US 52 - Big Walker Mountain | 2022 Bronco Raptor | Sunday Drive - 001

Trying out a new video format here. Just a beautiful Sunday Drive, nothing more. I'm still working on the the best mic placement for better audio, but it you don't like it feel free to mute the vid and supply your own soundtrack.

This time around we're cruising on historic US 52 over Big Walker Mountain in Wytheville, VA. Peak elevation is 3787 feet. If you're traveling on I-77 detouring onto this road will only add about 15 minutes to your trip, and it's well worth it.

SVTP's 2022 Bronco Raptor may not be the ideal vehicle for this kind of road, but we run what we brung. It's surprisingly much better than you think.

I was waiting for you to drive over the mountain with that beast based on the title.

Nice scenery, but need a headband for that POV next time.
Where did you place the mic?

Bensin said:

Nice scenery, but need a headband for that POV next time.
Where did you place the mic?

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The audio is actually 3 mics blended together. One is the camera on the exterior that is the vid source, and it was heavily processed to remove wind noise. Two is clipped onto a wiring harness under the hood, and it was heavily processed to remove the DI ticking noise. Three is from the interior, and is mostly there to add a little bass.

That's way to damn much work for what I'm going for. I'm going to play around and try to find a spot to just capture some clean engine/exhaust sound.

That mountain scenery is really nice. Seemed weird watching the video with just the engine noise. But....it WAS nice to actually hear kind of what you were hearing. The view over the hood was nice, too.
Was the ride overall better on those roads than you expected?
More comfy on a long drive than you anticipated?

CobraBob said:

That mountain scenery is really nice. Seemed weird watching the video with just the engine noise. But....it WAS nice to actually hear kind of what you were hearing. The view over the hood was nice, too.
Was the ride overall better on those roads than you expected?
More comfy on a long drive than you anticipated?

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That's sort of the experiment here. If you think it needs a little something extra, add your favorite songs and create your own sound track. I look at it as something I'd have playing while enjoying a bourbon in the garage or by the fire.

The ride is similar to a Gen 3 F-150 Raptor. On this particular road you do have to mind the added width of the vehicle versus a normal car. However, growing up I drove across two mountains like this one on the way to school. Two lane mountain roads are a happy retreat for me.

You should have headed down to Abingdon and ate/drank at The Tavern. It's been in operation since 1779.

Btw, heard some nice turbo sounds on drive.

TORQUERULES said:

You should have headed down to Abingdon and ate/drank at The Tavern. It's been in operation since 1779.

Btw, heard some nice turbo sounds on drive.

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That wasn't on my way back to SC, but I used to go to Abington years ago. I liked a place called Allison's there.

The turbo noises will be getting more pronounced in the near future.

Does it have a BOV? My '22 EXST does not have one.

Ramairgt1 said:

Does it have a BOV? My '22 EXST does not have one.

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Yes.

I'd love to test drive one, just for the fun of it. But that's not likely going to happen, at least not around here.

Did you raise eyebrows in your trip home? Especially when stopping for gas and eats. The Bronco Raptor isn't a sight you can brush off easily.

CobraBob said:

I'd love to test drive one, just for the fun of it. But that's not likely going to happen, at least not around here.

Did you raise eyebrows in your trip home? Especially when stopping for gas and eats. The Bronco Raptor isn't a sight you can brush off easily.

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Had a conversation at every fuel stop.

I'm sure! LOL. How could anyone NOT spark up a conversation with the owner of that beast.