Yea, it was fun and I'd definitely go again. But I also prefer lapping, plus the car is much better set up for that with the oil cooler and RS4s. I think I spent more gas idling to get the oil at temp than I did on the course, and the RS4 were only warm during the afternoon mid way through each run :thumbdown:

Decided to road trip to Calgary with my s/o. Our route was to drive West through the US of A, Ontario -> Michigan -> Wisconsin -> Minnesota -> North Dakota -> Saskatchewan -> Alberta.

Maintenance before the trip: fresh windshield wiper blades, oil change, checked all fluids, stock seat back in, and most importantly the air freshener was changed.


First stop was Michigan, terrible roads in the first half but the upper peninsula was super smooth and the views were incredible. https://i.imgur.com/PHbf24z.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qOyDvos.jpg?1 https://i.imgur.com/BLMOmfK.jpg


Next was Wisconsin, where I did not take any photos as the drive sucked and the roads were terrible. If you live in Wisconsin... why?

After that was Minnesota, pretty straight and uneventful drive. The National Forests were amazing, as were all of the lakes. This photo is taken with a "Yellowstone" 2-8-8-4 steam engine, probably the only thing an 86 could beat in a drag race from a dig. https://i.imgur.com/pFz2KjW.jpg


That's as far as we've made it, next update will hopefully be from Alberta :D

A few more pictures, stopped at the Geographical Center of North America in Rugby ND, and then crossed back into Canada.

https://i.imgur.com/UJi3Xem.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/85TKIoU.jpg

Made it to Alberta without issues. Fresh windshield wiper blades performed incredibly, forgot how nice it is to be able to see clearly in the rain. Car is absolutely filthy and a good wash is definitely earned... tomorrow :thumbup:

https://i.imgur.com/EKxNjO2.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yRJgsOC.jpg

Total trip milage was 3212.4 km
Total fuel stops: 7
Total fuel:
USA - 5 stops 47.603 gal @ an average of $47.45 USD per fill up :cry:
Canada - 2 stops 63.04 liters @ C$52.685 per fill up :cry:

https://i.imgur.com/W3UwK3t.jpg?1

Overall, I'd do it again... the 86 is a great road trip car! The Ohlins absorbed the bumps beautifully, even with a trunk full of stuff. My only "complaint" is that the RS4 do leave to be desired in the road noise category, but they're designed to be sticky not quiet.

Poor old girl has now been through at least 14 States!
Only 3 Provinces though.

For the drive back to Ontario I plan on stopping in MB and Indiana, with that route I can visit South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio as well.

It's been to Illinois several times and Ohio at least 3 but South Dakota and Iowa would add a couple to the list.

Swapped back to the bucket seat from stock and realized I never use the slider, as I am the only driver in this configuration. Decided it was time to go solid mount as well as sit lower, so I ordered a PCI Adjustable Seat Mount.

Install took a little effort to get everything to fit nicely but thus far I am happy with it. The seat is sitting pretty much on the carpet, much lower than the Bride FO rail and OEM seat. Very high quality piece and definitely should've gotten one the first time around.

First 8/6 day I've actually been able to celebrate, great group of people came out in Calgary. Photo from the post-cruise pizza "after-meet meet".
https://i.imgur.com/a9Hy754.jpg

Then I immediately drove to British Colombia to visit some more of my s/o's family. This car is an absolute riot in the mountains, so much fun even in traffic. Incredible driving the whole time, and shockingly good on gas. So close to 250,000 km... rolled into Kelowna at 249,850. Might need to invent a drive to the states and visit another one just to tick off the milestone ;)
https://i.imgur.com/ML4aVxb.jpg


2022... the year of the road trip and no track driving.

oh dang i wish i could have gone to that meet...didnt really have the time though.
that location isnt particularly far from where i live lol.

Maybe i'll try to join an 8/6 meet next year if i can.

My car needs some more "driving" time :D

Im always wondering where the good windy roads in western Canada are. From Calgary to Banff and Jasper is pretty good, not super windy but the scenic view is great.
I know there are some good roads with lots of turns driving to BC, due to the roads winding around the mountains.
The gas mileage on these cars are much better than i thought they'd be.

Could be worse. Could be Saskatchewan!

https://www.dangerousroads.org/image...tstraight0.jpg

So did you ever change out your motor mounts back to stock or did you take your road trip with the Perrin motor mounts still in?

First time meeting any of them, and they were a pretty good group of people.

I'm super new to the area, so I don't know of any. Banff to Kelowna has a few windy bits, but nothing super challenging or out of the ordinary. The views are very tough to beat though!

And eastern Alberta from Saskatchewan... holy boring! The GPS said "Trans Canada highway for 650 km" and it meant it :l