Not the most fascinating of topics, but I don't want to make an expensive mistake!

If i leave the Roof Vent open, at what speed does it part company with the rest of the car? Not that I would ever do more than 70mph (and it hangs in there at that speed), but it doesn't seem massive enough to withstand a lot more speed - it's a HUGE aerodynamic drag after all.

Originally, the car was limited to 112mph, so i'd assume that it would be okay to that speed, but has anyone any experieences of this being a problem?

Russ

Russ,

If you look at the japanese writing on the underside of the vent you will see one inteligible bit of info... 80kph, which, I have (reasonably!?) chosen to believe means "Dont use the vent when travelling over 50MPH!".

If you overspeed it you may stress the brackets and prevent it sealing properly when closed, hence making autobahn trips very noisy over 140mph...

Moray

If you don't read Japanese could it also say "Not effective under 80kph" http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif

Paul

Foolishly opened mine while driving on a dual carriageway..car slowed quicker than a 6 pot A/P Brake upgrade...luckily didn't do any damage..bit worrying tho'. http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/redface.gif

Flamesuit on.

What is the main aim of the vents? Do they really let a vast amount of air into the car?

Wouldn't aircon be as good, or is it a substitute FOR aircon.....ah...

I have visions of the rear screen popping out at speed.

use the roof vent as air brake! save money on the 6 pot A/P brake upgrade.

The trouble with the roof vent is that i reckon if i keep this car long enough i'll end up with arthritis in my left shoulder http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif After a few miles you notice that it's going numb!

RussP,

You are obviously not changing gear fast enough and often enough to get your shoulder up to operating temperature! http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif Maybe you'd be happier with a lazy driving european model impreza, with a bright switch instead? http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif

Moray
( http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif )

It's a special edition automatic.

Roof vent was simply to allow the hole in the roof to meet homologation rules for rallying. Actual rally cars fit a proper pod which allows cool air in (ie on the safari Rally) as there are no fans or aircon on rally cars. Vent should not be open above 40 mph. If you want to be pukka effective, replace vent flap for a proper pod. Cheers Roger

Roger,

Where did you find the 40mph limit for the vent? It does say 80kmph in amongst the japanese bits on my vent, which is closer to 50mph.

Moray
(STI 3 RA body V-Limited)

A word of caution.

I was following a car on a motorway last year when the women in the back seat of this car decided to empty junior's potty out of the window. Despite being a safe distance back the contents of said youngsters bladder (happily number 1) coated the front of my car - bonnet / windscreen.

I can see how this might have been more unpleasent with a roof vent.

Ed

NB Passat driver, with thoughtless female, I haven't forgotten!

Moray,

At 40mh you're generally in control around town. At 50 your obviously on your way up making it a hazard to take your eyes of the road to close the vent. Plus if you forget as the adrenalin begins to flow as you speed up, it could be curtains for the vent. Plus, at 50, and in a head wind, it is difficult to close. 40 mph is the optimum for safety in my opinion. The 50 is a practical speed that the vent can withstand.

Cheers

Roger

I suspect that Subaru my have included a safety margin in their 80KMPH limit, as they always tend to do. So tecnically I would argue for 50mph, but I would agree that 40mph is a good rule of thumb to follow. Personally, I only tend to open it at 30mph or less and make sure I close it when the GLF signs come into sight. http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif

I'm not sure about "the adrenalin rush", I don't generally expirience this just because I am accelerating the car, however hard. I find it a bit disheartening that I have become so accustomed to such incredible performance that it doesn't really feel fast anymore. http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/frown.gif

I am also suprised you have to look away from the road whilst operationg the "catflap", I can do this without looking, just as I can operate the gears, handbrake, windows etc... whilst looking at the road. http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif

Moray