Driving at 15,000 feet

[grumpy007uk]

Hi All, just joined the club and would really appreciate some advice on altitude driving. We're taking our 1967 2 door on a tour and will be driving over a pass that is over 15,000 ft high. Does anybody have any advice on the impact on the power output or whether the car will function at that height? Alan

[SteveClem]

I've seen recent photos of an Austin A35 doing an Alpine pass. Same engine so should be ok.
Cars have been crossing roads at altitude for over a century.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Just expect the engine to be reduced to a crawl. That's some height. Even in parts of Wales I have had a 1098cc engine reduced to second gear on a moderate gradient because of altitude. Don't want to discourage you but it will not be a pleasant experience. Ensure the cooling system is tip-top and you are carrying water.

[rayofleamington]

Petrol engine will be low on power
A diesel will be chronic and almost impossible to cold start.

[Blaketon]

Where are you going to be at 15000 feet; can't think of anywhere in Europe that high (I've done the Grossglockner Pass and that's not much over 8000 feet)? I was in a VW Polo hire car and it didn't seem to have as much go near the top; it was as if it was running rich. Turbo and supercharged cars are better at altitude. I remember when Renault brought in 1.5 litre turbo F1 cars, at first they had too much lag and it was some years before they could beat the 3 litre cars. However, they were always more competitive at Kylami, because it is at altitude.

[liammonty]

Presumably you're travelling outside Europe, as I don't believe there are any roads over around 11,000 feet in Europe - bear in mind therefore that the reference to A35s in the Alps is referring to much lower elevations than you'll be travelling on. If it really is that high, be prepared for the car to be woefully underpowered and run rich as anything. Tyres will also be overinflated! We did the Stelvio pass a few years ago in our T2 VW (50 BHP - at sea level...) and by the time we got to the top (2750 metres) progress was slow, to put it mildly!