I have an '83 280ZX and I am going to college. I have the option of driving her from Arkansas to Utah, or putting her on a train. I drove my car an hour straight going to a car show, and she did decently, but Im not sure she would make it the full trip this far.

Would it be a good idea to drive her or would it be a better idea to ship her?

What are the dangers of shipping her?

If it were a better, or cheaper, to drive her, what do I have to do to prepare her for that kind of a trip?

And what should I bring or make sure I can afford when I get on the road?

Any imput would be great =D

Drive.

My buddy had a brand new car shipped and, using wheel tie-downs, they completely blew his bearings.

For the drive:

1. Check brakes

2. Last time timing belt done?

3. Condition of tires (make sure pressure is right). Snows (you are rolling through the Rockies unless you take a more circuitous route)? (BTW...A Z in snow...not so good...for the car or getting where you want to go...)

4. Last oil change? Air filter? Fuel filter (not sure on a 280ZX, but on the 240Z, buy 3)...

5. Condition of fuel injectors?

6. Odds and sods: Any odd noises emanating from anywhere (find it)? Speed wobble (alignment/tires)?

Good luck!

2. Last time timing belt done?

'Last time I checked my L28 had a timing chain, not a belt.

Otherwise I second everything else bigoak mentioned.

I would also recommend having some emergency stuff with you, flashlight, tools, universal belt, some 50/50 antifreeze etc.

You know your car better than we do, and you know better what things need to be kept up on/looked at.