smokeyal

Hey all, I'm in the services and I need to drive my TII from the Bay Area, CA to my next station, in South Dakota. I'll be crossing several mountain ranges and will be running into a lot of snow and ice. Anybody have tips on things I need to do to prepare? I know chains and snow tires are a must, but I just need general pointers, having never driven a RWD sports car in these types of conditions. Also, think there's anything I can do to keep my car in decent condition? I just bought it about a month ago, mint condition with only 29,000 miles, and this 27 hour trip is certainly going to take a toll. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

Sergei The Saint

hmmm, 88 t2? well, hows your temp at normal running condiitions, how much do you know about rotaries? or about heating systems or starting systems? I dont thing that your starting system will have any problems but just in case, u also run a chance of overheating, i know this from my own road trip, however i have 87 t2 with a 100,000 miles on it, but i know that when my car stock is going up a hill for a while then the temp sensor will go up. Let us know in order for us to help u.

P.S. In what condition is the car?

P.S.S. Make sure u do a tune up with new plugs. Or bring some extra with you.

StarionX

27,000 miles?!!
Are you sure you want to take this car into snow and ice territory? I guess that's your call.
Some people put sand bags in the back to make the backend heavier, but I'm guessing you will be taking personal effects with you. Just try to put some weight in the back.
If you haven't already since you bought it, I would do all the regular mainenance like replacing spark plugs, oil & filter, fuel/air filters.
I imagine with so few miles, you probably don't have any fuel flooding probs. NEVER shut the car off after just starting it up (when the engine is cold), especially in cold weather because you will very likely flood the engine.

As far as driving in snow/ice... RWD is not that much different to FWD (some will disagree). The biggest problem will be how much you can control your right foot. Just take it easy if it is snowing. Slow down round bends and curves. Don't use the gearbox as a brake on slippery roads, or you will learn very quickly how to do 'doughnuts'. Replace your wipers with winter blades. Take some spare wiper washer fluid... just in case.
Get the BEST winter tires you can afford!

Have fun.

Icemark

if it hasn't been done yet, replace, belts, fluids (including brake and coolant), plugs, filters plug wires, and Pulsation Dampner. Keep the old ones (except the filters and PD) you just swapped out with you as spares. carry all the basic wrenchs and socket set as well as a couple of screw drivers.

I personally would also replace all the heater hoses, coolant hoses, radiator hoses (and of course their clamps) and thermostat as well, just because you car has not been driven much at all and the rubber is likely dissolving from just sitting around.

Also check your tires for any cracks and replace them if you find any for the same reasons as the hoses above.