Rear spoiler and gas mileage: My shocking findings.

[Khanhfucious]

With gas approaching $3;50 right now, Ive been trying to save gas. I definitely did not expect anything from this.

As a preface, I gutta say that I do mixed driving. i.e. I drive to the city, then drive around it, then drive out of the city.

I bought my car in January 06. I have always gotten around 17 and 20MPG.

Last month, I did spark plugs and fuel filter, and reduced my cruising speed from 80MPH to 73MPH. This gave me 20.8MPG and 21.3MPG.

A couple weeks ago, I took my spoiler off. This gave me 24.9MPG

Its been hot as hell around here, so the last two tanks: No spoiler, AC ON, CRUISING AT 80MPH. I got 25.2 and 24.7MPG

WHich means Im getting 4-5MPG more without the spoiler, and that's with the AC on!

If anyone has spare time and would like to do the same tests with their car, please post your findings.

[Payback45]

You were left with holes in your trunk right? I have a spoiler and I never would think not having it would help in fuel economy. I have been tracking my fuel economy since Sept of 2005 and it goes up and down. never constant. I was hoping to see major gains in fuel economy when I added my full exhaust package but I really didn't see anything.

[Superu264]

my spoiler is heavy as crap, I'm not surprised it helped

[backpack09]

I never thought the BE's were that heavy. You may want to check/replace your front O2 sensor, might gain you a few more mpg.

I get between 25-28 mpg on both of my subies, the OBS being automatic.
This is mostly city driving with an occasional 20 minute ride down the highway.

[badbasser98]

my spoiler is heavy as crap, I'm not surprised it helped
:lol:

With my BE I average 26-27 in the summer (work and back), 21-22 in the winter and 31 highway (70-75MPH) with my 4EAT and I still have the spoiler on. Personally I think that the spoiler doesn't have that much to do with it... I'm sure it creates drag, but to increase your mileage by 5MPG is a bit of a stretch in my opinion (especially at lower speeds). Anyone else want to remove their spoiler and see if they can increase their mileage? :wink:

[Payback45]

The only time I ever saw 30 MPG was when I drove to Wyoming from Maryland. Every time i imput my mileage into a web site it comes back with about 20 to maybe 24 and that's pushing it.

[Sarra]

I got 35 mpg in my legacy going 60 mph using CC, with just myself in the car. That's also at 3,000+ feet MSL altitude, including some gradual hills, up and down, almost no twisties, and mostly open range driving.

I get around 22 mpg in city. I have a wagon, so Spoiler is a no-go, removal wise.

My BE didn't have a spoiler, and it averaged 20 mpg city and a little more, maybe 22 mpg, highway.

[sansMYSTi]

My BH gets pretty consistant 23-to 25 MPG with mixed highway/city driving - with a rear wing.

[Huffer]

I get similar mileages on my wagon as I do my sedan - both with spoilers. Wagon is manual, 90k - 17x7 wheels 215/45/17 tire, 35/35psi
Sedan is auto, 204k - 16x6 wheels 205/55/16 tire, 34/34psi

I cruise at 65mph most times, and whenever I do 40mph and cruise I'm in 5th.

Maybe the BE's have a much greater aerodynamic change with body panels...

[shazapple]

I noticed no difference in fuel consumption when I put my spoiler on.

[Payback45]

I think I will be leaving my spoiler on.

[subaru_terrence]

I get 400 - 450km a tank with no spoiler

[AJM]

Second generation 35+ mpg highway with mods and 87 octane. City I still get around 20-25 depending on my level of friskyness with the revs (manual)


I Installed a spoiler and noticed no difference.

[SubiFlow]

any chance you may have changed your driving style? i've been getting 26-28 mpg but i'm also driving at 65 to 68 mph. 126 miles per day. 3800 feet to 75 feet elevation.

[belladonna]

i think changing your driving style may have helped more than anything...

i just took a 3 hour trip (about 6 hours round trip) with an engine in my trunk and managed to get 30.2 mpg highway with my 1st gen. (no spoiler) i'm assuming i could probably get 32 mpg highway (maybe more) without all that extra weight in the back...plus i need new plugs and a fuel filter...