Driving Festiva in mountains

[koolmoesinc]

Hi there - I have a 93 Festiva with 250,000 km on it. I was thinking of driving out from the Canadian prairies to Victoria, B.C. I'm wondering if its five-speed manual transmission and tiny engine can power it over the mountains. There will be no passengers aboard; only a suitcase or two, computer, and various other things. I'd be taking the Festiva on the Crowsnest highway. Is that too high and curvy? Should I take another route e.g. through the U.S.?

Thanks

[htchbck]

Festivas can climb mountains fine as long as they are in decent running condition. You will probably be in 3rd or fourth gear most of the time going up the mountain though. But as long as its running well, I'd take it on the highest curviest roads possible... just take it easy coming down the other side unless you've done some upgrades in the wheels/tires/brakes department.

[Movin]

They thrive on goat trails ! They love Off Hiway Vehicle parks, and any other
challenging driving. They do not have the power to win races with the stock
B3 but they will pass all the broken hotrods and finish everytime. SO, don't
race it stock, it will take you anywhere a human should be and a few more,
do your part insuring it has proper fluids, grease, seals, boots brakes ect.
and enjoy your travels!

[leapin]

I've gone from Vancouver to Calgary and back...twice! No problems. Terrace B.C. to Vancouver.....Vancouver to Kelowna and back......twice.....even the mighty Coquihalla has nothing on the Festiva. I did said travels on the Crowsnest, Hwy 1 and 5 and 97 and 16.

[Damkid]

I never have problems with hills in my festiva :lol:

[DriverOne]

Granted, SC and NC have no extreme mountains, but even loaded with people, second gear in a Festiva has enough torque to take you pretty much anywhere you want to go. I would consider upgrading your brake master cylinder to the Aspire or '94 Protege model to increase your braking capabilities, however. The small diameter brakes are capable of better braking that way, but replacing your steering knuckles, rear beam (with hoses and e-brake), and sway bar with the Aspire parts will drastically improve mountain driving ability.

EDIT: The Aspire Swap then changes your bolt pattern to 4x100, rendering your 12's useless. You'd have to at least upgrade your wheels to the Aspire stock steel wheels.

[fastivaca]

Yesterday across the Golden Gate Bridge; today over Tioga Pass at 9941 feet. No problems with our Festiva. OH, and that's with five passengers

[TominMO]

Yesterday across the Golden Gate Bridge; today over Tioga Pass at 9941 feet. No problems with our Festiva. OH, and that's with five passengers

Yup. Well done!

[Team Lightning]

Mine has always been a blast to drive in the mountains, even more so with the Aspire swap.

[BigElCat]

Any time lost on the uphill side can be regained going down.

Some call it the TOJO; tires squealing, rims cracking.

[litesong]

I'm wondering if its five-speed manual transmission and tiny engine can power it over the mountains.

My 88 Carbed Festiva 4speed works the mountains well. Your fuel injection should compensate, but I tuned my Festiva up for 5000 feet & above. Have taken it to the top of Mt. Evans in Colorado at 14,250 feet. If you can, find 100% pure(ethanol-free) gasoline. Not only will your mpg increase, but you should have a trace more power. Go to pure-gas.org for addresses, details & a great zoomable map to the nearly 5400 stations(1 in every 32) selling 100% pure gasoline.

[litesong]

There are more stations selling 100% pure gasoline in the mid northern U.S. than in the mid Canadian provinces. However, such stations are rare in both the U.S. & Canada, & you should carry a full 5 gallon gas can with you to bridge between the rare stations.

[Advancedynamix]

My 93 auto makes the climb from Phoenix to flagstaff without too much effort and that's a 6000 foot climb in 100+ degree weather.

[Flw Sock]

I live where there are a few steep hills, NO problems whatsoever. Drive it hard dude!!

[DriverOne]

Or if you have trouble climbing hills, there's always one of these... :evil4: