How slow is too slow?

[sleam]

So Teriann - would you rebuild mine for me then??? A 72 with a 2.25 engine! And yes, I made a sticker for the back that says "I'm going as fast as I can!"

[badvibes]

Hey there! Nice to see another NM Series running around. Shoot a PM if you are ever in the Alb area. Apologies for the hijack...

Jeff

[TeriAnn]

So Teriann - would you rebuild mine for me then??? A 72 with a 2.25 engine! And yes, I made a sticker for the back that says "I'm going as fast as I can!"

I'm willing to teach you how to do it and help with any heavy lifting. People usually retain more by doing. Your tools this time. My parts washer is broken.

[PeterK]

Almost in keeping with the thread.
I'm thinking of driving the Blue Ridge Parkway northbound in the next few weeks.
I know the grades are crazy but I'm wondering more about the tolerance level of other drivers.
Have any of you been through in a Series? Are there lots of passing lanes?
I have more power than stock but I'm also towing.

Cheers
Peter

[darbsclt]

I know the grades are crazy but I'm wondering more about the tolerance level of other drivers.
Have any of you been through in a Series? Are there lots of passing lanes?

Cheers
Peter

First of all... it's a beautiful drive and wonderful scenery - you'll really enjoy it!

The max speed on the parkway is 45, and it drops to 25 in some areas. It's also well patrolled to discourage speeders. Whenever I've been on the parkway, I've found most drivers respectful; but there will always be jerks out there. Fortunately, however, the BRP's status as a "National Parkway" means it is a route better suited for sightseers rather than thrill seekers. Besides, well known speed-routes are close by (like "The Devil's Tail").

That said... the steep grades and hairpin turns will make for a challenging drive in a series. There are no gas stations on the parkway... so plan accordingly. There are plenty of "Scenic Overlook" pull offs to give you and your series a break. On the longer, straighter, steeper grades you'll have passing lanes. If you haven't already done so, check out the BRP website:

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

They have plenty of resources/maps to help you plan a trip.

Enjoy!

Chuck

[PeterK]

Thanks Chuck,
That's encouraging, I've been on the site as well as a few cycling sites to research the grades. But until I actually hit the hills I don't really know what speeds I can maintain.
I'll report back

Cheers
Peter

[Revtor]

I did the BRP from Shenandoah (north) until we got to NC and had to turn around. Lots of hills and grades, yep. And I think the southern part was supposed to be even more so?

Mine's a 7:1 2.25, all stock except an OD. We had no trouble with speed, most of the time we were zipping right along and all the pull offs helped relieve pressure from others behind a few times. As mentioned above it is a senic route so most people are on there looking at the views (just like we were). I don't remember any time feeling rushed.

Most of the serious grades we encountered off the parkway were two lane so we would just park it in the right lane and let others floor it right past us..

Look out for the FOG!! The OD is a godsend not only on upgrades, but keeping the engine braking in the right range.

~Steve

[Escargo]

As a series owner who drives mine almost daily, I feel making these relics go faster is wrong on several levels. I also have the insight that being in a bad wreck, in a modern vehicle, can give one. Two words: Air Bags, I wouldn't be writing this without them. My advice is to drive your series when not in a hurry. If you're always running late, you'll start to hate your truck. Drive it how it was meant, enjoy it for what it is. Of course, this is America and you have the privledge to take whatever risks you can want....