Page last updated
23 Sept 97. Created page.
Unimog-S 404 Maximum Speed
Drivers of Unimog-S 404s report getting speeds of around 60mph
(100kph) from their vehicles on flat roads. The maximum speed depends
on altitude (and altitude-specific carb tuning) and ambient temperature. The higher the
truck is above sea level, the lower the maximum speed. The further
the temperature is below 50F (10C) or above 90F (32C), the lower the
maximum speed.
Assuming you have a carburetor, you will want to adjust it for every
1000 feet (300m) change in altitude while driving.
Noise
You will want to install soundproofing in the cab and around the
engine. Also, off-road tires can generate a great deal of noise and
vibration when used on paved roads. Less
aggressive (smoother) tires are quieter; consider them if you don't
drive off-road.
A driver of a 404 with the 180 engine says that when driving
at highway speeds:
Drives longer then 20mi or so require ear plugs. This last weekend
had a friend with me and he had to yell to communicate.
Speed
The same driver goes on to give the maximum speeds for his vehicle
under different conditions. Truck is a 404.114 with a 180.928 engine
and six-speed gearbox.
- On level ground
- 90F+ and 20mph headwind: max speed 52mph, 48mph on short hills.
- 70F and little wind: max speed 57-58mph
- On hills
- < 4% grade: max speed 45mph
- 4-10% grade with tight turns: max speed 25-30mph (turns prevented
quick shifting from 4th to 5th)
- rolling hills, straighter roads: 30-37mph
Another driver reports:
I can maintain 100kph on level ground provided it's:
a) not raining
b) above 10C (50F)
c) my fuel has not been sitting around too long
d) I can hang on to the steering wheel
I have had problems in the past, since I live at sea level I find I have to
readjust my carb for every 1000' in elevation. In one instance I lost all
power (although the engine idling was fine...) when my carb iced up. go
figure...
For the most part, I don't push the unimog much past 90kph (55mph)when travelling
long distance - I keep picturing myself blowing a tire and rolling into some
Honda Civic full of lawyers.
Note: if anyone is interested in contributing dB measurements from
inside and outside the cab of a 404, please contact me.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Christopher Gordon, Ron Miller, and Bruce Curtis for their contributions
to this section
Take me back to the Unimog-S 404 FAQ.
Patrick Tufts