Tahoe front wheel well SPATS

[WalleyeMikeIII]

I believe they are called “chaps” spats and their purpose is aerodynamics

Edited: spats is the correct term

 

[EdTom]

I believe they are called “chaps” and their purpose is aerodynamics

Thanks for sharing that. I’d love to see the engineering stats on the aerodynamic benefits of those. Hard to believe they’re even worth the effort.

 

[Sparksalot]

He's showing what it looks like without the FWD "mudflap."

As @Stbentoak mentioned - they have a purpose. Either aerodynamics, engine cooling or both. There's a handful of features on the vehicle done in an effort to eek out every little bit of aerodynamics possible on a 3 ton rig... You can see in the same picture the opening in the grill at the outboard edge that channels air into the wheel well. Also at the back of the rear wheel well is stamped feature that tunes the air flow. They wouldn't add these features if they didn't have a true benefit.

I’m guessing y’all are talking about something like this…




The minute aero advantage, is wildly offset by tire choice. Meh. Some tape as a guide, and 5 minutes with a cutoff wheel will fix that.

 

[EdTom]

Don’t think we’re talking about the same thing. We are discussing the rubber flap or chap extending 8” (in front of the front tires) out of the wheel well. They’re being installed from the factory on late model Tahoes and I guess Suburbans

 

[Fless]

A picture = 1,000 words. Are these to what you're referring?

 

[89Suburban]

I believe they are called “chaps” and their purpose is aerodynamics

Yup something about how the air flows around the wheel in the wheel well.

 

[Sparksalot]

Don’t think we’re talking about the same thing. We are discussing the rubber flap or chap extending 8” (in front of the front tires) out of the wheel well. They’re being installed from the factory on late model Tahoes and I guess Suburbans

That’s why I asked in the first place…

 

[EdTom]

A picture = 1,000 words. Are these to what you're referring?

View attachment 415579

Yes sir, exactly what I’m referring to

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Yes sir, exactly what I’m referring to

Yes, those are chaps spats, and their purpose is to improve aerodynamic performance by reducing drag around the spinning wheel/tire

Edited…spats is the correct term

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Thanks for sharing that. I’d love to see the engineering stats on the aerodynamic benefits of those. Hard to believe they’re even worth the effort.

Several articles about them online, and several styles. But I used the wrong term….spats is correct so study up on that.