Front Wheel Strake Question (spats)
 

Question...

Do front wheel strakes (spats) add to the frontal area since they are directly in front of the tire ?

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As long as the spats are in front of wheels and not sticking out in the airflow they would not increase the frontal area. They do reshape it, I would try to have them as close as possible too the wheel to try to eliminate the low pressure zone the spat would create behind it,caused by high speed air rushing over the top of the spat.

I thought I might give you my idea on this.

If your going to build them close to the tire I would make it out of long broom bristles. This has several advantages. They aren't solid so if they hit something they won't break. If they rub on the tire they will wear instead of the tire. If a cop pulls you over for them they can be trimmed on the spot to comply with what ever they say is the law.

Wheel strakes that do not stick out beyond the tires, do not increase the frontal area (which is the outline of what you see in the front).

Ok, thanks.

So...

Does it matter if the front is angled in, out or straight?

At the rear wheel, most seem to be angled to push the air to the outside.


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This is what I put on my Civic.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/09...tirespats1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/09...tirespats2.jpg
Made of conveyor belt and can handle occasionally being dragged on pavement.

Wow!

if there weren´t the bolt heads visible, I would say it's OEM...

Put a black sharpie on those rivet heads! Makes 'em disappear...and you'll pass the "can't see it from the grand stands" test every time. Though you'll occasionally have to reapply.

Do people really get pulled over for having wheel strakes too low...? :eek: