Project: The AeroFocus

[2000neon]

Although it may be illegal. Im pretty sure that in Ontario at least, nothing is allowed to contact the tire.

[arcosine]

I would say a little plastic rubbing on turns is "SAFE" operating.

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/reg...s_900625_e.htm

Ontario:

Highway Traffic Act
Code de la route

R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 625

TIRE STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS


5. A tire fitted on a vehicle shall not,

(a) be of a smaller size than the vehicle manufacturer’s specified minimum size; or

(b) contact any vehicle component so as to affect the safe operation of the vehicle. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 625, s. 5.

[Gealii]

Originally Posted by arcosine

(b) contact any vehicle component so as to affect the safe operation of the vehicle. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 625, s. 5.

That's a loop hole If you make it to where it is safe they can't touch you they might try to though

[pete c]

Any tire contact with anything other than the road is really bad, unless you have a free supply of replacement tires. The tiny bit of gained FE is not worth it. IMO.

While on the topic of front wheel skirting, I don't recall eve seeing anyone hear address the problem by narrowing the front track enough to allow fixed skirts.

I realize this is a fairly complex task, particularly with FWD. has anyone done it?

[Gealii]

Originally Posted by pete c

Any tire contact with anything other than the road is really bad, unless you have a free supply of replacement tires. The tiny bit of gained FE is not worth it. IMO.

While on the topic of front wheel skirting, I don't recall eve seeing anyone hear address the problem by narrowing the front track enough to allow fixed skirts.

I realize this is a fairly complex task, particularly with FWD. has anyone done it?

it be difficult with any front engine car because how most suspensions are set up, its easier just to throw a front wheel arch gap filler in and be done the next step would by the front skirt where it only touches on corners when the wheel leaves the pocket it was given

[arcosine]

Naysayers.

[2000neon]

Don't get me wrong, I really like the idea and am strongly considering it myself, which is why I looked into the legal aspect of it. I am going to call the local regional police department and ask a few questions about a roller idea that basjoos and aerohead used. I'd rather ask around now then get nailed with a ticket later.

[arcosine]

Its easier to ask forgiveness than permission, so Ive heard. I have had no problems so far after several thousand miles and I encounter police cars as often as anyone else. I thought of making the roller with hinge at the top also, too complicated, as the hinge needs to be straight and the fender is curved. The roller also sticks out. Actually only about and inch of clearance is necessary, contact is made only on turns. A curve in the road requires less than an inch of steering. The key is the wheel center foam block that spaces the skirt away from the tire, and does so with almost no friction.

: Saturn wheel base is 102 inches. Tires are 205/70R15 with and OD of 26 inches. arcosine of 1/13 is 85 degrees, so the steering is turned 5 degrees before start of contact. I notice the contact when making 3 point turns and parking mostly, and when exiting the driveway.

As for damaging the tire, I have seen none. The initial contact is very light. I think the HDPE sheet would wear through first, but I haven't seen any wear yet, it's slippery stuff. I sprayed Areodag graphite on the inside when I put them on, but this is long gone now.

Sorry for hijacking the thread.

[HydroJim]

My 2nd gear synchronizer is pretty much shot so I'm going to be limiting my driving for a while. Which is the best way to save gas!

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be going on any big trips to get some real good data for a while. I'm going to have to wait until my dad is in town so we can rebuild the transmission. It sucks, but I'll finally get to take a transmission apart and see what makes one tick. I'm actually looking forward to the project even though it's a pricey thing to go wrong. Looks like I'll be working a lot in the mean time to pay for it

[Sven7]

Originally Posted by pete c

Any tire contact with anything other than the road is really bad, unless you have a free supply of replacement tires. The tiny bit of gained FE is not worth it. IMO.

Nothing bad will happen (what's rougher than the road surface??). It's like saying your hand will get calloused and bloody from wearing a glove all day.