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Are there any recommended carbon fiber spoilers for Model S?

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I’m looking to sharpen up the look of my Model S and want a high-quality carbon fiber spoiler. I've seen a few options online, but I'm worried about the fitment and whether the adhesive holds up over time at highway speeds. Does anyone have specific brand recommendations that offer a perfect OEM-style finish without breaking the bank?


12 Answers
18

Honestly, I think you're better off checking out some of the direct-from-factory sellers on AliExpress. Not sure but I've heard the "high-end" brands basically just dropship the same stuff anyway. Just gotta make sure they use real 3K weave so it actually holds up. My buddy got one for like $150 and it's basically perfect... idrk why people pay $800 tbh. Just buy ur own 3M VHB tape and some adhesion promoter separately so it actually stays on at 80mph lol.


14

In my experience, you gotta be careful with the cheap ebay stuff because the weave usually yellows after a few months in the sun. If you want that perfect OEM-style look without paying Tesla's insane prices, I'd suggest looking at the RPM Tesla Model S Performance Style Carbon Fiber Spoiler. It's basically a 1:1 match for the factory one.

So basically, the fitment issue usually comes down to the curvature of the trunk. If the mold is even 1mm off, the ends will pop up. Make sure to use 3M VHB Tape 5952 and some 3M Adhesion Promoter 111 before you stick it on. Seriously, the promoter is the secret sauce for highway speeds. Ngl, I was worried about mine flying off too, but with proper prep, it's solid as a rock. I'd personally go with the matte finish... lowkey looks much classier than gloss imo.


13

Respectfully, I'd actually suggest a different approach than just looking at the cheapest price tags mentioned above. I'm still kinda new to the modding scene, but I've been focusing heavily on how these parts affect the actual driving experience at higher speeds.

Before you pull the trigger, highkey watch out for these two things:
- Poor aerodynamics: A lot of the budget options aren't actually wind-tunnel tested, so they can create drag instead of downforce.
- Weight vs. Balance: Some cheaper carbon fiber is basically just fiberglass with a thin veneer, which adds unnecessary weight to the trunk lid.

I mean, I'm a total beginner, but I tried a middle-of-the-road option from a brand called RevoZport recently. It was a bit more than the AliExpress stuff but way cheaper than OEM. It's held up perfectly through some seriously spirited weekend drives! Plus, using a 3M primer pen is literally the only way to ensure it doesnt fly off lol. Just my two cents tho!


8

yo, i feel u on the anxiety about the spoiler flying off... honestly been there and it’s actually not as scary as it sounds if u do it yourself right. in my experience, the 'perfect fitment' is mostly about the install process rather than just the brand. ive tried a few different ones over the years and the biggest lesson i learned was that the prep work is literally everything. i remember my first one had this annoying gap on the left side cuz i was too excited and just slapped it on... HUGE mistake lol. basically, u gotta test fit it with painters tape first to see how it sits to make sure it's centered.

for my current setup, i actually spent like an hour cleaning the trunk with alcohol wipes and used a hair dryer to get the surface warm before sticking it down. its stayed rock solid even at highway speeds for like two years now. i didnt wanna drop $800+ so i went with a mid-range carbon piece i found on a specialty shop site. honestly, if the weave looks good and u use some extra heavy-duty tape, ur good to go. just dont go for the absolute cheapest $50 option because the clear coat usually peels after a summer in the sun, which looks terrible... idk why they even sell those tbh. but yeah, doing it yourself is definitely the way to go to save cash and get it sitting perfectly. gl with the install, it seriously transforms the back of the car!


8

Honestly, if youre worried about the spoiler flying off, focus on the prep work rather than just the brand. Ive had great luck with RPM Tesla Model S Plaid Style Carbon Fiber Spoiler because the fitment is basically 100% flush.

Two quick tips to keep it secure:
- Clean the trunk lid with 70% isopropyl alcohol until it's squeaky clean.
- Use a heat gun or hairdryer to warm up the tape before pressing it down.

Seriously, warming the adhesive makes a MASSIVE difference for long-term hold at highway speeds. I've been super happy with mine, no gaps or lifting after a year of driving! peace


3

Sooo I went through this last year when I first got my S. I'm usually super cautious about modding my car because I'm basically terrified of things falling off or damaging the paint. I spent weeks researching because I wanted that high-quality look but was totally sketched out by some of the cheaper stuff mentioned earlier.

Just sharing my experience: I eventually looked into the TSportline Model S Carbon Fiber Executive Trunk Spoiler vs. the RPM Tesla Model S Performance Style Carbon Fiber Spoiler (which someone already mentioned). I actually ended up going with a slightly different route and got the Maxton Design Rear Spoiler Cap for Tesla Model S. I liked it because it felt a bit more substantial, and honestly, I was worried about the thin OEM-style ones peeling at the edges.

TL;DR: Comparison of my journey below.

* **Option A: The High-End Route** - Stuff like Vorsteiner Tesla Model S Carbon Fiber Decklid Spoiler. It's gorgeous but costs a fortune. I couldn't justify it.
* **Option B: The "Safe" Mid-Range** - This is where I landed. The Maxton Design Rear Spoiler Cap has been on for 10k miles now. I was paranoid, so I actually had a local detail shop install it for me.
* **Option C: The Budget Gamble** - I almost bought a random one from eBay, but I saw a buddy's weave turn yellow after one summer in the Florida sun. No thanks.

If you're worried about highway speeds, my Maxton has been rock solid at 80mph+. I think the key is really the prep work. Ngl, I'm super happy I didn't go the cheapest route because the peace of mind is worth the extra $100! good luck!


3

100% agree


3

Gotta agree with the guys talking about the tape prep, but unfortunately, I have had issues with even the mid-range ones lately. It is kinda frustrating when you think you are getting quality and then the clear coat starts to fail after like six months. Not as good as expected given the prices some of these shops are charging. I think the technical side of it comes down to the thermal expansion... basically the carbon and the trunk lid expand at different rates in the sun.

  • If the spoiler is too stiff it just pulls the tape right off the paint.
  • Cheaper resins wont have enough UV inhibitors so they yellow fast.
  • Watch out for hollow spots in the mold that trap air and expand when it gets hot. Someone told me once that the matte finishes actually hold up a bit better against UV than the high gloss ones, but idrk if thats actually true or just a myth. Just something to keep in mind before you drop a couple hundred bucks tho.


2

I went through this last year. honestly, I was sooo paranoid about my spoiler flying off on the freeway, especially since I do a lot of long-distance driving. I ended up trying a few different setups because the first one I got (some random brand) had a terrible gap on the left side that drove me crazy... literally couldn't stop looking at it lol.

Just sharing my experience:

1. I eventually switched to the Unplugged Performance Trunk Spoiler - High Efficiency Carbon Fiber and the fitment was actually spot on.
2. The big thing I learned is *prep is everything* for safety. I used 3M VHB Heavy Duty Mounting Tape 5952 instead of whatever came in the box because that stuff is basically permanent.
3. Make sure you use a heat gun (carefully!!) when applying it so the bond really sets.

I feel u on the safety concerns tho, definitely gotta be careful with the adhesive if you're hitting high speeds!! gl!


2

Respectfully, I'd consider another option. I think AliExpress is risky... honestly, the Tesmanian Model S Rear Trunk Spoiler Carbon Fiber is amazing for $150 and fits perfectly without breaking the bank! GL!


2

Great info, saved!


1

i've gone through a few spoilers on my S...

1. you looking for matte or gloss?
2. whats your actual budget range exactly??


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