Where is everyone #5

Anyone see @MACK E-6 or @Qbf594 around lately

 

Can't go wrong with a 1991-1997 mack CH with an E-7. Stupid simple design and will run forever. 60 series you can't go wrong with either. The E-7 is a simpler engine. Pushrod engine vs OHC on the 60 series. Less electronics on the mack. It's a half breed mechanical. Electronic Gov housing on the injection pump.

They start real good in the cold and have a good oil filtration system. 2 big primary filters and a spinner filter. 2 huge fuel filters too. Beefy bottom end with buttress bolts in the side of the block to keep the crank from walking. Very torquey little engines at 11.9L with a 6.5 in stroke, the same as a 3406 cat

They're happy to run at 1400-1600. They'll sit and grunt all day at 1400

 

Are you trying to sell me your Mack?

 

Yeah I’m definitely not getting past that, but not only did I see an impassible jungle on google, I scrolled down a little and seen a skull on a pike! Looked to me like “Hillbilly Not Welcome” We’ll be shipping the car past that....

 

Gotta get WE to open up the speed on that truck first if you're gonna clear the gap.

 

Need a brush guard and some mud tires too

 

Your in my wheelhouse now, I have planned this trip in the past but it fell through. It's still on my to do list, probably happen in the next 5 years. To travel by car into South America the preferred method is to ship the car in a container from Panama to Cartegena, Columbia. It takes about 10-14 days. To get yourself and any traveling companions to Cartegena you can fly, or charter a sailboat through the San Blas Islands (preferred). The shipping agency most use is Barwil. There are a few others.

When you are done touring you can then ship vehicle back to the states or sell it down there.

The process has been accomplished by many but is full of red tape and potential snags, but so is overlanding south america and border crossings can be frustrating. Back in the day, overlanding the americas was becoming quite popular and their were a lot of people sharing "best practices" online. I haven't been looking lately but reports from the road have likely stopped during covid era.

This used to be a good place for current info on border crossings, setting up container shares (a 40' container will fit 2 vehicles, more cost effective to split), swap meet, etc:

Drivetheamericas.com

It hasn't been updated in a few years but the forums still get activity. Getting current information on border crossing requirements and first hand info on conditions is really helpful. These third world countries can be a major pita to cross borders.

 

Sailboat is where it’s at, even though I think I’m more afraid of sharks than heights lol I think I’ll keep my fixed up project car when I get it

 

@Brettj3876, find me some toaster strudels with chocolate or vanilla I hate, strawberry!!!

 

From my cold dead hands