Alpine Passes in an NSX.
Discussion
Apologies for the long thread
On the 11th August I flew out to Southern Germany and was met by my father who had driven down in his NSX. The route was planned, the hotels booked and the weather was glorious.
Our hotel was at the top of the famous Stelvio Pass and we needed to be there by 9p.m. for dinner so we took advantage of the derestricted Autobahns. The NSX may not be considered one of the top engine sounds but opening her up in the tunnels still sounded thrilling to me.
The first pass we came to was the Hantennjoch in Austria and as we made the turn a beaten up Volvo 480 beat us to it. We sighed as not sure we wanted to sit behind it but not a lot we could do. We were in for a shock. It was a local who really knew the road and although we caught him in the straights, we had to really concentrate on keeping up with him in the twisties and I am sure there is no one who will ever say that the Volvo is a better handling car than a beautifully maintained NSX. Knowledge of the roads clearly counted as it was a roller coaster of a ride.
Then we reached the top.
And then the engine temperature surged as our water expansion tank blew a leak and sprayed our water all over an extremely hot engine. We were a sight to see as it appeared to the untrained eye to be smoke and there were concerns we were actually on fire.
The steam had cleared for this photo
I then proceed to buy a lot of water from the little kiosk who, after wondering why two people were so thirsty, eventually let us use their big, water barrel. We filled the tank and built up a good supply of water, and headed off down the other side in search of epoxy resin for a short term fix.
It was now 5p.m. on a Saturday in Austria. Almost everything is shut.
In the town at the bottom of the pass I spotted some guys working on a go kart engine and they tried to help with some glue which was better than nothing.
We then headed off for the Reschen Pass. This pass is a very slow climb and not as spectacular a road as the others but the scenery was incredible as we drove along side a picturesque lake.
All the time we were watching the dials for any signs of overheating. We then reached the base of the Stelvio pass. It is utterly beautiful. We reached the first hairpin bend which had a sign saying '48'. This was the 48th hairpin from the top. I realised we would be climbing the Stelvio in a 'finely tuned supercar' with a split in the water expansion container.
We climbed with both of glued to the dials and slowly the number of hairpins dropped, 47, 46, 45 ….38, 37, 36……
The temperature dial shot up. So we pulled into a layby on one of the hairpins, released the engine cover and waited for the hissing of escaping boiling water to stop.
I took the opportunity to take some photos:
Then I heard a whoosh and the expansion tank shot the lid off and gushed hot water upwards. It was all a bit of a shock. So we filled the tank from our supply and then looked for the lid. It was nowhere to be found. We moved the car and conducted a fingertip search but to no avail. From the height of the water gush we surmised the cap simply had to be inside the engine somewhere but it was too hot to search properly. We are now a quarter of the way up the Stelvio pass with no water cap. And our hotel was at the top.
So we started climbing very carefully. It was now about 7p.m. and there was no traffic about which was a blessing in one way, we were under no pressure and could set our own speed but there was no potential help. We got to about turn 25 and the temperature gauge shot up again. There was a long straight bit so we pulled up as there was plenty of visibility either side. We used the last of our water but it was not enough. Slowly a camper van came into view and we flagged them down and took 2 litres of water off them. I was stretching my legs when I heard trickling and realised we had pulled up about 5 metres from possibly the only stream trickling down the mountain adjacent to the Staircase element of the Stelvio Pass.
I then proceed to stand in the small waterfall, filling bottles whilst my father put them in the tank and we had a little relay going. Soon the tank was full and the bottles held our precious supply. So we started to climb and I was counting off the hairpins wondering when we would have to start on foot.
Amazingly we made it and stopped at 2760 metres, twice the height of Ben Nevis, in a cloud of steam. It was deserted but we made it to the hotel just in time for dinner.
Photo of car without engine bay up:
Next morning Dad was out early looking for the cap but still no luck. The chef of the hotel takes an interest and by fluke manages to spot the cap lodged at the bottom of the engine. He also has a much bigger jack and, crucially, some blocks to wedge under the car to prevent an accident in the event of a jack failure. He retrieves the cap and there is much joyous hugging and celebrating.
We decide to stay awhile on the summit to enjoy the scenery over a coffee and decide our course of action. We have a cap but the split is still there, only being tentatively held together by some ropey glue. However the breathtaking scenery is worth the pause (along with a trip to some souvenir shops for presents)
Dad has some good friends in Kempton, Southern Germany, who will help us and, if necessary, take me to the airport on the Monday so I will not miss my flight home and then help dad get the car back to the UK. It seems the best idea to head towards them. So we then head down the mountain and enjoy the drive.
Half way down we stop for some photo opportunity, and possibly to allow the engine to cool. Not having any problems at this stage but the split is still there so we are being ultra cautious…..
After suitable wait, we continue down the mountain and reach the 48th hairpin. We were discussing the different countries and the fact that we would not be crossing into Switzerland when I realised to my utter horror that the hotel had not given our passports back. With all the trials of the water cap we had all forgotten. So no we were back we were the evening before. At the bottom of the Stelvio Pass with a split in our water tank and needing to be at the top only today it was more imperative, we needed the passports. We called the hotel as we started the climb to ensure they had them. They were also apologetic and realised the predicament we were in so said they would drive down with them and meet us. At that moment, the dial shot up and we had to stop. This time were only about turn 38. So we stopped and let the engine cool, and waited.
Until my dad's new best friend the chef, Luigi, turned up with our passports.
And then we started back down the mountain and headed to our friends in Kempton, Southern Germany. We drove over the Reschen Pass again and also the Fussen. All beautiful but with no drama and the engine behaved beautifully. So much so, we were able to take advantage of some derestricted autobahn's en route.
An incredible adventure and there are still the passes we didn't make to explore next year……
On the 11th August I flew out to Southern Germany and was met by my father who had driven down in his NSX. The route was planned, the hotels booked and the weather was glorious.
Our hotel was at the top of the famous Stelvio Pass and we needed to be there by 9p.m. for dinner so we took advantage of the derestricted Autobahns. The NSX may not be considered one of the top engine sounds but opening her up in the tunnels still sounded thrilling to me.
The first pass we came to was the Hantennjoch in Austria and as we made the turn a beaten up Volvo 480 beat us to it. We sighed as not sure we wanted to sit behind it but not a lot we could do. We were in for a shock. It was a local who really knew the road and although we caught him in the straights, we had to really concentrate on keeping up with him in the twisties and I am sure there is no one who will ever say that the Volvo is a better handling car than a beautifully maintained NSX. Knowledge of the roads clearly counted as it was a roller coaster of a ride.
Then we reached the top.
And then the engine temperature surged as our water expansion tank blew a leak and sprayed our water all over an extremely hot engine. We were a sight to see as it appeared to the untrained eye to be smoke and there were concerns we were actually on fire.
The steam had cleared for this photo
I then proceed to buy a lot of water from the little kiosk who, after wondering why two people were so thirsty, eventually let us use their big, water barrel. We filled the tank and built up a good supply of water, and headed off down the other side in search of epoxy resin for a short term fix.
It was now 5p.m. on a Saturday in Austria. Almost everything is shut.
In the town at the bottom of the pass I spotted some guys working on a go kart engine and they tried to help with some glue which was better than nothing.
We then headed off for the Reschen Pass. This pass is a very slow climb and not as spectacular a road as the others but the scenery was incredible as we drove along side a picturesque lake.
All the time we were watching the dials for any signs of overheating. We then reached the base of the Stelvio pass. It is utterly beautiful. We reached the first hairpin bend which had a sign saying '48'. This was the 48th hairpin from the top. I realised we would be climbing the Stelvio in a 'finely tuned supercar' with a split in the water expansion container.
We climbed with both of glued to the dials and slowly the number of hairpins dropped, 47, 46, 45 ….38, 37, 36……
The temperature dial shot up. So we pulled into a layby on one of the hairpins, released the engine cover and waited for the hissing of escaping boiling water to stop.
I took the opportunity to take some photos:
Then I heard a whoosh and the expansion tank shot the lid off and gushed hot water upwards. It was all a bit of a shock. So we filled the tank from our supply and then looked for the lid. It was nowhere to be found. We moved the car and conducted a fingertip search but to no avail. From the height of the water gush we surmised the cap simply had to be inside the engine somewhere but it was too hot to search properly. We are now a quarter of the way up the Stelvio pass with no water cap. And our hotel was at the top.
So we started climbing very carefully. It was now about 7p.m. and there was no traffic about which was a blessing in one way, we were under no pressure and could set our own speed but there was no potential help. We got to about turn 25 and the temperature gauge shot up again. There was a long straight bit so we pulled up as there was plenty of visibility either side. We used the last of our water but it was not enough. Slowly a camper van came into view and we flagged them down and took 2 litres of water off them. I was stretching my legs when I heard trickling and realised we had pulled up about 5 metres from possibly the only stream trickling down the mountain adjacent to the Staircase element of the Stelvio Pass.
I then proceed to stand in the small waterfall, filling bottles whilst my father put them in the tank and we had a little relay going. Soon the tank was full and the bottles held our precious supply. So we started to climb and I was counting off the hairpins wondering when we would have to start on foot.
Amazingly we made it and stopped at 2760 metres, twice the height of Ben Nevis, in a cloud of steam. It was deserted but we made it to the hotel just in time for dinner.
Photo of car without engine bay up:
Next morning Dad was out early looking for the cap but still no luck. The chef of the hotel takes an interest and by fluke manages to spot the cap lodged at the bottom of the engine. He also has a much bigger jack and, crucially, some blocks to wedge under the car to prevent an accident in the event of a jack failure. He retrieves the cap and there is much joyous hugging and celebrating.
We decide to stay awhile on the summit to enjoy the scenery over a coffee and decide our course of action. We have a cap but the split is still there, only being tentatively held together by some ropey glue. However the breathtaking scenery is worth the pause (along with a trip to some souvenir shops for presents)
Dad has some good friends in Kempton, Southern Germany, who will help us and, if necessary, take me to the airport on the Monday so I will not miss my flight home and then help dad get the car back to the UK. It seems the best idea to head towards them. So we then head down the mountain and enjoy the drive.
Half way down we stop for some photo opportunity, and possibly to allow the engine to cool. Not having any problems at this stage but the split is still there so we are being ultra cautious…..
After suitable wait, we continue down the mountain and reach the 48th hairpin. We were discussing the different countries and the fact that we would not be crossing into Switzerland when I realised to my utter horror that the hotel had not given our passports back. With all the trials of the water cap we had all forgotten. So no we were back we were the evening before. At the bottom of the Stelvio Pass with a split in our water tank and needing to be at the top only today it was more imperative, we needed the passports. We called the hotel as we started the climb to ensure they had them. They were also apologetic and realised the predicament we were in so said they would drive down with them and meet us. At that moment, the dial shot up and we had to stop. This time were only about turn 38. So we stopped and let the engine cool, and waited.
Until my dad's new best friend the chef, Luigi, turned up with our passports.
And then we started back down the mountain and headed to our friends in Kempton, Southern Germany. We drove over the Reschen Pass again and also the Fussen. All beautiful but with no drama and the engine behaved beautifully. So much so, we were able to take advantage of some derestricted autobahn's en route.
An incredible adventure and there are still the passes we didn't make to explore next year……
A good read, my dream car in almost my dream spec (black roof for me!) on some great roads.
Haven't done Stelvio yet, looking to do it next year in the S2000.
The bit about the Volvo made me laugh, we had a similar experience following a Dacia Sandero up the Col de Turini... having an experienced local to lead the way makes it much more fun!
Haven't done Stelvio yet, looking to do it next year in the S2000.
The bit about the Volvo made me laugh, we had a similar experience following a Dacia Sandero up the Col de Turini... having an experienced local to lead the way makes it much more fun!
Thank you for all your kind comments.
The car has been fixed and all is good. Hopefully get to go again next year depending on my family commitments.
It was utterly awesome and I keep looking at my photos. The issue with the water tank just added a new dimension and made the trip memorable. For those of you going, have a great time and look out for the little stop in the photo above where we lost the cap.
For those who are considering, stop considering and go. It is magical.
And to everyone, watch out for the bikes, they can come at you very fast and frequently on the wrong side of the road.
The car has been fixed and all is good. Hopefully get to go again next year depending on my family commitments.
It was utterly awesome and I keep looking at my photos. The issue with the water tank just added a new dimension and made the trip memorable. For those of you going, have a great time and look out for the little stop in the photo above where we lost the cap.
For those who are considering, stop considering and go. It is magical.
And to everyone, watch out for the bikes, they can come at you very fast and frequently on the wrong side of the road.
madala said:
...Great read, I will be heading there next week in my 993.....
Well I haven't actually got to the Stevio Pass as yet, I broke down after I left Breganze on my way to the Stelvio, a bearing in my alternator gave up the ghost,. My car was recovered to the Porsche OPC in Bolzano and I have been here since Thursday. I have to say there could be worse places to be stranded.
The parts needed should hopefully be with the garage Monday morning and should have the car back by the afternoon and then hopefully I will be doing the Stelvio early Tuesday morning. I am not looking forward to the 1300 euro bill. :-(
You just have to go one better than me don't you.......
At least we attempted to climb with our damage, you appear to be a lightweight.
Only kidding, I hope it is all fixed today and then you get the climb tomorrow and yes, what a fabulous place to be stranded. I am actually a little jealous.
Have a fantastic time and look out for the layby where we lost the water cap.
At least we attempted to climb with our damage, you appear to be a lightweight.
Only kidding, I hope it is all fixed today and then you get the climb tomorrow and yes, what a fabulous place to be stranded. I am actually a little jealous.
Have a fantastic time and look out for the layby where we lost the water cap.
XB70 said:
Two mates and I have just booked flights - doing Stelvio at the end of the month. Hope the weather holds out.
Will be a very quick weekend trip so will need to sort out routes, passes etc.
Looking forward to seeing photos of the PH'ers in between then and now!
Where are you flying too and from? I went to Menningham. I have a route plan somewhere that I can let you have. It was to take 2 days with 5 of the passes. Events meant we didn't test it but can supply details however half of the fun is planning the route.Will be a very quick weekend trip so will need to sort out routes, passes etc.
Looking forward to seeing photos of the PH'ers in between then and now!
My only two bits of advice is you must do the Stelvio and take water
Alpine passes in an NSX - tremendous fun. I have made three trips now in mine.
For those who haven't had the pleasure here's a virtual chance
Italian Job Tribute Video - Grand San Bernard Pass
Extended version with Stevio Pass ascent
Can't agree that the NSX shouldn't be considered for best engine noise though
For those who haven't had the pleasure here's a virtual chance
Italian Job Tribute Video - Grand San Bernard Pass
Extended version with Stevio Pass ascent
Can't agree that the NSX shouldn't be considered for best engine noise though
Edited by sassthathoopie on Wednesday 12th September 16:57
Kateg28 said:
Where are you flying too and from? I went to Menningham. I have a route plan somewhere that I can let you have. It was to take 2 days with 5 of the passes. Events meant we didn't test it but can supply details however half of the fun is planning the route.
My only two bits of advice is you must do the Stelvio and take water
We are flying into and out of Zurich.My only two bits of advice is you must do the Stelvio and take water
If you are able to forward the route plan, that would be brilliant!
sassthathoopie said:
Alpine passes in an NSX - tremendous fun. I have made three trips now in mine.
For those who haven't had the pleasure here's a virtual chance
Italian Job Tribute Video - Grand San Bernard Pass
Extended version with Stevio Pass ascent
Can't agree that the NSX shouldn't be considered for best engine noise though
That was lovely to watch and brought back memories although we were driving a lot slower as protecting the engine from over heating. That noise is glorious in my opinion too, just didn't want to start an argument and I didn't say "I didn't consider it....". For those who haven't had the pleasure here's a virtual chance
Italian Job Tribute Video - Grand San Bernard Pass
Extended version with Stevio Pass ascent
Can't agree that the NSX shouldn't be considered for best engine noise though
Edited by sassthathoopie on Wednesday 12th September 16:57
I even like the sound of my mr2 Supercharger.
You are lucky with the three trips, we hope to go back next year.
I will try and dig out the route plans and post up.....
For XB70, here is the planned route (as you can read from above, didn't go to plan). My father did it so I cannot vouch for any of it except what is written above which was awesome. And note that my father drove down and met me at Memmingen as it limited what time I needed to take off from work.
Arrive Memmingen
Route
Saturday Running time about 4 hours
A7 passed Kempten to Rutte on 179 then on 198 to Stanzac and Elmen
Turn up L266 to Hahntennjoch Pass (6212 feet) and on to Imst
Imst down thru Nauders over the Reschen Pass (4933 feet) to Prato Allo Stelio
then up the Stelvio Pass (9046 feet) to the Hotel Folgore
located on the top of the Stelvio Pass
Sunday Running time about 5 hours
From Stelvio down Umbrial (8203 feet) and towards Davos crossing Fluela Pass (7816 feet).
Then towards Andermatt across Furka Pass (7974 feet) and walking in the Rhone Glacier tunnels.
Over the Grimsel pass (7101 feet) towards the Aare Gorge and Reikenbach falls maybe the Frieth bridge
Over Night in Meiringen at the Hotel Rossli with two single rooms and breakfast.
Monday Running time about 4 hours
From Hotel Rossli over Susten Pass (7295 feet) to Memmingen Airport
Only other comment I would make is to maybe take it a bit slower as you can really enjoy the scenery. We hadn't planned to stay long at the Stelvio but due to the issues we did and it was definitely worth it. Having a coffee watching the world go by, some of it with some rather attractive machinery
Arrive Memmingen
Route
Saturday Running time about 4 hours
A7 passed Kempten to Rutte on 179 then on 198 to Stanzac and Elmen
Turn up L266 to Hahntennjoch Pass (6212 feet) and on to Imst
Imst down thru Nauders over the Reschen Pass (4933 feet) to Prato Allo Stelio
then up the Stelvio Pass (9046 feet) to the Hotel Folgore
located on the top of the Stelvio Pass
Sunday Running time about 5 hours
From Stelvio down Umbrial (8203 feet) and towards Davos crossing Fluela Pass (7816 feet).
Then towards Andermatt across Furka Pass (7974 feet) and walking in the Rhone Glacier tunnels.
Over the Grimsel pass (7101 feet) towards the Aare Gorge and Reikenbach falls maybe the Frieth bridge
Over Night in Meiringen at the Hotel Rossli with two single rooms and breakfast.
Monday Running time about 4 hours
From Hotel Rossli over Susten Pass (7295 feet) to Memmingen Airport
Only other comment I would make is to maybe take it a bit slower as you can really enjoy the scenery. We hadn't planned to stay long at the Stelvio but due to the issues we did and it was definitely worth it. Having a coffee watching the world go by, some of it with some rather attractive machinery
Kateg28 said:
For XB70, here is the planned route (as you can read from above, didn't go to plan). My father did it so I cannot vouch for any of it except what is written above which was awesome. And note that my father drove down and met me at Memmingen as it limited what time I needed to take off from work.
Arrive Memmingen
Route
Saturday Running time about 4 hours
A7 passed Kempten to Rutte on 179 then on 198 to Stanzac and Elmen
Turn up L266 to Hahntennjoch Pass (6212 feet) and on to Imst
Imst down thru Nauders over the Reschen Pass (4933 feet) to Prato Allo Stelio
then up the Stelvio Pass (9046 feet) to the Hotel Folgore
located on the top of the Stelvio Pass
Sunday Running time about 5 hours
From Stelvio down Umbrial (8203 feet) and towards Davos crossing Fluela Pass (7816 feet).
Then towards Andermatt across Furka Pass (7974 feet) and walking in the Rhone Glacier tunnels.
Over the Grimsel pass (7101 feet) towards the Aare Gorge and Reikenbach falls maybe the Frieth bridge
Over Night in Meiringen at the Hotel Rossli with two single rooms and breakfast.
Monday Running time about 4 hours
From Hotel Rossli over Susten Pass (7295 feet) to Memmingen Airport
Only other comment I would make is to maybe take it a bit slower as you can really enjoy the scenery. We hadn't planned to stay long at the Stelvio but due to the issues we did and it was definitely worth it. Having a coffee watching the world go by, some of it with some rather attractive machinery
Thanks!Arrive Memmingen
Route
Saturday Running time about 4 hours
A7 passed Kempten to Rutte on 179 then on 198 to Stanzac and Elmen
Turn up L266 to Hahntennjoch Pass (6212 feet) and on to Imst
Imst down thru Nauders over the Reschen Pass (4933 feet) to Prato Allo Stelio
then up the Stelvio Pass (9046 feet) to the Hotel Folgore
located on the top of the Stelvio Pass
Sunday Running time about 5 hours
From Stelvio down Umbrial (8203 feet) and towards Davos crossing Fluela Pass (7816 feet).
Then towards Andermatt across Furka Pass (7974 feet) and walking in the Rhone Glacier tunnels.
Over the Grimsel pass (7101 feet) towards the Aare Gorge and Reikenbach falls maybe the Frieth bridge
Over Night in Meiringen at the Hotel Rossli with two single rooms and breakfast.
Monday Running time about 4 hours
From Hotel Rossli over Susten Pass (7295 feet) to Memmingen Airport
Only other comment I would make is to maybe take it a bit slower as you can really enjoy the scenery. We hadn't planned to stay long at the Stelvio but due to the issues we did and it was definitely worth it. Having a coffee watching the world go by, some of it with some rather attractive machinery
I see in the other threads that some of the passes are closing due to snow....not sure what out little jaunt is going to turn out like but will do a report when back
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