MattG

iTrader: (2)

I am thining about moving to Tennesee, here in the next couple of weeks, but I dont want to leave my 7 behind, its a 750 mile trip.

Has anyone made a trip like this before in their 7, and if so what did you guys do to prepare for such a long road trip in the 7.

I have driven 250 miles oneway, but that is as far as ive gone with the old girl. I plan on driving it straight in one day if possible, with breaks to get out and walk around.

Any advise is welcome.

-Matt

Druken

My advice is

Get a full tune up, just in case
Full tank of gas with seafoam

yetterben

bring misc tools with you. Bring an extra belt!!!! tools that go alnog with changing belt!!! Can't stress that enough. Bring extra plugs as well

gsl-se addict

iTrader: (3)

Brings tools, flashlight, spare belts/hoses, cellphone, etc. Full tune up before. Other than that, you should be in good shape. It would also be a good idea to bring a gallon or two of distilled water and some extra oil.

Haven't taken mine that far in one trip, but have done many trips that were 200-250 miles each way. No problem.

aussiesmg

iTrader: (1)

I drove my 12a 1000 miles a week in 05 without a problem, take a spare fuel filter also

MattG

iTrader: (2)

I plan on getting new plugs plus another set, Full fluid change. A brake job, as I think I can hear some grinding (but who brakes anyways lol)

Extra oil is a must, along with water. Ive been down that road before.

I have a lil crap set of metric that I carry with me at all times, I dont have a flashlight, thats a good idea.

Keep them coming, im trying to get ideas from other people that have been there done that. So I wont be stuck somewhere thinking "why didnt I think of this"

I always carry an extra fuel filter or two, as I have a rusty tank \

BTW Addict, has it been going? Havent seen you in along time, I see that your back in the states again. Ever get a chance to play those games?

orion84gsl

iTrader: (5)

700+ miles is going to make for one really long trip. Drink gatorade. I find I don't need as many bathroom breaks with it as I do with water/coffee/soda. Pack up a small toolbox with your most used tools. Make sure your spare is in good shape and has proper air pressure, and you still have your jack. Double check all oil/coolant fittings are tight and free of leaks, tire wear, pressure, fluid levels BEFORE you leave. The day before would be best and then just a quick recheck the day you leave to make sure no leaks have sprung. You really shouldn't have any reliability problems if your car generally runs problem free. The freeways are easier on the car than city driving.

Percentage

iTrader: (7)

Alright! some more people in TN, haha. I think everyone has you covered on what to bring a long. Hope the trip goes well.

gsl-se addict

iTrader: (3)

Good. Been back over a year now. Played them some, but haven't had time lately (work, work on the house, and work on the 7 if I ever get the other work done lol).

Anyway, you'll be in somewhat driving distance to me. Maybe we'll meet up one of these days at a meet. Maybe at Deals Gap?

roterhead

dont forget a spare tire i went and got one from the junk hard a full size also change your fluids

Druken

Jump-starter, incase your car requires it when you make a pit stop.
Fix a flat, just in case.

85 FB

In July of 2005, I moved all the way to Colorado Springs, CO. 27 hour drive. 1,684 miles one way. 2 sittings. I had all my **** (TV, clothes, etc) crammed into my car. It never gave me any problems.

Then I had to move back, so I did that drive all over again, same settings. Not one problem.

Before I made the trip, I did have my coolant system flushed and the tranny and diff gear fluid replaced. And, an oil change.

MattG

iTrader: (2)

Yeah I will be moving to Murfreesboro, South East of Nashville.

Nice, didnt think of the jump starter, I did just get a new optima red top, So I hope that should hold out, but who knows about my alt lol

keep the ideas coming

FirebirdSlayer666

iTrader: (3)

Basically ditto on what they said. If you have an Optima, a jump box or cables wont do you any good if it dies, I've tried. But the good thing with the Optima is if the alt does go you should still be able to make it without it dying. I drove 2300+ miles in my FB 1 way over 4 days. I did it with a bad ground so I had an inacurate temp guage and lights that I could barely see with. Check the condition of your tires! Make the sure the spare is ready to go just in case. Make sure your tires are at optimal pressure(35psi) for good gas mileage. I had the FB packed full enough to see out the windows and nothing more. She still hit triple digits a few times and cruised at 90+ for a few hours. Just make sure you have enough money for anything unexpected. If you don't have cruise your *** will start to hurt at about the hour and a half to 2 hour mark LOL. It'll take some time. Oh, bring extra brake fluid along too incase the brake or clutch master start leaking some for whatever reason. Have fun buddy

dbragg

iTrader: (7)

so, i take it youll be attending the DGRR meet in april?

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

as everyone has been saying, you basically want to go through the car as thoroughly as possible. tires, brakes, wheel bearings, belts, hoses, fresh coolant, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, oil and filter, radiator and cap, vaccume lines, clutch master and slave, battery, battery cables, fuel and air filters, trans and diff oil, lights, turn signals, bushings, tie rod ends inner and outer, check the u-joints, and HAVE FAITH in the 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a good friend of mine drove from NC to OH non stop and her 7 made it with no problems. before she departed back to NC i went through her 7 and changed everything that needed to be changed and checked everything that i could check. she drove the car around here in OH a little bit and about a week later made it back to NC without a problem.

rx-freak

I have gone over1400km in one weekend before. I drove from Barrie to Montreal and back in just a few days. As long as your car runs properly, and it doesn`t have any ongoing problems you`ve been putting off, you should be fine. As everyone else said, I usually keep extra tools in my car, a spare belt, all fluids, and duck tape. lol Have a fun trip!

daemonjosh

My car was driven from CA to VA, and from VA to SC. I'm sure your car will be fine if you've been taking care of it.

maireeka

bungee cords. you never know what could come loose.

Percentage

iTrader: (7)

Sweet, we should meet up, I live about an hour from you:

Clarksville, TN is 40 minutes north of Nashville

djessence

maybe a tow rope in case you hit the ditch? (no idea where ten is but maybe they have snow?)

Percentage

iTrader: (7)

No snow down here, he's good to go on that. It is like 30 degrees...but we never have snow.

Jobro

iTrader: (2)

Personally service the car 1 week before you leave, and daily drive it. Check but don't change anything on the last few days as that can create another source of possible failure.

I'd bring tools, jack, oil, water. Just make sure shes running well, and you don't need plugs or leads. If you change the fuel filter now its fine, you don't need to bring one.

jshiz

iTrader: (4)

Yeah you should be good. I changed all my fluids and relaced my alt and drove from Ohio to Alabama nonstop with no problems

1stgenNutt

iTrader: (3)

ah hell i drive my 7 everwhere i wouldnt be afraid to drive to california in mine and shes 23 yrs old man .if she runs good in a 250 mile trip youll be fine just preventive manitance and check the tires and trow some salt over your shoulder AND say (ROAD TRIP) enjoy yourself see you @ dgrr