I know this has been covered before... Taking a vacation at the end of the week and it is about 700 miles each way. I DON'T want to be stuck in an SUV making the trip, so I figured I would take the Z ,since I have to leave the family 2 days early to get back for work. I already have hoses, belt, oil, AF, rachet set and driver set. Also bringing floor jack, 4 way lug wrench, and Fix-a-Flat. Have an extra set of plugs/wires and even a starter.(Maybe overkill) What else do you think I need? I know I shouldn't be taking the Z on a road trip, but its something I want to do. Just seems like more fun.

 

Why wouldn't you road trip it?? No fun in not driving a car.. I drive mine over 300 miles to college its a daily driver.

I think you're covered. Before I leave I always check/top off oil and coolant. And I also make sure all my lights work.

Really with what you have, as long as you are comfortable with the car and know the weak points, you'll be fine. These cars are just like every other car on the road, just smellier and quicker

 

That's What They Were Made For,To Drive,Why Fix Them Up,Paint Them,Get Them Road Worthy,If Your Just Going To Look At It Sitting In Your Garage Or Driveway,Or Take It To A Car Show A Couple Times A Year.

 

The car has 33k original miles on her. I know it will be up to the drive, but given the fact that it is 24 years old, I always want to be cautious. Never know what will fail.

 

Do You Have A Towing Service,Just In Case You Need A Tow.

 

AAA all the way.

 

Going to take the car out hard over the next 2 days. See how it does in the heat and for the long drives. She is pretty much a less then 25 miles driver on the normal day, so I want to push it a little bit. See if there are any issues.
For the past hour....
AC seems fine, not getting more then 220-230 on idle for 30 minutes. Alt showing over 13 at idle. And oil pressure is about 26 (?) at idle, 45(?) at throttle.

 

Can't see if you have a 305 or 350, but those stats look good..

The best thing you can do is get it to operating temp, come back and park it, and in the morning look under it. Fluid loss is the big problem, especially with the low miles on your engine. Seals get tired after heat cycles.

I put 7 grand on the odometer in one year, and over that course I've only had minor repairs. I'd give your car more credit, they're tough. SBCs are basically bulletproof and can be fixed with any tools almost anywhere.

 

305 TPI. On average, put 4k on per year for the past 2. All around town, use it a daily driver duing the sping and summer for local stops.using my Silverado for work.I have been enjoying it, yet not beating it up. Total cruiser. Figured I would take it for a long haul.

 

I'd be worried about those original seals and gaskets as well.

 

Oooohh... good point. Might have to take my chances on those. I dont see myself changing those on the side of I-95

 

If they're not leaking right now it should be fine. Gaskets tend to chip away over time from heat cycles rather than complete failure. You should be okay.

 

If those gaskets and seals are gonna fail sometime then might as well see how they hold up on a long trip. Your list is looking real good. Fuses and bulbs if you haven't added that.

The only thing stopping me from taking long trips is an overheating problem. I replaced the stat, radiator, water pump, hoses, rad cap, flushed the system, and have no coolant leaks but after a long drive she starts climbing. Gonna make sure the air dam is properly secured still. might go do that right now

 

I'd throw a spare ignition control module in the glove box. ya never know.

 

Ya forgot 1 important item. I never leave on a trip without it, weather it be by myself or the wife going along.............wait for it.............

A spare set of KEYS!

I was stuck in Vermont one cold January in 1986. Buddy lost his keys while we were sledding. Luckily we went to Ford (it was a T-Bird Turbo Coupe), gave them the VIN and they got a set shipped from the factory...........5 days later.

 

I went to the Chevy dealer yesterday, and had a new set made. It took them 4 trys before they could get the ignition key cut right. I guess the key making machines ane not very good at reproducing right angles.

 

Road Trip done!!

Car performed great. Had a slight scare sitting in 5mph traffic in 90 degree heat. But it never overheated. The entire 1400 mile round trip, netted me around 25mph. My best tank gave me an INCREDIBLE 28mph. This was on cruise and set at 55. The only complaint is the seat comfort after 2 hours.

 

the kitchen sink LOL tire plug kit and sidecutters small compressor that plugs into your lighter a very good flashlight and lots of batteries water and antifreeze the more you prepare the less problems you will have.... good luck

 

Id bring a couple gal of water and a good flashlight/headlamp. Electric tape. Also, I wouldn't worry about a thing. There are tons of 305/350s out there with 300+ miles on em and run fine. Have a good trip. Good to see people driving these cars.

-Dan

 

Awesome news and great excuse for a long drive in the car!

Where did you head - North or South?

 

Drove South. Started out from Northern NJ and headed to Murrils Inlet, SC. Going down, I stayed on I-95 most of the way. Coming back I took all back roads and stayed off of the interstates until I hit the Philly area. And I only got pulled over by the police one time.