Wifey is away for the weekends with the girlfriends, left to my own devices I decided on one more Sierra camping trip. This time, took the Dart instead of the 4runner. Camping alone, no cell service for miles in the off-season, in a 50 year old car. What could possibly go wrong?
[Edit: my first pass narrative didn't save]
Trunk is loaded down.
Dropping down into Truckee on the backside of Donner Summit; 5th gear @2,200 rpm, outside temp low 50's. The gauge dropped to below operating, usually sits between E-M. Used 1/4 tank the first 90 miles to Truckee; got 15.5 mpg roundtrip
Rebuilt the front end last Feb using PST and Moog parts, along with a rebuilt man box by Firm Feel. Hwy 49 is miles of twists and turns; it was a blast to drive. The Dart handles incredibly well.
Sierra Buttes; lake is around 6,400' elev.
Downtown Nevada City, peering around the bug splatter
Roundtrip was 260 miles, started at 160', crested over 7,500' at the summit, camped at 6,200'. With the carb, idle was expectedly poor at elevation, but otherwise the car ran flawlessly. Started first try every time. Terrain wasn't the best for headers; no need to do it again, but another item is crossed off the bucket list.
[Edit: my first pass narrative didn't save]
Trunk is loaded down.
Dropping down into Truckee on the backside of Donner Summit; 5th gear @2,200 rpm, outside temp low 50's. The gauge dropped to below operating, usually sits between E-M. Used 1/4 tank the first 90 miles to Truckee; got 15.5 mpg roundtrip
Rebuilt the front end last Feb using PST and Moog parts, along with a rebuilt man box by Firm Feel. Hwy 49 is miles of twists and turns; it was a blast to drive. The Dart handles incredibly well.
Sierra Buttes; lake is around 6,400' elev.
Downtown Nevada City, peering around the bug splatter
Roundtrip was 260 miles, started at 160', crested over 7,500' at the summit, camped at 6,200'. With the carb, idle was expectedly poor at elevation, but otherwise the car ran flawlessly. Started first try every time. Terrain wasn't the best for headers; no need to do it again, but another item is crossed off the bucket list.
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Awesome. Thanks for the pics, looks like some beautiful scenery. Hope you had a good time.
