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Old 02-28-2010, 03:33 PM   #194 (permalink)
Bajascoob
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Omaha
Posts: 52

BigWhiteWhale - '01 Ford F250 Lariat Crew Cab Superduty
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Otto View Post
You're not being too paranoid--the sidewalls have to flex, so extension of the wheel cover to the sidewall bulge is not practical, and the pizza pan would be bent or dislodged at the first pothole.

Best compromise would be a wheel cast into the proper shape which needs no hubcap, such as Porsche aluminum "sewer lid" or "manhole cover" wheels as seen on the 928 cars, although these were never a popular style. My Porsche 944 Turbo has "Design 90" wheels, which are similar but which have slots by the perimeter to allow brake cooling air to escape. Style is what drives wheel choices in the market, rather than aerodynamic or mechanical efficiency.

For an ecomodder standpoint, maybe the best application would be a pizza pan just a tad wider than the wheel rim, such that the pan snugs down against the rim and just barely touches the tire sidewall next to the rim. Attachment could be by conventional hubcap methods.

BTW, the mileage as reported by Concrete is excellent, especially given the size, weight, and basic shape of his vehicle.
Just remembered what dirt track guys use, a quick search for wheel mud plugs found this...checking on different sizes. argh, cant post links yet. speedwaymotors . com shows some.
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