I've decided to buy myself a Tamon Design lip spoiler. My only issue is, which material should I pick?

I know carbon fiber will be lighter and stronger, but it's also $200 extra. FRP is cheaper, but I don't know if the quality will be as good as the carbon fiber one.

I'm also concerned with the limitations of FRP. My car is daily driven with a lot of highway miles. I'm not sure if FRP will hold up to 70+mph of constant aero beating.

So, should I spring for the carbon fiber or go with FRP?

 

Hmm I would say FRP is fine if you are planning to paint it anyway. It is such a small part that the weight difference will be minimal. I also think that they both mount the same way (but don't quote me on that) and I think they'd probably handle highway speeds the same then.

 

If you are painting, FRP all the way. It is just as strong as carbon for the purposes it will be used for, carbon is only beneficial over FRP in structurally significant parts. The weight would be a tiny difference too, I'd be surprised if it was over 1 pound difference.

If you were considering using the carbon one unpainted, I'd suggest reconsidering... I got one in carbon and wasn't very happy with the quality. The weave was a bit wavy with small gaps and imperfections in a some places and the clearcoat a few small bubbles towards the corners. It also came with some scuffs on the clearcoat. It wasn't bad but for the price I paid I wanted perfection so I ended up returning it for a Flashpro, awesome decision.

 

In terms of fitment, there is no difference between the FRP and CFRP Tamon spoiler. The air pressure which travels over the spoiler will never create enough stress to crack the FRP material. Generally, CFRP is a stronger material but as a trunk spoiler, the strength advantage will not be seen over FRP. CFRP is an option for those who like the appearance of carbon fiber. We recommend to paint FRP as the UV rays can cause damage if left unpainted. Feel free to call us at (626) 336-3400 if you have any other questions.

 

do you realize how little "Aero beating" this part will ever see?

FRP is fine. CF is only stronger along the direction of the fibers. in short, id doesn't matter for strength in this application. id buy the cheaper one and paint it with the extra cashola.

 

Has anyone bought one of these for a daily driver?

I remember buying the MazdaSpeed spoiler for my RX-8, and it caused serious drag on the highway and hence my gas mileage suffered significantly. Also didn't help that the engine load was higher just to cruise, so it was REALLY loud on the inside. 3+ hours of that rotary buzzing noise (I had straight pipes), and I was ready to cry.

Does this spoiler cause any significant drag?

Sorry for the dumb questions. Never had an aftermarket lip spoiler in my life.

 

^ I very highly doubt you'd notice any difference at all driving with this lip on. Noise, drag, etc. I can see that being possible with a full race wing, but not with something that is essentially just a cosmetic item.