So the spoiler will get more air into the radiator but ins't it's main job
to help keep the front end somewhat stable at speed (65+ MPH). My '77 had
one and no floaty feel at speed, my '75 had one, same thing. Now as for my
'72, it doesn't have one and the floaty feel is there. I don't think it's my
imagination.
Dave
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nolan Penney" <npenney@mde.state.md.us>
To: <spitfires@Autox.Team.Net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2004 6:14 AM
Subject: Re: late spoiler
> I have several 1980 & 79 Spitfires. Some of which still have the oem
> spoiler. In my experience, the hysteria over the "need" to have the
> spoiler in order to prevent overheating is absurd. My coldest running
> Spitfire has no spoiler of any type on it, and it's a 1980 with the
> original skinny radiator and electric fan.
>
> The last of the spoilers were very sloppy fitting. Some have the ends
> tight, many do not. Almost all have lost the cloth center strap on the
> back of the spoiler that keeps it from sagging. Install it if you wish,
> but don't expect miracles to happen from it.
>
> There is a plate that can be fabricated that fits under the front of
> the car and radiator to prevent air from spilling off below the
> radiator.
>
> In my observations and experience, those late model Spitfires that are
> prone to overheating almost invariably have a poor radiator with missing
> cooling fins and corroded off coolant passages. This damage is most
> consistently located at the bottom of the radiator. My rather cold
> running 1980 Spitfire has a perfect radiator and fan.
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