Experiment: smooth wheel discs tested A-B-A - 4.6% mpg improvement @ 65 mph

[NeilBlanchard]

Okay, there are now (at least) three places to buy flush hub caps:

Racing Disc Hubcaps (Pop-On). Scion Hubcaps, Vintage, Kustom Wheel Covers
https://www.mooneyesusa.com/Store/pr...09b62c95f03aa2
Full Moon Racing Disc Hubcaps, Stylish Look, Great Prices, AutoAmenity.com

Are there any functional differences? The first one (Hubcap Mike's) seems to be the least expensive, and some have a (mild) dome, and a (mild) step near the rim...

A related question: I recently had a valve stem fail in one of my alloy wheels. It leaked a ton of air as it moved from side to side. The garage that repaired it only had long stems, so it probably is whipping around more than the short one... Finally, my question: has anybody used the bolt in stems?

[Concrete]

Originally Posted by Xringer

"Why you guys drill through those cool racing disks for air stems is beyond me, "..

It must be just that guys who want to check their air pressure once a week,
without getting out the tool kit..

yep,
because low tire pressure has 10 time the impact of wheel covers
(but I only drilled $2.97 pizza pans )


99metro,
figure your pay pack on $85 covers
if you love your car and are keeping it a while - get them
if not - zip tie chloroplast on them and call it good
the air gives no points for style and the FE savings is small either way
but it is an easy place to start

let us know how it goes

[nascarnation]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

A related question: I recently had a valve stem fail in one of my alloy wheels. It leaked a ton of air as it moved from side to side. The garage that repaired it only had long stems, so it probably is whipping around more than the short one... Finally, my question: has anybody used the bolt in stems?

one possibility:
Recall of faulty tire valve stems expanded: Consumer Reports on Safety

[Bror Jace]

I have the HubCapMike's disks ... pop-on ones (16").

The have an interior cut out in the friction ring for the valve stem. Works well enough and if I have to re-air them, I just pry them off. It's been about 5 weeks ... so probably a good time to check my tires.

They loosen up a bit but none have gotten so loose that they have fallen off ... or threaten to. They are a bit noisy ... but supposedly some caulk will fix that. I have chosen to live with it. They will only be on another 6-7 weeks before I break out my studded snows and plastic wheel covers for the winter.

[Xringer]

"studded snows"!!! Dang, that brings back old memories of when I used to work all the time..

I just checked 12 tires and they were all low!
Our bikes were down to 40-50 PSI (now back at 70).
(We did a quick 12 miles today. Needed some good Pastrami subs).

Our cars were down to 35ish.. Now back to 44 PSI.
It seems like a few weeks, but it must have been
a couple months since I last aired everything up.

I'm about ready to get some pizza pans. If it turns out they won't
fit right, I'm going to have to buy my wife a 17" wide toaster oven!!

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by Thalass

Out of curiosity: Has anyone made transparent wheel covers? That way you'd get to still have nice looking wheels while improving your CoD.

And you get to see the mud which usually flies out through the wheel. Transparent wheelcovers would have to be cleaned both from the outside and inside, so you'd be either taking them off very often, or they wouldn't be transparent for long.

[thefirebuilds]

Originally Posted by azraelswrd

Hey guys,

For slip-on hubcaps (no restraining bolts), what is the safest way to take them off?

1) Pry from the outer edge with a screwdriver
2) Pull straight off with hands by holding spokes
3) Other

please dont use a screwdriver for prying. they're made for two things - turning screws, and snapping off when prying and stabbing your cornea

[thefirebuilds]

Originally Posted by Bror Jace

I have the HubCapMike's disks ... pop-on ones (16").

The have an interior cut out in the friction ring for the valve stem. Works well enough and if I have to re-air them, I just pry them off. It's been about 5 weeks ... so probably a good time to check my tires.

They loosen up a bit but none have gotten so loose that they have fallen off ... or threaten to. They are a bit noisy ... but supposedly some caulk will fix that. I have chosen to live with it. They will only be on another 6-7 weeks before I break out my studded snows and plastic wheel covers for the winter.

we run drywall screws from the inside out on our used racing tires for winter studs and caulk em. they do a number on your body panels but grip like asphalt!

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

Transparent covers would show the dirt from the inside, as well as the outside dirt.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Concrete

I totally agree (that is why I had the disclaimer)
but I was uncomfortable drilling and tapping my aluminum wheels
The plastic hub cover is easily replaceable if/when I screw one up
especially since I was not expecting any real FE gain when I started

still not willing to risk much in this -
I figure I'm up to a 35 tank pay back already on this mod (25 just in the testing fuel)

I think you're smart not to tear into the aluminum.It's very prone to fatigue if it can get moving at all,and it'd be a shame to lose them,or have 'em come apart on you.------------------ With respect to your testing,BIG-THUMBS-UP!!!!!!!------------------ And the lesson for members and lurkers,is that all vehicles need to be assessed on a case-specific-basis.-----------------When GM ran pizza-pans on their GMC S-15 for their land speed record,they no doubt realized the importance of cleaning the air up down there.----------Thanks for all the work and time.