Aero and Top Speed Limits

[zeroptzero]

I've heard a few sources say the top speed of the Sport trim is quite a bit lower than that of the higher trim models, they say the rear trunk spoiler and front lower lip is the reason. For the life of me I can't see how a tiny trunk spoiler and front lip could make that much difference in top speed stability. I added the front lower lip to my Sport model as I liked the look, I've held off doing the rear trunk spoiler though as I am not sure if I like it better with or without the lip. Do you guys agree that the rear trunk spoiler adds much more downforce ? As far as top seed goes it doesn't really matter in my case as I would never take the car that high up in speed, but I was curious about the spoilers.

 

[KrackaC8]

Electronically limited top speed, supposedly for safety due to lift, but also at least partially likely for higher trim bragging rights.

 

[zeroptzero]

Electronically limited top speed, supposedly for safety due to lift, but also at least partially likely for higher trim bragging rights.

yeah, I just don't see the small spoiler and lip combo reducing lift that much, I could be wrong but I just don't see it.

 

[KrackaC8]

yeah, I just don't see the small spoiler and lip combo reducing lift that much, I could be wrong but I just don't see it.

You'd be surprised what small changes or disruptions to airflow (what spoilers do) can do. Downforce slows you down, but keeps you stable and controllable. Corvettes are also great examples with their small splitters and spoilers, but notable changes to drag coefficient, top speed, drag times/traps, etc.

 

[jacksonmagnet]

Over 130 the air resistance is pretty noticeable

 

[Who.Am.Eye.2716]

I took my Z Sport to the track and you can feel the car twitchy at 135mph top speed.

 

[ZillaZ]

Am I the only one here that has gone over 150mph? I am sure I am not.

It was wild and I was trying to go faster, got to 151mph before I decided I was running out of road. Felt like there was more left in it but really haven't tried that again.

 

[Who.Am.Eye.2716]

Its the govenor that stops you from going faster.

Performance maxes out around 155mph
Sport maxes out around 135mph

 

[KrackaC8]

Am I the only one here that has gone over 150mph? I am sure I am not.

It was wild and I was trying to go faster, got to 151mph before I decided I was running out of road. Felt like there was more left in it but really haven't tried that again.

About 130 is as fast as I've gone in the Z. I found 160 in my C7 and 180 in my C8. In my S2000 and Evos (IX & X) I was able to run them all out of gearing which were in the 135-145 region.

 

[ZillaZ]

About 130 is as fast as I've gone in the Z. I found 160 in my C7 and 180 in my C8. In my S2000 and Evos (IX & X) I was able to run them all out of gearing which were in the 135-145 region.

I do have the front chin spoiler and wheel air deflectors installed on my performance and it was stuck to the ground at 150+ so thats good. Sounds like I almost hit the governor anyways.

In my C5 vette (non z06) i went 136.

 

[KrackaC8]

I do have the front chin spoiler and wheel air deflectors installed on my performance and it was stuck to the ground at 150+ so thats good. Sounds like I almost hit the governor anyways.

In my C5 vette (non z06) i went 136.

I have those factory pieces installed as well. Was a lot easier to do these high-speed runs on the tollways down in Texas! I'm going to have to find some good "test & compare" roads around here...for the science.

 

[FSUZ33]

Only car I've run that fast was my '03 Track. It had what they called a "Zero Lift Package" which I believe was a small front air dam (or longer air dam) and some trays/panels underneath. I wouldn't say "it was planted!" at 155, but it was stable.
And I have no clue what amount of stability those parts added over the early non-Track/non-NISMO Z33s (or whichever ones didn't have the "zero Lift" parts). I do believe all models had a 155 mph limiter and were capable of reaching it

I've been in other cars at high speed that felt like I was a tiny twitch away from a Mercedes Mulsanne flip. Haven't run my RZ34 up like that. Yet. But the Z33 had a respectable level of stability up there.

 

[CPerdomo]

I've heard a few sources say the top speed of the Sport trim is quite a bit lower than that of the higher trim models, they say the rear trunk spoiler and front lower lip is the reason. For the life of me I can't see how a tiny trunk spoiler and front lip could make that much difference in top speed stability. I added the front lower lip to my Sport model as I liked the look, I've held off doing the rear trunk spoiler though as I am not sure if I like it better with or without the lip. Do you guys agree that the rear trunk spoiler adds much more downforce ? As far as top seed goes it doesn't really matter in my case as I would never take the car that high up in speed, but I was curious about the spoilers.

I own a Nismo and, to be honest, I think the Z looks the best without the rear spoiler.

 

[Exquisite_Red]

I'm no fluid dynamics engineer... But, I have a new OEM front chin spoiler in the garage awaiting install, and that thing is so flimsy, it's more likely to fold in half than provide any real aero at 130+ MPH. My guess is the speed limiter difference is a faux-"benefit" they gave the Performance. Zero cost to implement, and a big juicy bulletpoint to add to the Performance spec sheet for the upsell. Someone at Nissan got a major attaboy for thinking that one up.

 

[zeroptzero]

I own a Nismo and, to be honest, I think the Z looks the best without the rear spoiler.

That's why I have avoided adding one to my Sport model, I agree with you. I think it looks more like the old 240Z without the spoiler, just my opinion though. I added the front lower lip.