Things to do before a long drive with GSX

[Itlooksfast]

I dont want to do this but i have no choice...i need to bring my 97 GSX to Toronto, Canada which is like 550 miles away from me. I cant fly and i cant rent a car. I need to bring my car there. So what can i do to prevent some of the majors problems.

My mods are 3" dejon tool intake pipe with filter, 3500 SBR clutch, rebuilt tranny, 3" turboback with downpipe, hi-flo cat, and catback. so its basically almost stock.

Im changing my oil and filter, change all the necessary belts before i go. Check my tires and rims. But besides that what else can i do? and also driving wise..of course im not pushing my car there but what can i do to make it more proficient and problem-free?

 

[alex99gst]

Bring some extra coolant, oil, hose clamps, maybe a 5th wheel/tire so you don't have to ride on a spare if you have a problem.

Read here: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190653&highlight=long+road+trip

 

[SinaiTSi]

It's the summer, so cooling might be an issue. Since you don't have a fmic, your radiator should be getting plenty of air flow. I would flush your coolant, change it, just check everything. When you say replacing the belts, you are referring to all or just the easier accessory belts? I mean, about the worst case scenario could be that you snap the timing belt or bs belt which will cause the timing belt to go also. How long has it been since it's been changed? I'd check up on that. Really though, change oil and filter like you mentioned, flush your coolant, make sure everything is in checked about hooked up properly, you really shouldn't have too many problems as long as you take care of the car.


EDIT: haha, that link above also works

 

[Itlooksfast]

my car has 137k miles on it.....thanx for the reply guys.

 

[Gary 420A RS]

i go on trips to san fran all the time with my gsx.. what i do before i go is check the tires for wear all around. change my oil. check all the fluids in the car. fill the tires with air. bring with me the following..
.engine oil.
.coolant.
.a rag.
brake fluid.

and a soda. besides that chill on the spir of the monets that someone comes up to you and you gun it.. that will over work your car allot. haha check and besure thats all you have to do..

 

[dedlewamp]

Ahh, it hasn't been mentioned directly, but don't forget to check your transfer case and rear differential for fluids. It only takes an extra few minutes during your oil change to top everything off and check everything. A small tool kit is helpful too, don't forget the duct tape and zip ties.

Oh yeah, I guess we are in the 21 century now, a charged cell phone is handy when the zip ties, duct tape, and spare fluids don't do the trick. I'd also reccommend not doing the oil change the second before you leave for your trip. You'd be suprised how many people do this, only to find out something is wrong 100 miles into their drive. I'd much rather change the oil a week or so before I plan on leaving, just in case anything comes up.

 

[Itlooksfast]

yea the tranny fluids and the transfer case fluids were changed about 2 months ago when i rebuilt my tranny.

Is it ok if i drive in fifth all the time when im in an open road for a long time? I was thinking about at least downshifting to 4th every now and then and shift it back to fifth.

and im thinking about doing 70mph most of the time in fifth gear so that should save some gas and stay on time......probably just cruise at 5th around 3k rpm.

 

[napkinthief]

Things I would bring

At least 2 other people.
Icebox with snacks and sandwiches
Extra Cash
Oil
Coolant
Rags
Water
Battery Jumper Box (Self Service, saved my ass more than a few times)

I would also agree with doing the oil change a few days at least before leaving. Its better to find you forgot to tighten the drain plug all the way if its dripping slowly overnight than if its flowing out freely 50 miles out.


IF you hit Jersey, dont do 70 thats when they pull you over. A 55 zone, dont go over 65. And dont take rt 17.

Just have fun and don't rip on it too much. Resist the urge to tempt the law in other states. Nothing would be worse if you had to make the drive again in a month to go to court for a ticket.

 

[Itlooksfast]

HAHAH yea...i will be passing PA and NY....what are their stands on Radar detector? i know Va is illegal but down in NC is legal.

 

[TSIMonsteR]

Things I would bring

Battery Jumper Box (Self Service, saved my ass more than a few times)

Definately a good one. I don't think you should have any problems, just stay off the boost, and enjoy the good gas milage.

 

[nightspeed87]

is your car running bad?? because you seem real worried about it, 550 miles isnt that far, ive driven three times that far with low oil pressure at idle, a iffy water pump, and bald tires ( had no choice by the way ) I mean if your car as shown bad behavior in the past then that explains it, but if it was in perfectly good running condition then i doubt youd have a problem. And if thats the case id just be only concerned with tires, and gas milage. Well heres the best thing if something bad were to happen.... Cell phone, and call triple A.

 

[Itlooksfast]

no my car is running fine..i havent had any problems since my clutch and tranny but that was taken care off. The only reason why im worried ### well my car is almost 10 yr-old, and i had problems with old cars before. I dont normally do long trips this is my first going anywhere more then 2 hrs in my GSX so im just scared that something might happen.....im a "car-taking-care" freak....i cant stand it when something happens to my car esp. when something i can prevent...plus i love my car so i dont wanna destroy it.