How useful is the mud flap and how does it look?

[qqzj]

It seems to be an easy job to install OEM mud flap. But I really do not know whether it is a good idea to install such a utilitarian accessory on a sports car. So any suggestions would be great. I know how to do it, so this is not a DIY or cosmetic modification question. Please help me understand the pros and cons of mud flap on BRZ, so that I can decide whether it is good for me. Thanks a lot for the help.

BTW, is there a smart phone app for this forum. I'd like to check things out lying on the bed, not sitting in front of a computer

[YMAA]

For the first question, I didn't use the Scion mudguards on my BRZ - although they should fit fine. Instead I went with the Rally Armor mudflaps and I think they look a lot cooler and protect a lot better than the OEM ones.

Pic installed on my car (I have a DGM/Asphalt car and I went with the dark gray lettering on black flaps):



These offer an incredible amount of protection. After a drive in the rain the front of the flaps are absolutely COVERED in road grime and leaves - grime that would otherwise be on the side of the car.

For your second question, if you're on Android you can use the Tapatalk forum app and just search for FT86Club.

[Clembo]

Personally, I think the Rally Armor flaps look like something from J. C. Whitney and are quite overpriced for a hunk of flat rubber. I also don't like the 'advertising' with their name printed across the flaps. But I will say they offer the most protection in all driving conditions. The OEM Scion ones look much nicer (again, just my opinion) and don't detract from the lines of the car. But they will not give anywhere near as much protection as the Rally Armor.

[BRZNutt]

I have the oem version on my car and have noticed a significant decrease in the amount of dirty water splashed up onto the doors and most especially the rear bumper sides. I think they look fine and don't detract from the sportiness of the car. The black color matches the rest of the black trim on the BRZ. Plus they cover and utilize the open holes in the rear bumper. Highly recommend. (Note that they will not work with side skirts or rear spats, but those two things shouldn't go together anyway. IMHO)

[Suberman]

If you live where you get snow then fit a set because they will protect your car and keep snow and ice off the doors.

If you live where it rains frequently fit a set to keep the car cleaner for longer.

In your location I wouldn't bother. The bodywork is shaped correctly to work fine for occasional rain in a dry climate.

Having said that the factory flaps ("splash guards" according to Scion) are very nicely shaped and unobtrusive when installed. The more aggressive Rally Armour flaps are suitable for rugged winter conditions. I would not and did not fit them only because they are too big unless you feel you really need the extra protection.

[qqzj]

Thanks a lot for all your help. I checked out the OEM one and the RA one. $66 vs. $143 total cost. That is some serious amount of money for 4 pieces of plastics. Let me think over it. But your help is great and I did install the android app.

[qqzj]

Thanks for your suggestion w.r.t. my location. This is my 2nd car, and I probably wont use it under heavy rain anyway. Also SF, CA does not rain at all from April to November. Maybe the OEM is fine.

Terminology wise, on Scion's website, it is called mudguards. In the installation manual, it is called mud flaps. Part number is PU060-18013-P1.

Originally Posted by Suberman

If you live where you get snow then fit a set because they will protect your car and keep snow and ice off the doors.

If you live where it rains frequently fit a set to keep the car cleaner for longer.

In your location I wouldn't bother. The bodywork is shaped correctly to work fine for occasional rain in a dry climate.

Having said that the factory flaps ("splash guards" according to Scion) are very nicely shaped and unobtrusive when installed. The more aggressive Rally Armour flaps are suitable for rugged winter conditions. I would not and did not fit them only because they are too big unless you feel you really need the extra protection.

[ZionsWrath]

Originally Posted by qqzj

Thanks a lot for all your help. I checked out the OEM one and the RA one. $66 vs. $143 total cost. That is some serious amount of money for 4 pieces of plastics. Let me think over it. But your help is great and I did install the android app.

I have a brand new set of rally armor, never used Black with gray lettering like the pic above. I'll sell to you 100 shipped

And if you mount left to right the lettering faces inside the wheel well if you don't like that logo.

[qqzj]

Sorry. Too late. I just bought the OEM ones from ebay. 49 dollars total.

Originally Posted by ZionsWrath

I have a brand new set of rally armor, never used Black with gray lettering like the pic above. I'll sell to you 100 shipped

And if you mount left to right the lettering faces inside the wheel well if you don't like that logo.

[muffinz]

I recommend using them if you regularly drive past construction or on any kind of road that might have gravel or pebbles.

Over the course of its ~16,000mi life, my car has gotten a ton of small paint chips before the back fender as depicted in the picture. If I had mudflaps....I probably would not have any of these chips which are caused by the front wheels kicking up debris.

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by muffinz

I recommend using them if you regularly drive past construction or on any kind of road that might have gravel or pebbles.

Over the course of its ~16,000mi life, my car has gotten a ton of small paint chips before the back fender as depicted in the picture. If I had mudflaps....I probably would not have any of these chips which are caused by the front wheels kicking up debris.

My Cayman actually has (from the factory) a clear plastic film covering the paint in that area, probably for exactly that reason.

[brzninja]

I have the OEM ones (bought on ebay for the Scion FRS) and fits my BRZ perfectly. I personally like the look. Nice and clean form with the body of the car. I'll take a picture when I get home tonight of a close up.

They work as well. There are a lot of gravelly roads I need to drive on so I didn't want to take that chance.

Installation was easy. It took me about an hour and one screwdriver.

[qqzj]

That is strange. Don't u need a drill, a jack, and some jack stands?

Originally Posted by brzninja

I have the OEM ones (bought on ebay for the Scion FRS) and fits my BRZ perfectly. I personally like the look. Nice and clean form with the body of the car. I'll take a picture when I get home tonight of a close up.

They work as well. There are a lot of gravelly roads I need to drive on so I didn't want to take that chance.

Installation was easy. It took me about an hour and one screwdriver.

[overlookedx]

I generally don't like OEM mudflaps because they sit directly on the bodywork and are prone to scratching or leaving marks if you ever want to remove them.

I got the RallyArmor flaps because my front wheels stick out a little (+35 offset) so it sends all sorts of stuff, including tire chunks (during track days), up the side of my car, and the mudflaps allow adjustability so I can cover up where the wheel sticks out. Has worked great so far.