege5 apart from the rest (while also improving fuel economy) you might try increasing the length of your spoiler, rather than the height. Some interesting/extreme examples can be found in the "Partial Kammback" section of the EcoModder forum:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/fuel-economy-mpg-modifications.php#41
More information on the Kammback shape from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kammback
Have fun, and good luck!
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