Road trip, 450 miles. Ready for 2000? Options

[emerygt350]

Well, I took the 914 to Erie PA and back in a terrible rain storm last night, uggh. The driving rain, fog, and window defogging were terrible. Thank God for my sliding rear window glass. Eventually had to turn the heat on and the front fresh air all the way up. 'Baby's breath' my arse. Maybe a baby from the seventh level of hell.

464 miles on the odometer, 15.5 gallons. I am surprised by that since the hills are pretty long and high (1200 feet up and down). 70 mph on the way there in beautiful weather, 60 mph on the way home in probably my worst night drive in decades.

Checked the oil this morning, right on the top notch where I started. At 70 the head temps climbing the mountains (long, long climbs) would get up to 390-400, cruise at 370 and below. Drop down in to the low 300s rapidly on the descents. When I got home last night the engine was happy as could be, even though I was ready to collapse. Cruise afrs were all within safe ranges, plugs looked good in Erie.

I am seriously considering driving it out to Minnesota through Chicago in two weeks. I need to drop my son off in Chicago and figured I would just keep going to visit the family in Minnesota.

The road noise was a little loud, and my butt hurt after a while, but it gets better mileage than the Mini, far better mileage than the Mustang. The Mustang is like driving a sofa and has AC so I am seriously considering it as well. Looking for a butt and lower back cushion that breathes. Anybody run across a good one that can be got at the chain stores?

[Literati914]

.. Thank God for my sliding rear window glass.. AND
.. Looking for a butt and lower back cushion that breathes. Anybody run across a good one that can be got at the chain stores?

Both of these have crossed my mind at various times. I'd love to see the sliding rear window and get some details. As for the seat - there has to be a better foam that could be used, the stock stuff is just not comfortable. I was thinking firmer and softer! Like using a firmer "inner" core foam with maybe a 1/2" open cell (or something - gel?) on top, before upholstery. Anyone out there done something similar?

I'd bet if your car handled the 400+ mile run, it would be likely to take the longer trip in stride.

[emerygt350]

I was looking at the stuff on Amazon and there is a ton of options but like you said, it needs to be firm and soft and thin (I am a big guy). I have cloth inserts and they are great in the heat so it needs to breathe.



The rear window is a one off custom job the original owner put in himself, apparently he was very proud of it (I talked to some of his friends, he passed away back in 2013). I will post some pics of it in another thread. It is almost 30 years old now so the seals are getting a little ratty but it works great. Great for checking in on the engine sounds while driving.

[Superhawk996]

Literally just arrived home hours ago after 2100 mile drive in 38 hours

These are mandatory for long distance hauls.

You can try the cheaper alternatives to the Purple brand cushion but I swear by it. Eliminates pressure points. You can sometimes find the purple seat cushion in the truck stops like Loves, Flying J, etc. not sure what you have on east coast.

Purple cushion comes in a couple thickness - mine is 1.25” thick one. If you’re already tall or close to roof you don’t want the super thick one. The thin one is about $20 cheaper than what’s posted below. I’ve had it for many years and untold cross country trips. Doesn’t wear out and doesn’t crush down over time due to weight.

[emerygt350]

Thanks Hawk, that looks like what I need.

[930cabman]

None of us is getting any younger, not too many guys/gals making long distance road trips with multiple hour stints. At 72 I am good for about 4 hours between stops in my F 150, probably closer to 2-3 hours in my 914, but pushing it generally doesn't make sense. Your bones might not like the punishment

[sixnotfour]

None of us is getting any younger, not too many guys/gals making long distance road trips with multiple hour stints. At 72 I am good for about 4 hours between stops in my F 150, probably closer to 2-3 hours in my 914, but pushing it generally doesn't make sense. Your bones might not like the punishment

32hr snow storm trip wa to utah,, My Feet havent been the same..

[sixnotfour]

None of us is getting any younger, not too many guys/gals making long distance road trips with multiple hour stints. At 72 I am good for about 4 hours between stops in my F 150, probably closer to 2-3 hours in my 914, but pushing it generally doesn't make sense. Your bones might not like the punishment

22hr snow storm trip wa to utah,, My Feet havent been the same..

[emerygt350]

None of us is getting any younger, not too many guys/gals making long distance road trips with multiple hour stints. At 72 I am good for about 4 hours between stops in my F 150, probably closer to 2-3 hours in my 914, but pushing it generally doesn't make sense. Your bones might not like the punishment

Might be the only chance I get before I age out of something like this. It would be an eight hour drive to the halfway stop in Elkhart. Once I get into Ohio it's all straight and flat the rest of the way which is boring but easy.

I was driving the mustang yesterday and although the seat is soft I don't think the position is as comfortable for me as the 914. I prefer my legs up higher. When I was in my 20s I drove my Opel gt across the country and don't remember being to uncomfortable. But that was 26 years ago....

[Jamie]

None of us is getting any younger, not too many guys/gals making long distance road trips with multiple hour stints. At 72 I am good for about 4 hours between stops in my F 150, probably closer to 2-3 hours in my 914, but pushing it generally doesn't make sense. Your bones might not like the punishment

Might be the only chance I get before I age out of something like this. It would be an eight hour drive to the halfway stop in Elkhart. Once I get into Ohio it's all straight and flat the rest of the way which is boring but easy.

I was driving the mustang yesterday and although the seat is soft I don't think the position is as comfortable for me as the 914. I prefer my legs up higher. When I was in my 20s I drove my Opel gt across the country and don't remember being to uncomfortable. But that was 26 years ago....

This is why a few years ago I replaced the original driver seat with a custom seat from GTS Classics. I've had a bad back most of my life, and hours driving in an ill fitting seat is pure torture! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bootyshake.gif)

[anderssj]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

Give me a shout (or PM) if you need a hand in The Cities. I’m in White Bear Lake for the summer.

Steve A-

[Root_Werks]

We've done a few long trips in a 914 before. The last was picking up our converted six from CA and driving home to WA. We did this over two days, roughly 500 miles each day.

I think a 914 can be a decent road trip car if:

Fresh air fan, controls and tubes all work free and clear.
Ditto for heater, no stinky oil or rusted out boxes that turn the interior into a steam bath.
Seals good and windows adjusted.
All sound deadening and interior in place to keep things as quiet as possible.

Luckily, the six we bought had 993 HE's and the fresh air system worked very well. We got caught in more than a few downpours. The 914 did surprisingly well. Windows stayed clear, wipers wiped etc. The only complaint we both had was the noise level. A six sure sounds cool, but after 15 minutes of a multi hour drive. Then it's just noise.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

You took notes what bothered you, start working to resolve each item.

[Superhawk996]

None of us is getting any younger, not too many guys/gals making long distance road trips with multiple hour stints. At 72 I am good for about 4 hours between stops in my F 150, probably closer to 2-3 hours in my 914, but pushing it generally doesn't make sense. Your bones might not like the punishment

Might be the only chance I get before I age out of something like this. It would be an eight hour drive to the halfway stop in Elkhart. Once I get into Ohio it's all straight and flat the rest of the way which is boring but easy.

I was driving the mustang yesterday and although the seat is soft I don't think the position is as comfortable for me as the 914. I prefer my legs up higher. When I was in my 20s I drove my Opel gt across the country and don't remember being to uncomfortable. But that was 26 years ago....

Do it!

I used to drive cross country at least once a year up to 2022. Haven’t done it now in 3 years. It’s getting harder than it used to be.


None of us is getting any younger and it doesn’t get any easier as we age.

In my case, I’m a manic about getting there quickly with minimal stopping. My average stop is about 11 minutes and I try to make that occur only when getting fuel. Would be much easier if I just stopped to stretch every couple hours.

[emerygt350]

My son has some reservations about it. One being you can't really hear the book on tape unless you blast the radio. I bought the 700 dollar mini for him and he would much prefer we took that. It has airbags and skinny tires and most importantly, I am going to have to park it on the streets of Chicago for a couple days.

I just have so much fun with the 914 I would just kick myself if I broke it to drive across Indiana and make my son miserable. I can teach him all about his own car. He will be getting his permit next year.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I did buy the butt pillow. Probably use that in the mini too!

[930cabman]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

Do it

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[Superhawk996]

My son has some reservations about it. One being you can't really hear the book on tape unless you blast the radio. I bought the 700 dollar mini for him and he would much prefer we took that. It has airbags and skinny tires and most importantly, I am going to have to park it on the streets of Chicago for a couple days.

I just have so much fun with the 914 I would just kick myself if I broke it to drive across Indiana and make my son miserable. I can teach him all about his own car. He will be getting his permit next year.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I did buy the butt pillow. Probably use that in the mini too!

Totally understand.

In my case I just took the 98’ Camry instead of the X5. Multiple reasons but biggest being if the Camry breaks down in North Dakota - any mechanic can work on it. The X5 would be a PITA. Rear tire is 315/35/R20 and takes week to 10 days to get under the best of circumstances.

Used to drive my 914 from MI to FL on spring break (1100 miles) and wasn’t a big deal. Never had a problem.

Do what’s right for you and the son. But remember Mini is basically a BMW - the 914 might just prove to be the more reliable vehicle (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[emerygt350]

My son has some reservations about it. One being you can't really hear the book on tape unless you blast the radio. I bought the 700 dollar mini for him and he would much prefer we took that. It has airbags and skinny tires and most importantly, I am going to have to park it on the streets of Chicago for a couple days.

I just have so much fun with the 914 I would just kick myself if I broke it to drive across Indiana and make my son miserable. I can teach him all about his own car. He will be getting his permit next year.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I did buy the butt pillow. Probably use that in the mini too!

Totally understand.

In my case I just took the 98’ Camry instead of the X5. Multiple reasons but biggest being if the Camry breaks down in North Dakota - any mechanic can work on it. The X5 would be a PITA. Rear tire is 315/35/R20 and takes week to 10 days to get under the best of circumstances.

Used to drive my 914 from MI to FL on spring break (1100 miles) and wasn’t a big deal. Never had a problem.

Do what’s right for you and the son. But remember Mini is basically a BMW - the 914 might just prove to be the more reliable vehicle (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Except the engine is a Renault or something like that! If I have to leave the mini there won't be a lot of tears... From me at least.

[Superhawk996]

Except the engine is a Renault or something like that! If I have to leave the mini there won't be a lot of tears... From me at least.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)