Road Trip

[enduring11]

I'm going to be driving from Alaska to Wisconsin next month and I was wondering what needs to be done to my car for higher altitude driving. I drove around here on some higher roads and noticed that the car kind of struggled to shift and sounded like it was running at a higher RPM. If anyone has any tips or suggestions I'd really appreciate it.

 

[Dthrill_08]

I have no idea. Here in Miami we are pretty much low altitudes. Have a safe trip =].

 

[Kumba]

I'm going to be driving from Alaska to Wisconsin next month and I was wondering what needs to be done to my car for higher altitude driving. I drove around here on some higher roads and noticed that the car kind of struggled to shift and sounded like it was running at a higher RPM. If anyone has any tips or suggestions I'd really appreciate it.

Nothing really. It will auto-correct somewhat. You will get less power from the altitude though. Guess you could feed oxygen into the intake if you really wanted to do something. Might be worthwhile to run around in D4 instead of D5 to help with the power loss.

 

[msgtusmc]

On board computer will compensate for elevatons as long as u use 93 octane or above no power loss will be sensed. Clean air cleaner & fuel filter required. Ensure all recommended maintenace has been performed.

 

[Telco]

On board computer will compensate for elevatons as long as u use 93 octane or above no power loss will be sensed. Clean air cleaner & fuel filter required. Ensure all recommended maintenace has been performed.

Not exactly. The engine will self correct for altitude, but there will be a power dropoff because there just isn't as much air to compress at higher altitudes. And, octane requirements change for higher altitudes. People who drag race report lower quarter mile times in Denver than they do in lower elevations with the same car, and they do report that they can feel a power difference. You'll find 85 and 89 instead of 87 and 93 on top of the mountains.

 

[enduring11]

Ok so pretty much scheduled preventative maintenance and a lower octane fuel? Doesn't a lower octane go against what the LS is designed for. 91+

 

[joegr]

Ok so pretty much scheduled preventative maintenance and a lower octane fuel? Doesn't a lower octane go against what the LS is designed for. 91+

At lower air pressure, less octane is needed. It's not in conflict with the LS design. (You need higher octane for higher compression, but lower air pressure lowers the compression.)

 

[Kumba]

Ok so pretty much scheduled preventative maintenance and a lower octane fuel? Doesn't a lower octane go against what the LS is designed for. 91+

Long story short, make sure you car is mechanically sound. Do a once-over on all the belts and hoses, check your fluids, inspect tires and check their pressure, look at the rotors and brakes make sure they have some life left in them, maybe an oil change if it's going to be an especially long road trip and you are close to your change interval, and then just use 91+ octane gas. That's pretty much it.

As far as driving habits go, my LS gets it's best MPG at around 75-80 on cruise control. Typically I will get about 24mpg. At least until you hit traffic or mountains.

 

[enduring11]

Alright cool! Thanks for the help. I'm going to be driving about 3,500 miles. I'll let you guys know how it goes when I'm done.

 

[ATrom]

Whats in wisconsin??

 

[Yar1]

Whats in wisconsin??

Cheese and Beer.

 

[Kumba]

Cheese and Beer.

and bratwurst!

 

[ATrom]

LOL that's pretty much it