Aerodynamic wheels (hybrid)?
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 
Aerodynamic wheels (hybrid)?
I've seen lots of cool wheels on 7th gen civics. Often they are very lightweight and give the cars good performance. I'm interested in aerodynamic performance because I have a 2003 5sp hybrid, and need smooth, aerodynamic (preferably dished outward slightly 15" wheels for a 195/60R15 tire. Light weight less than 15 lbs is a plus.
Thanks,
Lifespeed
Thanks,
Lifespeed
Registered!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: Guam, USA
Rep Power: 0 
im not a wheel or aerodynamic expert but when it comes to wheels, i dont think aerodynamics really (unless you wanna break the land speed record and opt for those flat wheels that dont have spokes). I think what matters is the weight of the wheels.
Registered!!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 I'd have to agree, aerodynamic wheels arent really a big deal for street or even track use. getting the weight lower to reduce rotating mass is a lot more beneficial, as is the change in handling/traction based on the other features of the rim/tire. i dont think you would ever feel the difference between an "aerodynamic" rim and a regular steel rim in terms of aerodynamics.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 13,151
Likes: 3
From: Washington DC
Rep Power: 424 
The "aerodynamic wheels" thing is bullhonky. Its actually irrelevant, they're so narrow that they don't fit flush with the body, so instead of even hitting the wheel, the oncoming air hits the back of the wheel well, which is a big flat surface.
Also, wheels that break up the air will cool the brakes, wheels that let air pass over won't. You want wheels that create some turbulence to cool the brakes. Anyways... rotating mass matters more than the drag coeff. of the wheel.
Want aero wheels, get moon dishes (or whatever those chrome dome wheels are called).
Also, wheels that break up the air will cool the brakes, wheels that let air pass over won't. You want wheels that create some turbulence to cool the brakes. Anyways... rotating mass matters more than the drag coeff. of the wheel.
Want aero wheels, get moon dishes (or whatever those chrome dome wheels are called).
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 Hey, I didn't ask if you foks *thought* aerodynamics mattered, I asked if you knew of any relatively flat-faced wheels out there in the aftermarket.
Obviously, Honda thinks it matters because they install aero wheels on both the 7th and 8th gen Civic hybrids.
You do realize that aerodynamics impacts fuel economy, especially at freeway speeds? I'm not saying it is the most important thing on the car, but it does make a difference. Lightweight is good, but so is aero.
Obviously, Honda thinks it matters because they install aero wheels on both the 7th and 8th gen Civic hybrids.
You do realize that aerodynamics impacts fuel economy, especially at freeway speeds? I'm not saying it is the most important thing on the car, but it does make a difference. Lightweight is good, but so is aero.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 13,151
Likes: 3
From: Washington DC
Rep Power: 424 Well if you're gonna be a douchebag about it I highly doubt anyone is gonna help you out. You asked, you got the answer, you're searching for something useless. If you think its so friggin important, go out and find them yourself. If you think the fact that they're flat is what makes them aerodynamic, you're completely wrong, so have fun gaining anything.
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 You asked, you got the answer, you're searching for something useless. If you think its so friggin important, go out and find them yourself. If you think the fact that they're flat is what makes them aerodynamic, you're completely wrong, so have fun gaining anything.
So, you're smarter than the engineers at Honda? What is your level of education in the field of knowledge in question?
I was hoping I'd find some actual info on this forum. Judging by your response, it may just be the internet representation of all those pimply-faced teenagers trying to convince themselves their compact economy cars are hotrods with the addition of 4-foot-high spoilers, fart-pipe exhaust and aftermarket wheels.
In the engineering business I have learned that those who are most respected are those who are knowledgeable, and who are willing to admit that they don't know the answer to the question.
Last edited by lifespeed; Oct 1, 2006 at 06:15 PM.
Registered!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
Rep Power: 286 I got no answers to the question I asked. Zero. Nada.
So, you're smarter than the engineers at Honda? What is your level of education in the field of knowledge in question?
I was hoping I'd find some actual info on this forum. Judging by your response, it may just be the internet representation of all those pimply-faced teenagers trying to convince themselves their compact economy cars are hotrods with the addition of 4-foot-high spoilers, fart-pipe exhaust and aftermarket wheels.
In the engineering business I have learned that those who are most respected are those who are knowledgeable, and who are willing to admit that they don't know the answer to the question.
So, you're smarter than the engineers at Honda? What is your level of education in the field of knowledge in question?
I was hoping I'd find some actual info on this forum. Judging by your response, it may just be the internet representation of all those pimply-faced teenagers trying to convince themselves their compact economy cars are hotrods with the addition of 4-foot-high spoilers, fart-pipe exhaust and aftermarket wheels.
In the engineering business I have learned that those who are most respected are those who are knowledgeable, and who are willing to admit that they don't know the answer to the question.
The aero dynamics of a wheel don't come into play until high speeds. Spoilers do nothing till over 100mph....you can't even hit that in a regular civic, none the less a hybrid. Just go find some lightweight racing wheels and that will benefit you the most. Someone mentioned Rotas, so you your question was answered.
If you don't like the answers just leave then.
Last edited by lxcivic2k1; Oct 1, 2006 at 06:55 PM.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 13,151
Likes: 3
From: Washington DC
Rep Power: 424 If you're calling me out as to whether or not I've got an Engineering degree, yes I do and I've got a pretty good understanding of basic fluid dynamics. Its not rocket science, the wheels don't fit flush to the body, their contribution to the drag coefficient is absolutely minute. The air hits the front bumper and gets blown around the car. Anything that ends up in the wheel well is going to bounce off the back of the wheel well because the wheels are recessed. If they were flush and completely closed face they might do something (see salt flats racecars), but since they're not, it accomplishes nothing. They have next to no aerodynamic effect. It doesn't take a Honda engineer to figure that out.
I suggest you do some research in the field of Marketing Literature Bullshitting. You might find the answer to "aerodynamic wheels" there.
I suggest you do some research in the field of Marketing Literature Bullshitting. You might find the answer to "aerodynamic wheels" there.
Registered!!
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, Illinois
Rep Power: 0 so i actually add something to the discussion... don't car manufacturers figure the drag on a car by from the drag coefficient of air and the frontal area of a car? so i mean... just how much "frontal area" do rims add?
If you're calling me out as to whether or not I've got an Engineering degree, yes I do and I've got a pretty good understanding of basic fluid dynamics. Its not rocket science, the wheels don't fit flush to the body, their contribution to the drag coefficient is absolutely minute. The air hits the front bumper and gets blown around the car. Anything that ends up in the wheel well is going to bounce off the back of the wheel well because the wheels are recessed. If they were flush and completely closed face they might do something (see salt flats racecars), but since they're not, it accomplishes nothing. They have next to no aerodynamic effect. It doesn't take a Honda engineer to figure that out.
I suggest you do some research in the field of Marketing Literature Bullshitting. You might find the answer to "aerodynamic wheels" there.
I suggest you do some research in the field of Marketing Literature Bullshitting. You might find the answer to "aerodynamic wheels" there.
Repped
why do people ask questions and then have to be douchebags
Last edited by EM2 Shinobi; Oct 1, 2006 at 09:53 PM.
Ban
I got no answers to the question I asked. Zero. Nada.
So, you're smarter than the engineers at Honda? What is your level of education in the field of knowledge in question?
I was hoping I'd find some actual info on this forum. Judging by your response, it may just be the internet representation of all those pimply-faced teenagers trying to convince themselves their compact economy cars are hotrods with the addition of 4-foot-high spoilers, fart-pipe exhaust and aftermarket wheels.
In the engineering business I have learned that those who are most respected are those who are knowledgeable, and who are willing to admit that they don't know the answer to the question.
So, you're smarter than the engineers at Honda? What is your level of education in the field of knowledge in question?
I was hoping I'd find some actual info on this forum. Judging by your response, it may just be the internet representation of all those pimply-faced teenagers trying to convince themselves their compact economy cars are hotrods with the addition of 4-foot-high spoilers, fart-pipe exhaust and aftermarket wheels.
In the engineering business I have learned that those who are most respected are those who are knowledgeable, and who are willing to admit that they don't know the answer to the question.
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 9,365
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Rep Power: 347 I've seen Civic Hybrids with almost flat outter rims...Don't know if they were stock or anything, but man were they fugly.
The Nightraid crew - Sensible Ownage
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 0
From: West Lafayette, Indiana
Rep Power: 317 If you want flat 15's, get stock Escort GT wheels. The late 80's models will need adapters (I think, I know they're 4 x 100mm), but they're flat, almost no lip, and the cuts for the spokes angle inward, which does help to cool the brakes. And stock tires are 195/60/15.
But my personal opinion, get a set of Gram Lights, throw 205/50/15's on them, and call it a day.
But my personal opinion, get a set of Gram Lights, throw 205/50/15's on them, and call it a day.
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,248
Likes: 2
From: Rockville, Maryland
Rep Power: 331 actually, the best design that fits your requirements are the factory steel wheels on the non-hybrid models. They are light in weight, pretty balanced so the lower rotational mass is more easily achiveable. and the holes are there to reduce wind noise and increase 'aerodynamics' the most cliche and overused term in the automotive industry.
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 But nobody here seems willing to believe that Honda uses such wheels on all their hybrid vehicles because they actually make an (admittedly modest) improvement in drag. Occam's Razor applies here.
