Thinking about cutting off the wind deflectors

[AutobahnSHO]

Article link from my above link

https://publications.lib.chalmers.se/records/fulltext/250512/250512.pdf

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[dalola]

This guy got his already more aerodynamic car to get 9mpg better with a tray under the front AND the deflectors in front of the front wheels

https://www.autospeed.com/cms/a_2456/article
(20 km/L vs 24 km/L is 47mpg vs 56 mpg)

Aero is very specific to each design. After the "generalities", it's pointless to compare apples & oranges, other than for entertainment.

 

[LittleNeckLightning]

I’m 50/50 on this so far, keep em coming! I don’t want to lose mpg, I’m already averaging 18 with my heavy foot, but I f*ckin hate those flaps!

 

[dalola]

I’m 50/50 on this so far, keep em coming! I don’t want to lose mpg, I’m already averaging 18 with my heavy foot, but I f*ckin hate those flaps!

I have over 20K miles since I removed the strakes. No noticeable change to the OBC average. In fact, my best ave. (per tank) FE to date (33) was after the strakes were removed, but due to other factors certainly. May have been 33.1 had I left them.

If you're doing mostly in-town, and lower speed driving, it will be even less of a fractional hit.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I’m 50/50 on this so far, keep em coming! I don’t want to lose mpg, I’m already averaging 18 with my heavy foot, but I f*ckin hate those flaps!

Put a Quarter in a piggy bank Everytime you fill up and call it onerous enjoyment tax for pleasure received from cutting them off.

 

[Montana]

The problem is if you cut them there is still a hump there. The flaps are not flat. You'll see what I'm talking about when you remove them to inspect.

Just cover up the holes but tbh, It's not that big of a deal if they are there.

 

[LittleNeckLightning]

The problem is if you cut them there is still a hump there. The flaps are not flat. You'll see what I'm talking about when you remove them to inspect.

Just cover up the holes but tbh, It's not that big of a deal if they are there.

Thanks, when I have a free moment maybe this weekend or next, I’m gonna remove them first and see whats up. Thx!

 

[LittleNeckLightning]

Finally removed those front wind deflectors. Took about 12 minutes with a 7mm socket wrench. Reinstalled 3 screws on each side to keep the wheel well material flush, and I’ll be adding some black gaff tape underneath to cover the holes. I’ll keep you posted on MPG difference or feel difference. Cheers! Looks way better IMO…. No more bottoming out when I go “off roading” to the Dunkin drive thru…

 

[LittleNeckLightning]

Update - never looking back on those strakes/wind deflectors. Love how my fx4 maverick looks without them, and no more bottoming out! I picked up a sheet of black rubber on Amazon, and traced, cut, stretched, trimmed and installed 2 debris covers. Here’s a pic, cheers! - Oliva

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