tell me about...using your teener long distance., on a family trip away from my garage and daydreaming... Options

[BritCarJim]

as my handle suggests, i came from the britcar world and wandered into teener-land. my daily driver is a '72 MGB GT and while i enjoy driving her anywhere, she has the factory-option overdrive, and cruises happily at 75 on the interstate, i would think that the teener--15 years newer technology, fuel injection, dealer a/c, true 5 speed--would be a better long-distance-cruiser. i've had my teener a couple years but haven't gotten 'round to fixing her up. i'm planning to start this winter. so, tell me how good my teener will be at long distances and care-free interstate travel....

[Hank914]

as my handle suggests, i came from the britcar world and wandered into teener-land. my daily driver is a '72 MGB GT and while i enjoy driving her anywhere, she has the factory-option overdrive, and cruises happily at 75 on the interstate, i would think that the teener--15 years newer technology, fuel injection, dealer a/c, true 5 speed--would be a better long-distance-cruiser. i've had my teener a couple years but haven't gotten 'round to fixing her up. i'm planning to start this winter. so, tell me how good my teener will be at long distances and care-free interstate travel....

My 1st car was a 1969 TR6.... and not reliable for me, at least back in the late 70's. No overdrive on that one. Don't remember the mpg.

My '72 1.7 is quite the econobox. I'm on Interstate 5 every other weekend from the Bay Area halfway into Oregon. 550 miles nonstop at between 65-80mph and I'm getting 28-30mpg. I think my gearing shows 5th gear at 3000rpm around 70-72mph. I think I'm 90-95 or better before I hit 4000rpm. I have dual carbs not stock FI. Seems very carefree interstate driver for me, except one time it would not restart on a hot day (hence the engine doesn't stop at gas stations, prolly should fix that someday). Worst thing about the 914 is no AC and stock vinyl seats. My butt is sore after 8-9 hours regardless of leather Volvo or old Porsche seats. The 914 gives me the most "smiles per miles" of any car I've had. I hope to drive 35-40k/year for the next two years, if my rebuilt 1.7 will keep on keepin on.