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i have narrowed the options down to these. my car was a base model so no factory spoiler. i picked up a factory R1/R2 one a couple of years ago but didn't install it, but then scored a rare Mazdaspeed GT wing so now on the fence. I kind of like a more subtle look to the car and have mostly spent the money on performance especially suspension and brakes. So a wing is maybe a bit much but the Mazdaspeed one would at least be stock-ish). Might also be ok to leave as it came from the factory
Looking ahead to the future, and with the values rising on these, I have half an eye on resale value. No intent to sell it but I don't want to hack it up given a nice stock-ish low-mileage one might be worth more than a totally modded one
I think everyone know what no wing looks like as well as the R1/R2, but here are some photos of the Mazdaspeed GT wing:
Do what you want, don't build the car you need to drive based on the aesthetic preferences of other people.
That said, I recall feeling some lift/float in the rear end at high speeds when I just had the stock touring spoiler on mine. Adding a diffuser and GT wing (FEED/Afflux) got rid of that.
Wish I had done a poll when I added the R1/R2 because I regret that decision.
The holes for the R1/R2 seem to interfere or be uncomfortably close to other GT wings, like the RE GTII and APR wings (though I hear you can customize where the APR wing stands go). It's forced me to go FEED (which uses the stock R1/R2 holes) or consider the RE GTIII which is more centered like the Mazdaspeed wing.
IMO, if you're looking to resell or considering functional aero in the future, leave that hatch unmolested.
I'm personally not a lover of the Mazdaspeed wing, to me it looks like a generic cheap-y. If you're not going to seriously track the car, I'd rock the standard R1/R2. Cheap, light, looks good.
I am a wingless FD fan. Don't get me wrong I'm not against spoilers/wings but my preference is wingless. Anyway my take on the choices you listed:
Personally, I've never ever liked the R1/R2 spoiler as it looks kinda weird with that dual prong/Mr Crabs mounting points. So that's a hard no for me
Now the GTC wing is better unfortunately it makes quite the statement. And IMO it needs aero to go with it otherwise it looks out of place. At the same time, if you don't ever plan on taking the car out on the track and using the aero properties of the wing, then that's kinda weak on its own
Getting away from your choices, IMO the best looking spoiler is the one made by shine
And the best wing is the 99 OEM wing with CF center and sides
Originally Posted by MilesBFree
Looking ahead to the future, and with the values rising on these, I have half an eye on resale value. No intent to sell it but I don't want to hack it up given a nice stock-ish low-mileage one might be worth more than a totally modded one
You know the answer to this, leave the car alone. Or you can own what you want and enjoy the car for yourself.
Really it's up to you as to what you like. Push comes to shove the holes can later be welded up and the hatch re-painted if you want to go back original.
Having an FD that you modify FOR YOU and having an FD that you are modifying or not for future resale value are two totally different things. A near-stock car with a good interior, good paint, and mechanically sorted will always bring the most money.
Really it's up to you as to what you like. Push comes to shove the holes can later be welded up and the hatch re-painted if you want to go back original.
Having an FD that you modify FOR YOU and having an FD that you are modifying or not for future resale value are two totally different things. A near-stock car with a good interior, good paint, and mechanically sorted will always bring the most money.
Dale
nailed it. The whale tail is what I want, but I have a type R, so it’s either body work or find another clean white hatch.
I always wanted the 99 spec wing. However, mine already came with the R1/R2 spoiler installed on it. So putting the 99 would require welding up some holes. I didn't want to go thru the trouble. The other thing I wanted was the updated privacy glass for the rear hatch offered in the later models. At the time the price of a 99 spec wing was about the same, if not a more than a Rspec Mazdaspeed wing. The Rspec is adjustable to 3 settings as well. Plus it's a proper wing and plays rather well with my Mazdaspeed diffuser I've had on the car for over 15yrs or so.
You know your car, especially if you've owned it for awhile. You know how it behaves and you can tell differences right away. Let me tell you, the Rspec wing makes a big difference. Even in its lowest setting (neutral is what I call it) the car feels alot more planted. I think it's mainly because it sits at a proper height to contribute less lift.
I hear some the guys here and having the wingless approach, but to me it seems like the car is missing something. Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with running wingless. However, if you want some functionality tossed in, I would definitely go with the Mazdapseed wing. Uses the same inner holes the 99 spec wing would use.
Again, the decision is completely up to you. I wouldn't run wingless, but I'll understand if you did. Regardless, here are my latest shots...
not sure if anyone makes em......but there would probably be a market for a company to make spoilers that adjust automatically at speed.....like the ones on porsche and tesla.
Yup so wrong Mazda ditched it after three short years lol
Cars are facelifted so that they look "new" and people keep buying them. Usually the original design is the most harmonious though, and the FD is no exception. IMO, the other wing (and bumper) designs look tacked on. Of course this is all subjective.
I love the clean look of your car, Neo. That's pretty much what I am going for. Just wasn't sure of the wing, but the R-Spec one looks great on it. Even the wheels are similar tot he Kinesis ones I have (except 3-piece).
And thanks everyone for the input!
I have been away from the scene for a while so wasn't sure what is current vs looks dated. Back in the day, lack of something on the back was kind of... different. So I wanted to see what folks are up to today, and it looks like a more streamlined look is in (and body kits will probably always be). So appreciate the opinions. Still haven't decided what I will do but that R-Spec wing looks great
RHD Japan sourced me a larger FEED Type 1 wing, it's kind of what I wished the OEM wing looked like. It mounts to just the further OEM holes and it's slightly wider than the stock wing, I think it looks great. It has a drop on either side and just a simple, clean line that follows the valence of the tail lights as it wraps around the rear bumper. I think it really carries the design language of the rest of the body well, without stealing the show.
I didn't think it fit on my car, but for a more aggressive look, there is a FEED Type 2 wing with a separated blade. If you've got a vented hood, I think it pairs well.
I have to agree with Montego - I think the OEM 93-95 wing works if you're going period correct, but the really gooey ambiguous shape is way more 90's than the timeless curves on the rest of the car. There's nothing wrong with that look, it just wasn't the look I was after.
The 99 upgrades were meant to improve the cooling and overall aero of the car, it's more than just a looks thing. A longer front lip was needed to push more air into the larger bumper openings. The wing was a way to balance out the larger lip while also building in some adjustability. At least, that's what Tom Matano has said about it..
I love the clean look of your car, Neo. That's pretty much what I am going for. Just wasn't sure of the wing, but the R-Spec one looks great on it. Even the wheels are similar tot he Kinesis ones I have (except 3-piece).
And thanks everyone for the input!
I have been away from the scene for a while so wasn't sure what is current vs looks dated. Back in the day, lack of something on the back was kind of... different. So I wanted to see what folks are up to today, and it looks like a more streamlined look is in (and body kits will probably always be). So appreciate the opinions. Still haven't decided what I will do but that R-Spec wing looks great
Thank you.
It's taken awhile to build it to where its at. I was strict on getting everything Mazda. No aftermarket. Mazdaspeed still belonged to Mazda technically so I sought after some rare pieces from their line. As mentioned in another post, the 99 updates did massage the aero of the car overall. Which in turn Mazdaspeed overworked when they offered their A, B and GTC spec. Before finally settling on the final R Spec as their last hurrah. So you know the aero work has been done and it's not just gimmicky.
Plus you have the added benefit that everything will line up with the more common/normal 99 spec stuff. As I mentioned, the Rspec wing is a straight bolt on. It uses the same holes as the inner ones for the 99 spec wing. You don't have to fool around with alignment and what not. Came from the factory ready to go.
I'm sure you're aware the wheels are the OEM 99 spec wheels. Which were offered as early as 96 really. Since they were being used on their R and RS models before the redesign in 99. I always get asked what type of aftermarket wheels those are. OEM for the win.
Now I'm patiently waiting for the Rspec bumper to come thru... she'll finally be complete..
RHD Japan sourced me a larger FEED Type 1 wing, it's kind of what I wished the OEM wing looked like. It mounts to just the further OEM holes and it's slightly wider than the stock wing, I think it looks great. It has a drop on either side and just a simple, clean line that follows the valence of the tail lights as it wraps around the rear bumper. I think it really carries the design language of the rest of the body well, without stealing the show.
Haven't seen this FEED wing before, it looks cool!
Personally, I was all about the (mad jdm tite) spirit r look when I was younger. I ended up with a wingless base model that had the s6 front bumper and it grew on me significantly, so I left it alone. However, this is your car we're talking about, so you should do whatever you want.
Cars are facelifted so that they look "new" and people keep buying them. Usually the original design is the most harmonious though, and the FD is no exception. IMO, the other wing (and bumper) designs look tacked on. Of course this is all subjective.
"Subjective" agreed. So when it comes to aesthetics no one's opinion isn't any more right than anyone else's. Because it's exactly that, opinions.
In any case, and IMO (I state that again IMO) the S6 was almost perfect looking minus a couple of things. The base/touring lip, the R spoiler, and the stock wheels. Worst offender being the wheels. I feel that Mazda came out with such a beautiful car and yet the S6 wheels fall short, they just don't go with the rest of the car. Again IMO. Luckily, Mazda remedied the wheel and spoiler issue on the S7.
The FEED Type2 wing isn't too over the top. It looks a lot like a stock wing with a CF center. I rolled around with one for awhile, but ended up ditching it and going wingless. About a year later I put the stock wing back on and haven't looked back.
The FEED Type2 wing isn't too over the top. It looks a lot like a stock wing with a CF center. I rolled around with one for awhile, but ended up ditching it and going wingless. About a year later I put the stock wing back on and haven't looked back.
02-07-23, 09:19 AM
