Cross Country Trip

[wfoondirt]

I'm getting ready to take a trip from Illinois to California. What I'm wondering is if there are any parts that wouldn't be readily available at an auto parts store or dealer that I should get before I leave incase something goes wrong. I made this same trip about 4 years ago (4900 mi round trip in 9 days) without a hitch but I know some parts are getting hard to come by. The car is an 87 gn with ~75k. I've had it for 10 years and am the second owner. The car has never been raced and is meticulously maintained. Only problems I've had in 10 years have been the powermaster (twice) and fuel pump. The car is basically stock with a few upgrades (walbro + hotwire, cold air, adj fp reg, scanmaster, guages) nothing major. Basically if anyone can suggest a list of parts that I should take I would appreciate it. I have about a month before I am leaving so hopefully I should have enough time to get the necessities. Thanks in advance.

 

[Turbo6inKY]

Serpentine Belt
MAF
Quality GM Coil and Ignition Control Module

Voice of experience here.

 

[strikeeagle]

Case of your favorite beer. Life is too short to worry so much. You can fill your whole trunk with spares, and I guarantee you the thing that breaks will be the thing you don't have. What's the worst thing that can happen? You'll have to phone AAA? Rent a car? Get help from a local TR guy (we're all over the country, you know)? Hell, people crossed the country in covered wagons with a few pounds of beans and a canteen.

 

[wfoondirt]

Oh I'm not really worried, the only time I really drive this car is for long trips. Thats what this trip is all about, I'm getting out of the office and driving, the only goal is to hit hwy 1, wherever I go in between is yet undetermined. Just want to make sure that if something does break I can get the parts. I'm not worried about the stuff I can find at most any parts store. I've fixed my fair share of stuff on the side road.

As far as the maf goes, are direct replacements still available or do I have to do the lt1/translator route? I haven't been keeping up on all the TR stuff the last few years, the race car and work take most of my time anymore.

Glad to see input from a cc member too.

 

[Dan Thompson]

If you have the money and time, I would go with the translator+/LT1/Extender chip.

I had that setup for 3 or so years and it was very solid system.

www.fullthrottlespeed.com has all the stuff you need and Mike can answer all your questions.

PS

I would not drive on highway 1 between Point Arena and Jenner, above SF.

It is a narrow two lane road and there is a 36 mile stretch with no shoulder, and no off ramps.

Two lane and the south bound traffic has no guard rails. It must be at least 1000 foot drop to the ocean.

 

[wfoondirt]

Originally posted by Dan Thompson

I would not drive on highway 1 between Point Arena and Jenner, above SF.

Thanks for the tip. I originally thought of doing the drive from Portland to SF but decided to stick to the strech from the Santa Maria area up to SF. I've done that drive several times and can't get enough and there are plenty of places to stop and relax plus being able to stop and see Hearst. Any suggestions on must see's/do's, or any other scenic drives in the area.