Preparing the Evo for long trip (FL to KS)

LordCthulu · Nov 1, 2009, 08:44 PM

I was just wondering if there was anything special I would need to check. The car is out of regular factory warranty, but I have a warranty that lets any ASE certified mechanic work on the car, free towing, etc. So if something DID go wrong, I'm still safe, but lets not think about that

I'm hoping sometime in the middle/end of november I can go from Florida to Kansas, stay for a week or so then come back.
Is there anything special I would need to double check before hand? I'll probably get at least some new spark plugs, the oil was just changed a few days ago by the dealer. Is it ok to drive for 14 hours straight, stopping for gas, food, etc? Or should I let the car cool down a bit in between? Last time I went to NY with a non-turbo car every time I stopped I popped the hood to let it cool off. I really like to try and keep the car cool, so I would keep it off boost as much as possible.

And one last question that's kind of off topic: I took the aluminum(?) piece of metal that was on the hood under the vent that directed the air towards the wind shield. I figured it would let more heat out, and it would move toward the windshield anyway if I'm moving. Is the car worse off with it off?
PS. I searched, just want to be 100% sure.

fromxtor · Nov 2, 2009, 07:02 AM

Personally I hate the way the 8/9s look w/o the louver under the vent, probably doesnt hurt though. I would bring a real floor jack, extra fluids, wet weather gear, some gloves and coveralls. Thats what I bring just in case, when I go on long trips.

NJ9MR · Nov 2, 2009, 07:06 AM

^ +1. I agree with the above EXCEPT about the removal of hood vent. I take mine off whenever possible. If it is going to rain, or snow of course it goes back on. I keep mine in the trunk and it leans against my rear trunk strut bar. Should it rain, I just pop the trunk, snap it on and screw on the plastic, black screws! Takes less than 10 minutes and works great! Have a safe trip and best of luck! Post some photos!

LordCthulu · Nov 2, 2009, 06:00 PM

Thanks for the replies. I have it in the trunk for now. Does it help a lot with rain?
I have everything but the overalls lol.
I can't go till I get a job, so to hold you off till then here is a pic of an evo that looks like mine, plus it's in the snow

cfdfireman1 · Nov 2, 2009, 09:33 PM

If anything the vent helps keep the engine bay cooler and it sure as hell doesn't keep any rain out. Check your fluids, brakes, tires and go.

92gsxbaltimore · Nov 3, 2009, 06:26 AM

Change your oil, check you tire pressure and brakes, and top off your radiator. Make sure you dont park under any big trees with lots of birds in them also.

sk8terdude929 · Nov 3, 2009, 06:55 AM

Full size spare if you have one, I got a blowout on the way home from Florida about 16hr drive and all auto places were closed due to it being Sunday and at night so the donut would not have lasted the other 700 miles. Had my floor jack, cordless impact gun, and a full size spare. It was changed in like 5-10min. I drove straight just stopping for gas, food and bathroom didn’t take any breaks and the car held up perfect throughout the whole 16-18hr drive (minus the blowout)

brk4sti · Nov 3, 2009, 07:08 AM

All I did was put gas in it and drove it's no different then driving around it's easier on the car then traffic driving.

EnjoiLifeSkate · Nov 3, 2009, 07:56 AM

What you want to come here for! :P I live in Manhattan...thats about 2hrs from KC 1:30 from Lawrence, and 1 hour from Topeka. Anyways, I don't see a terrible problem with it. Just watch your gauge if you are worried about it. I myself hate putting miles on cars. It might be better on you and your mind if you just rented a beater and drove it up here. But that would probably cost you. From KS to KY and OH is about 12-14 hour drive for me so from FL to KS will be about 20-22hr?

LordCthulu · Nov 3, 2009, 03:31 PM

Manhattan haha, I'm goin to Wamego

I don't want to put miles on the car, but I've been waiting over 5 years to go see my friends and I finally have $ + car, and don't have to worry about school anymore.

Is it super important to have a wideband? I'm looking to get one but I'm not sure when, alarm comes first for me.
If it comes down to it I have a PLX on my other car I could put on the evo.