After having the car for two years we finally took it on an extended tour. Three days at Yosemite. Total of 644 miles. Furthest point was Tioga Lake just outside the Tioga Pass gate at 9932' elevation. The car ran GREAT! Even at altitude. Total oil consumed as just over 1/4 quart. Fuel economy was about 19mpg. Engine never overheated, though it ran at about 220 ascending the scorching foothills from Merced to Mariposa. 95+ heat.
We chose to return late on Tuesday via the northern route after sunset to avoid traffic and heat. But that was still a Mr. Toads wild ride. Lots of high speed interstate truck traffic and a 30 knot headwind over Altamont Pass. The car seems to lift a bit at high air speed, causing sensitivity to road surface grooves and side winds. HANG ON!
The trip did convince me to get into the front suspension again and change out the bushings and king pins. And maybe go to 60 spoke wheels and a bit larger and better tires. Especially if we are going to take more trips like this.
Here are some pics of the trip:
El Capitan in Yosemite Valley:
Tioga Pass Elevation 9932'
IXORA with a Search and Rescue heliocpter in Yosemite Valley:
We chose to return late on Tuesday via the northern route after sunset to avoid traffic and heat. But that was still a Mr. Toads wild ride. Lots of high speed interstate truck traffic and a 30 knot headwind over Altamont Pass. The car seems to lift a bit at high air speed, causing sensitivity to road surface grooves and side winds. HANG ON!
The trip did convince me to get into the front suspension again and change out the bushings and king pins. And maybe go to 60 spoke wheels and a bit larger and better tires. Especially if we are going to take more trips like this.
Here are some pics of the trip:
El Capitan in Yosemite Valley:
Tioga Pass Elevation 9932'
IXORA with a Search and Rescue heliocpter in Yosemite Valley: