vinster29

I am trying to decide between purchasing a plastic aftermaket spoiler or a fiberglass spoiler. I have heard that paint cracks and peels on a fiberglass spoiler. Is this true? And is it better to get a Factory spoiler or a Look-alike spoiler? So I would like to know which spoiler is the best for the long term. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

HarrierAWD

Fiberglass is stronger than plastic. However, I don't think that really matters since nobody is going to hit your spoiler with a hammer. To be honest, I am not even sure what my factory spoiler is made of.

Paint might crack and peel if the shop didn't apply the primer and the paint properly, or mix enough flex agent if the spoiler can flex like bumpers. Your Lexus dealer should know which local shop can match and apply the paint properly.

I personally like the factory spoiler. I don't know whether it actually put any down force at highway speed, but at least it keeps the rear glass clear.

rxdriver

I know that Lexus put a lot of engineering into the 2000-2003 version of the RX300 spoiler in order to reduce wind noise. No matter which way you go, I'd try to get a reference from an actual owner to see if the wind noise is or isn't an issue.
My '02 didn't have a spolier, so I can't help.

Can anyone vouch for either the factory spoiler or a particular brand of aftermarket spolier?

HarrierAWD

Well, I have the factory spoiler on my 2002 RX300. No wind noise in the back.

asic_bbc

I installed an aftermarket spoiler bought from Ebay. I didn't notice any noise difference before and after.

KeysRx300

I purchased a spoiler from Spoiler Depot www.spoilerdepot.com Painted and shipped was 175.00 total. If you buy one. Make sure to get the eBay auction one. If you call the companies 1-800 number. They want 50 dollars more for the same item.

BlackRX300

Did you install this spoiler? If so, how does it install and how hard was it to install? I am looking to buy one for my 2001 Silversport.

vinster29

Asic_bbc, Which company did you pruchase your spoiler from on ebay?

KeysRx300

When you get the spoiler. It comes with 4 small screws. They have the head of the screw ground down to make a point. You put the screws in the spoiler. With the pointed side out. Using two people. You then hold the spoiler in the position you want to install it. And push the spoiler down on the tail gate and make 4 small marks. With these marks. You drill a small pilot hole. Then using a scribe. You look from the inside and see how far you are off center. I used a dremel to make the holes bigger. Couple of tips. Leave the wrapping on the spoiler except for the mounting area. So when you move it around it wont chip the paint. Use masking tape to cover the tail gate area. So if you move the spoiler it wont scratch the paint. It comes with mounting hardware. And after I primed the drilled out area. I then applied automove silicone sealer RTV to fill in the 4 holes. It took me about two hours to complete.

asic_bbc

I bought mine from spoiler depot on Ebay. Got it for $135+ shipping include painting. The spoiler seem to be good quality and paint color match is good. However , the end of the spoiler didn't look like the one they had in their picture. See attached picture. The white one is from their auction and the bronze was the one I bought.

asic_bbc

The one I bought and installed.


KeysRx300 give pretty good instruction. I also drilled a small hole first and then drilled a bigger one later.
Wasn't very difficult, but it was a little scary to drill holes in a car. Something I have never done before.

HarrierAWD

The two spoilers do look slightly different. Note the lower end of the spoilers, the factory spoiler (white) has square end, the aftermarket one is rounded off. The factory spoiler extends slightly longer to the rear (though it's hard to tell from the picture.)