Journey to the Center of the Earth

Jsol92 · 05-04-2011, 01:48 AM

...well, not really.

I'm going to be driving up to San Francisco with 4 of my friends this weekend. I live in San Bernardino County, which means it'll be a 400 mile drive up, and another 400 miles back. I know the weight limit on the car is about 850lbs, and our combined weight + luggage will be around 830lbs - give or take.

Is it a smart idea to be driving up there in my '11 i2? Will I be putting too much stress on the engine?
It's only got about 2600 miles on it.

Zwolfe · 05-04-2011, 02:28 AM

I'd do it. Just be hopeful a butterfly doesn't land on your hood.

Zwolfe · 05-04-2011, 02:31 AM

Second thought, I know it can do it. My insight hauled about 900lbs of people recently. Survived. No apparent aftermath issues from it either.

The least of my concern would be stress on the engine. I would be more worried about accelerated deterioration of suspension components. That engine will probably take anything you throw at it, including cast iron sinks.

circa1986 · 05-04-2011, 09:47 AM

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about the car. Let us know how the car performs going up those hills in San Francisco! I doubt you'll be able to manage more than 10-15 mph up those!

Jsol92 · 05-04-2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by circa1986

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about the car. Let us know how the car performs going up those hills in San Francisco! I doubt you'll be able to manage more than 10-15 mph up those!

Can't wait for that...

Cobb · 05-05-2011, 12:12 AM

I wouldn't worry unless you are attempting to tow something. Ive hauled building supplies and at least a thousand lbs plus 300 for my fat ass with no problems.

**MN Driver** · 05-05-2011, 11:52 AM

I doubt you'll have any issue with going 30mph up the hills, the CVT will keep it geared real low so the RPMs will be high and give you enough power. I used 2nd gear above 20mph when I took my 1.8 liter 2370lbs Prizm up the San Francisco hills. If 2nd gear did it in that car, the CVT will make it a breeze with your 2nd Gen Insight.

circa1986 · 05-05-2011, 02:11 PM

Haha yeah, if a "breeze" is gnashing and buzzing at redline to hold a steady 30 mph!

steve_b1 · 05-05-2011, 05:04 PM

The hill (or Thee Hill or Tejon Pass) connecting LA to the central valley is certainly "taxing" on the I2 during the LA-SF drive when heading southbound during peak traffic - you'll have the semis jockeying for position and the weekend flow of 1st timers mixed w/ the pros jockeying for position... trying to find a sweet spot is most challenging.

As for SF "They Say":
The Steepest Streets in the City
1. Filbert between Leavenworth and Hyde (31.5% grade)
2. 22nd between Church and Vicksburg (31.5% grade)
3. Jones between Union and Filbert (29% grade)
4. Duboce between Buena Vista and Alpine (27.9% grade)
5. Jones between Green and Union (26% grade)
6. Webster between Vallejo and Broadway 26% grade)
7. Duboce between Alpine and Divisadero (25% grade)
8. Jones between Pine and California (24.8 grade)
9. Fillmore between Vallejo and Broadway (24% grade)

Driving in SF accentuates one of the dings to the I2 - No sunroof. There's a lot to see both in front and up above while driving in the city and not having an up-view window really sux.