7 replies to this topic

[Andy_08]

Hi, I live in New Zealand and about to take a 12 hour drive from Christchurch to Auckland in my 1977 Mini Austin and was wondering if anyone knew what speed I should aim for over the long winding and sometime hilly roads. As well as things to check over and look out for and thing special I can do to stop it over heating...really concern about what effect it might have and I'm interested to hear anything people have to say about doing long journeys in a mini....thanks so much

[abe46]

Me and my mini survived a straight drive to the Nurburgring and back from Devon, which was about 16 hours each way. It didn't over heat once and i stuck to 65-70 all the way so that should be an okay speed. Just do your normal checks and you should be fine! Carry oil and coolant with you just in case you end up burning a bit or loosing it on the journey. Take breaks regularly as well and make sure you have a weather shield if you don't have electronic ignition! Good luck for the trip!

[abe46]

Me and my mini survived a straight drive to the Nurburgring and back from Devon, which was about 16 hours each way. It didn't over heat once and i stuck to 65-70 all the way so that should be an okay speed. Just do your normal checks and you should be fine! Carry oil and coolant with you just in case you end up burning a bit or loosing it on the journey. Take breaks regularly as well and make sure you have a weather shield if you don't have electronic ignition! Good luck for the trip!

[jacswy]

What is a weather shield ?

Thanks

[Andy_08]

A weather shield is a housing that you can fit around your distributor and electrics to stop them from getting wet....

[Andy_08]

Me and my mini survived a straight drive to the Nurburgring and back from Devon, which was about 16 hours each way. It didn't over heat once and i stuck to 65-70 all the way so that should be an okay speed. Just do your normal checks and you should be fine! Carry oil and coolant with you just in case you end up burning a bit or loosing it on the journey. Take breaks regularly as well and make sure you have a weather shield if you don't have electronic ignition! Good luck for the trip!

thanks so much abe46 good to boost the confidence.....would love to hear from anyone else as well!!

[twrminisport]

You'll be fine.
Make sure you've got a weather shield for when it rains
Take some oil and coolant as above

Dont overstress the engine if you can help it. IE don't floor it all the time
Don't push it over 70mph really

Just keep it sensible and drive with your brain
If it sounds like its revving max all the time then slow down abit

Jesus

[abe46]

no worries! I ragged it about on the ring as well so minis are more reliable than people think