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i posted on the australia forum, but wanted to know from others. on long trips say 1.5 hrs on freeway doing over 100km/h approaching more like 120km/h, do u guys drive top up or down. i did this the other day and when i got home i was physically drained, it was so tiring. the wind buffetted like crazy even with the windows up, stereo was ok cause i got better speakers but i still had to turn it up. i think in the future i will put the top up.
i actually drove my brothers jeep there and swapped for my car back and the drive there was pleasant and relaxing- the jeep is like driving a loungechair, mmmmmm, loungechair.
The first time I drove long distance (Phx <--> San Diego, 4.5hrs) I said the same thing: too much wind, too much noise, too tiring. It seemed like I could still hear the wind in my ears for hours afterwards.
The next trip I took (5hrs), I had no problems and I have had no problems since. I think that it just takes time to get used to it before you start enjoying the sensory overload. Note that my average speeds are far above 100km/h, too.
My top only goes up if it's raining and I don't drive my car in the rain unless there is absolutely no other choice.
The Mingster Aeroscreen made a big difference in wind buffeting. I put the windows up when I'm going over 40 mph.
Oh, and I avoid the freeway if there is any other alternative, since I don't enjoy driving my S2000 on the freeway, at least at legal speeds. https://www.s2ki.com/library/articles/090101/
I drove from LA to Laughlin in the afternoon (5 hours) in my wifes car with the top down, and it was awesome. Driving through the dessert at sunset with the top down was awesome. You can see the whole sky, all the mountains. Maybe it would be different in the S2000, but I can't wait to do it again.
I drive everywhere top down. So far, the longest trip I've taken was a 2 hour drive to Temecula from LA. I have the Mingster aeroscreen on my car and it makes a HUGE difference in wind noise and turbulence. If you already have the stock aeroscreen, you might consider getting Rick's bigger one or swapping it out with Mingsters.
Top down always, unless it's raining or below 32 degrees. I've driven for ten hours straight at high speed with the top down. If the wind bothers you, put the side windows up and/or get one our or Mingster's bigger windscreens.
I've made long trips up and down the California coast, up to 10 hours of driving pretty much non-stop and at maximum possible speed, all with the top down. Wouldn't think of driving the s2k with the top up unless it's absolutely essential--i.e., the heater doesn't put out enough to compensate for freezing temperatures or I got caught in the rain.
Rick's aeroscreen, which I have, makes a huge difference in the cockpit comfort level. I'm anxiously awaiting my Rick's headrests, hoping they will arrive before I leave for Sears Point 11/6 so I can give them a long-distance test as well.
For extra driving pleasure, install Lucid's rear speaker panels so you can enjoy music while you're driving, even at higher speeds than you mentioned.
10-26-2001, 06:20 AM
response to top down on long trips
