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Bridge Spoiler

Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2025 8:58 am
by NCGermerican
I'm posting this in the general 944 forum, since it basically applies to all 944 variants. I find it very surprising that the famed "bridge spoiler", one of the most sought after and hard to find "modifications" for the 944 platform, would have so few aftermarket options. This spoiler was only available on the 91 S2 (USA), 91 S2's and Turbo coupe's (Europe) and all 968 coupe's.

I'm sure most know this, but even if you find a good 968 hatch to swap onto your 944, you better hope your electronic hatch release works because the 968 version blocks the hatch keyhole. This is because the 3rd brake light on a 968 is housed on the piece under the bridge spoiler. The late 944 version had a different piece that allowed room for the key to be inserted.

I purchased an aftermarket bridge spoiler option from a seller based in the UK a few years ago, and while the pieces that arrived looked very nice, there were no studs on the "hockey sticks", there was no method to mount the wing to the hatch without customizations to the new pieces, and obviously no gaskets (or hardware). I reached out to them after receiving it and was......ghosted. I ended up trashing it, since my attempts to make the necessary modifications went...poorly.

There is another seller (in eastern Europe) that also sells an aftermarket option. According to them, it mounts exactly the same way as genuine factory pieces, but I'm very leery and would rather buy from somewhere domestic.

I know, I know: "why don't you try to make one yourself and see how easy/profitable it would be" blah blah blah. There are companies in the USA that make aftermarket 944 fenders, hoods, doors, dashes, etc. Why no bridge spoilers? If there was a kit that bolted up like factory (imagine....CF...ohhhhh ahhhhh) and included the gaskets and was $1K or less, I would HAVE to think it would sell well/be profitable....

Is anyone else baffled by this?

And yes - I actually sourced out the individual pieces needed based on the PET diagram. The cost would be over $2,500, with pieces having to come from all parts of the world (AU, US, EU, etc). At least the ones that are not NLA.

Re: Bridge Spoiler

Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2025 2:36 pm
by blade7
My 91 turbo came with the bridge spoiler, I quite like the fact you don't see the spoiler on earlier cars. I'm not even sure if the hatch glass is different too?

Re: Bridge Spoiler

Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2025 3:51 pm
by NCGermerican
blade7 wrote: Fri Feb 07, 2025 2:36 pm My 91 turbo came with the bridge spoiler, I quite like the fact you don't see the spoiler on earlier cars. I'm not even sure if the hatch glass is different too?
The glass is the same, but the frame has different hole locations for the mounting hardware. People have successfully drilled new holes in the frame when transplanting a 968 spoiler, but it’s easier just to swap the whole hatch.

Re: Bridge Spoiler

Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2025 4:19 pm
by P_Coastal
I had to Search for what this was, not being well read on the 944. I prefer the look I think :)

Re: Bridge Spoiler

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2025 7:09 am
by Wespa
I’ve had the complete hatch from a 968 for some 10 years now. The design is so much better than the original 944 rubber flab that collects all the rainwater and disintigrates in chunks. The only downside to the bridge spoiler is the fact that I can’t decide whether it looks better in body colour or black. Factory did have them both ways, so no help from there either. :lol:

Re: Bridge Spoiler

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2025 11:59 am
by blade7
The hockey sticks can become detached along the way, so it's advisable to cable tie them on. It's actually a double spoiler, as there's a small flap on the bottom of the glass.

Re: Bridge Spoiler

Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2025 6:13 am
by 996C438
Can the bridge spoiler be scanned and then 3D printed ?

Re: Bridge Spoiler

Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2025 7:42 am
by blade7
996C438 wrote: Sun Feb 09, 2025 6:13 am Can the bridge spoiler be scanned and then 3D printed ?
If you're capable of doing that, you may as well print the adjustable 968 turbo spoiler. The devil is in the detail of the fixings and gaskets though.

Re: Bridge Spoiler

Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 6:19 am
by NCGermerican
blade7 wrote: Sun Feb 09, 2025 7:42 am Can the bridge spoiler be scanned and then 3D printed ?
I have zero 3D printing experience, other than watching videos of other's doing it. :lol: The pieces are very large, so I'm not sure how it would be pulled off.
996C438 wrote: Sun Feb 09, 2025 6:13 am If you're capable of doing that, you may as well print the adjustable 968 turbo spoiler. The devil is in the detail of the fixings and gaskets though.
In my opinion, the adjustable 968 Turbo spoiler is a little TOO aggressive / high to fit the lines of the car. In other words, even though Porsche designed it, I think it looks "aftermarket".

Re: Bridge Spoiler

Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 7:29 am
by blade7
You'd logically assume the bridge spoiler to be more aerodynamic and/or have more downforce. Seeing as it's a 5 year newer design. But I think the car also needs a small front splitter to balance things out. Plus some stamped in bonnet vents.