Mikenonamaker

In about 2 weeks I will be moving across the country, from Michigan back to my home state of texas, and am preparing the c5 for the 1400 mile drive, I have a checklist going but if you guys can think of anything else let me know.
so far I plan to:
change oil & filter
coolant flush
Cover anything that will be exposed to road debris and bugs with painters tape
Check all suspension bolts
Raise back to stock height (possibly)

tstad9i1

If you haven't already, maybe get a doughnut spare tire. If you have one, give it a once over to make sure it's ready just in case. Better safe than sorry.

Keppler

For a 1200 mile trip does it need a coolant flush or an oil change?

I would be more concerned with driving at highway speeds on summer tires in freezing temperatures. Go slow until the temps are in the 50's.

itzza427

One other bit of advise,,,, CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST!!! I live in the general St.Louis area and they are talking about a big weather system starting down in Texas and moving east northeast .C5's don't do well as snow plows LOL. other than that I've driven my FRC year round,,The LS actually likes inhaling cold air!! Seems these systems are popping up pretty regularly. Have a good trip,,C5's are great road cars!

Mikenonamaker

good point, I keep a tire repair kit but a spare would be a much better solution.

Mikenonamaker

it doesnt exactly need them, but I'm at 4,000 miles on the current oil and would rather change it now then at probably 6,000 when it's all said and done. I could get away with it, I just prefer to change it at 5k, that's always how I've done. & the coolant flush because I'm not sure the last time it has been changed, so I'm taking the precautions now instead of possibly paying later.

Mikenonamaker

I will definitely have to check the forecast for everywhere I'm driving, no snow in Michigan yet but it is really cold, I'd hate to get caught in a snow storm on my way down. Good call!

3sACROWD

Coolant and oil sound like a good idea. Check your belts, hoses and tires. If your tires are in good shape, don't worry about a spare. If not, get new tires.

I've done many long distance trips in my Z06 and the only repairs while on the road were a burnt out turn signal bulb and a bag in the radiator fan. If your car is maintained properly, the likelihood you will have a problem are greatly reduced. I have 284k miles on my Vette and wouldn't hesitate to make the trek you are about to embark on.

Drive safe!

Vetteman Jack

dbgoodwin

dleibman

jcgunn

Check fluids, check tires, clean windows, put gas in car, check weather, drive.

c4cruiser

The big problem with a spare tire is that it takes up storage space and not having a way to secure it inside the car. And if you do have a flat along the way, you have to deal with a much larger wheel and tire to put back inside the car. That can be a huge issue given that you are moving. Also, you need to find a jack that will go under the car once a tire is flat. Try removing the valve stem core to flatten a tire. Then measure the distance from the frame rail (near the square holes) to the ground. A jack will have to fit in that space. Now think about geting the jack and spare out of the car in a pouring down rainstorm.

I recommend just having a cell phone and a AAA membership.

Nothing wrong with doing an oil change; a coolant service may not be a necessity unles the coolant in the system is over 5 years old. Then you could simple drain the old coolant out and refill with Dexcool. Check tire pressures too. Checking the weather along your rout would be a very good idea. Maybe find a weather app that can show weather conditions on your route.

acroy

Jump in and drive. I just drove my cherry 30k mile '04z home from Seattle to TX in July. Now it's a 32k mile cherry 04z

Take a quart of oil, credit card and a cell phone. Do it in 1 day, or 2 if you're lolly-gagging.

Vettes are GREAT long-distance mile munchers. Enjoy the trip!

Mikenonamaker

we will have to see how much space I have, I already know I'll be loaded to the brim with 2 years worth of tools and clothes lol

gimp

There's really nothing to worry about for 1400 miles. If your car is currently working, give 'er an oil change and away you go.

Make sure you bring a cell phone charger and an AAA card and some cash. That's all.