Speed - what speed is safe untill it starts feeling like a boat!

Safety-wise I'm happy going at up to about 75 in Wiggie, unless it's windy (I've not really tried to push higher though as I was worried about oveheating at the time!). Petrol-money-wise.... I try to stick at a max of around 55

 

Worth saying that if you're stock height, fit the right commercial tyres. The stiff sidewalls form part of the suspension, in a way.

Wandering at speed: get the steering up to scratch.

 

i used to sit at around 55 indicated 60 max but since using sat nav i find my speedo is out - 55 indicated is 50 and 65 is 59 so i sit around 65-70 indicated which is 60 to 65 mph in real terms.

 

An indicated 95 ( prob more like 88/90) the other day, just to see, felt fine but that is in a lowered bus with all new joints springs etc.

 

Mine will happily do 70 (and more, but I'm not going any faster than that), but the fuel consumption is better at 60-65, so that's where I tend to sit.

 

It depends which way the wind's blowing.

 

I used to have twin Baby Dells and a stainless quiet pack on my van....then I went totally stock and am more than happy just tootling around at whatever feels comfortable in the van. I'm not really interested in top speed...some more torque would be appreciated mind you.

I've got a 2.1 stroker with 48's sat in the garage I might stick it in one of my beetles one day and see what that can do Fast (properly sorted) Beetles are big fun...I like to just relax and take in the view in the bay

 

Thanks everyone - I will get the anti roll bar on - and it may be worth checking the caster/camber is on the money.
I think it could be that the steering is so stiff with newness, that could be the problem - the ball joints when I put them in (I think were Meyle in a blue box ) were as stiff as hell once they were in - so I need to use it for a week or two and see if they loosen up - so for me - I will be sticking at 50mph and slowly raising the speed up to warp factor as a start getting my Superman confidence.
Thanks for all the posts.
90mph - Hell that must feel like 200mph!! - hats off for that one -
Marc

 

And remember MarcMears , when push comes to shove it really is all down to the charge in the Dylithium Crystals (captain, they can"t take it !)

 

Have you had steering box adjusted lately. Can be done too tight.
Can cruise at 70/80 if needed, normally 60ish. Managed a 95+ terrified guestamate. Carb linkage dropped off sockets opening carbs full chat. Van was stable, it was fun negotiating the contraflow. Stock type 4 engine and running gear.

 

Just releasing the handbrake and the Jurgens feels like a boat

 

great thread. I was wondering exactly the same myself last weekend, which was the first time id used the van on the motorway for a while.
I was cruising along happily at 70mph but occasionally the van felt like it fancied a wonder in it's own direction. I don't remember it doing this in the past, it always felt rock solid.

So what do i need to check? Tyre pressure, steering box, shock absorbers - what else?

Hopefully this isn't considered a thread hijack!

 

It shouldn't wander at all if the steering and front camber is set up properly.

Strong winds, you'll feel tugging at the van, but you shouldn't get blown across three lanes...

 

Well I just popped back on; boy there seems to be a lot of differences in what speed everyone goes.
I have decided that instead of using the speedo and worry how fast it goes, I will attach two electrodes held by crocodile clips to my nuts and when they start to sweat profusely, this will necessitate a current to flow (not too much – cos I like them) and a red flashing light on the dash will denote for me to slow down, that is until I stop sweating - and then back up to speeeeeeeeeed
Marc

 

There's a sticker in mine that says it's safe up to 200 m.p.h. provided you don't use the cooker.

 

It doesn't get blown across 3 lanes, but when the wind blows I do feel myself gripping the steering wheel a bit tighter! I'll ask someone who knows what they are doing to make sure my steering and front camber are set up properly. Thanks

 

That's just naked fear . Honest, set up properly, they are very stable.

 

Had balljoints changed last year and took ages to bed them in as they are very stiff when new, about 1,000 miles i think. I however have the boat-like steering you experience at higher speeds so will need this looking at as it scares the hell out of me!!!

 

i did 70 once, only because the the throttle jammed open





ruined a good pair of pants

 

Marc, I'm with you on the ball joints. I fitted the same ones and it was a nightmare - they were so stiff, the self centring geometry wasn't doing it's stuff and it was all I could do to stay in a lane at 50mph as the steering "stuck" wherever it was aimed. After 3-400 miles I popped them out and fitted another brand which are no better after 1500 miles. I'm fed up. I know this is the problem - just detach a tie-rod from the wheel - mine are quite stiff to turn, where they should be easy. When I had it lowered with flipped spindles, no such problem - I could let go the steering wheel at 70mph. So they can and should be a relaxing drive. GHow long we will have to put up with the stifness is anyone's guess, but having tried 2 different sets I'm not sure what else to do. Typically I haven't had this problem with any customer's buses which is making me think there's a problem with the arms (flipped spindles came with specially machined arms).