What would you take...

[gnosez]

Driving my 240Z about 1,000 miles one-way in May to do the Tail of the Dragon event and after doing my spring repairs and upgrades I have only to tune and dyno it before I'm set to go. I've replaced the inner and outer tie rods, ball joints, front and rear control arm bushings, got an alignment, tire balancing, installed big front brakes, more aggressive rear brake pads, new wheel bearings, replaced the clutch, changed all the fluids, rebuilt the EMI camber plates and corner balanced the car with me in it (49.2 %-front 50.8%-rear).

I started to put together things to take with me and was wondering if anyone had a thought on my selection:

1) cellphone

2) AAA card

3) tool bag

4) spare fanbelt

5) waterpump

6) qt. oil

7) qt. gear oil

8) fuel filters (one for before the pump and one for after it)

9) u-joints (one for the half-shafts and one for the drive shaft)

10) first aid kit

11) repair manual

12) jack

13) iPod

14) ezpass

15) fuel pump (mallory comp 140 - ethanol/methanol tends to clog them)

16) fuses, misc bulbs (headlight, tail, etc.)

17) raingear

Need to solve the spare tire issue (won't fit over the 240SX rear calipers).

[zbane]

18) Fix a flat

19) Flashlight

20) Something for your lower back, a lumbar pillow or some such.

21) Map

22) Cell phone charger

23) Distilled water/Radiator fluid

[geezer]

I'm no stranger to long distance driving. You have come up with a very good choice of what to bring.

I would add:

-a tire plug kit, not legal for a shop installation, but has saved me. Should be considered only as an emergency measure.

-a good light source for doing roadside repairs at night

I really liked Beandip's approach, of establishing a list of members where you could expect help along the way. You could expand that with printouts from MapBlast with repair facilities or whatever else marked out on them.

Since you need to bring a fair amount of stuff with you, why not load it into the spare tire well and put a spare that will work on top? That's if a solution isn't found beforehand.

Sounds like a great trip!

PS-didnt see 12V air compressor listed

[mally002]

You will be 30 miles from me, the Dragon is a great ride. I'm assuming your going to the meet. The traffic will be crazy on the weekends, and watch out for the bikes.........lots and lots of motorcycles.

For those that have never been here, here is a great link for more info.

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

Have a safe trip.

Randy

[=Enigma=]

Looks good over all, but you'll need a spare, especially if you don't bring one, and unless the water or fuel pumps are on their last leg I wouldn't bother bringing spares. I do however always carry a spare thermostat, fuel filter, spark plug, tire repair/plug kit, upper and lower rad hoses, as well as a connector to repair splits in the smaller 3/4" hoses. Don't forget road flares, a collapsible water container or a couple gallons of water (drink or fill), a blanket and some matches. You never know where you might get stuck.

[mally002]

Also...FYI

http://www.zdayz.com/

[Surfsup]

a sleeping bag, couple magazines, FIRE EXTINGUISHER

shades, money for food, gameboy hahaa

[gnosez]

I must have been tired last night as I left out several items that are already in the car:

1) flashlight - in toolbag w/new batteries

2) 192 degree thermostat w/gasket

3) hose repair tape and extra hose clamps

4) space blanket/matches - part of first aid kit

5) fire ext. - mounted on rollbar

6) shades - photo gray glasses (extra part will be taken).

7) lumbar support - cobra seats and 5-point safequip harnesses (very comfortable and secure)

As to spare upper and lower radiator hoses, I have coolflex metal hoses installed. I do need to put in a gallon container for water. I run water only w/water-wetter additive.

Sleeping bag will go in w/clothes.

I think I just need to solve the spare tire issue now.

Thanks everyone.....

[DougN]

I would also recommend a book/magazines to read in the event something happens and you need to wait around for AAA to show up. Upgrading to AAA Plus (if you don't already have it) will get you 100 miles of towing, so you can get the car to a shop of your choice versus the closet place to where you get stuck.

You may also want to bring something (plastic sheet) to put on the ground in the event you need to get under the car for any reason. Ductape is always useful, as well as some silicon sealant.

A laptop with a wireless air card (cell phone card connection) could be very helpful if you get stuck somewhere and need to order parts, check the forum, etc.

Of course, being this well prepared should mean a nice, uneventful (from a problem standpoint) trip!

[TomoHawk]

So far, you have about the whole list of stuff that I developed last year.

The gallon of water is essential- a gallon juice jug (NOT a milk jug) fits behind the seat, and if you freeze it overnight, you'll have ice cold water to drink all day, or if you meet a girl with radiator trouble velcro bits or string on the jug & cap so you don't loose it. :paranoid:

I found a plastic toy-tub that fits in front of the passenger seat on my 280Z. I put strips of velcro on the lid to hold things (spare FRS radio, batteries, etc.) so they don't slide around, and a 3 or 4 inch hole in the middle to shove things through (loose stuff, phone numbers...

extra map(s)

cheap film or digital camera

Tow strap?

rain gear/poncho (a multi-use item)

trash bag(s)- kitchen size, with drawstring.

snacks like Pop-Tarts, crackers or whatever is in a small pack.

Sorry, my list is on the Palm right now.

You can PM me for my whole list

thx

[71ZZZZZ]

This is a great thread, often thought about this if we should ever make the trek back East or if I ever wanted to tour the West Coast. What about a spare alternator? I more concerned about some of the electro/mechanical parts like water pump and alternator, they seem to be a weak point in the stock Z...good luck with the trip...hmmm a travelogue would be cool...drive safely!

[WingZr0]

Hey, you'll also need this :classic:

http://www.dragsport.com/

Dsport Magizine ~The Worlds Largest Import Performance Source~

Can't say enough bout my Favorite mag,

I read a STACK of these on a 3 day long Amtrak trip last year and I can't say how many times It's saved me at the laundry mat.

At 5 bucks a pop you can't knock.

No cussing and useless info like some mags. Just Hardcore straight to the point race stuff to help drop some E.T.s

The feature cars are AWESOME with everything from Time Attack to Autocross and even to Backyard Racers :classic:

Very informative tech articles that breaks down the components and what makes them tick so you can make informed decissions on parts you buy. They even have a monthly segment on Turbo Chargers where they highlight a different one every month and give out the pros and cons of each, i.e. Horsepower and Spool times.

Even if a Company advertises in their mag if the parts don't work they'll let us know not to buy it.

Driving Tips, Auto Styling, Suspension set up techniques, Race prep and all that.

Last but not least the Model Of The Month is always on hit and interviewed too!

Hit up the Grocery Store mag rack or tag a Barnes and Nobles.

You won't be dissapointed as all the info in every feature can be applied to any car..... Like a Z :cheeky:

~Z~