| Author | Message | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 921 Registered: 2-2001 |
All these short trips you make around town are a lot tougher on your car than long trips. I drove my 308 from Miami to S.C. about 750 miles with no problems which has been my longest trip. Not the most comfortable touring car but the looks from people I passed or passed me were priceless. I guess I got what I paid for. | ||
| JP Lavigne (Jpl)
New member Username: Jpl Post Number: 31 Registered: 12-2001 |
The longest drive was my first drive in my 308. Bought the car from Bud Root at Shelton in Ft Lauderdale and drove straight home to Canada. 2000 miles later and my wallet a little lighter (Had to stop and pay the taxes at the customs office in Massena NY) I arrived in Ottawa. Great way to bond with the car. | ||
| Nika (Racernika)
Member Username: Racernika Post Number: 363 Registered: 12-2001 |
After the HORRIBLE day I am having RIGHT NOW - if my 308GTS was out of winter storage I would get in and DRIVE........until I ran out of gas money!!!!! Sometimes it's brings me back my sanity and puts things back in perspective [sigh] | ||
| L.C.Plester (Lcplester)
New member Username: Lcplester Post Number: 13 Registered: 2-2002 |
Nice to see TR�s can handle such a long trips. I�m planning to travel to Modena (factory visit arranged by dealer) with my �89 TR in 6 weeks time and then back to Finland through Europe. I have a race exhaust which gives me a headache (although the sound is magnificent!) after one hour of driving, so I�m not sure will I install the factory exhaust for the trip or just use ear plugs. You can hear my car coming when I�m still a mile away  - I bet the Italians would love the sound I�ve done similar trips trough Europe with my previous cars. Last time I used my tuned, black and bad C5 Corvette - and really enjoyed taking the car near to 300km/h in Autobahn, which is illegal anywhere else in the world - although couple of days ago I got up till 280km/h in a Finnish "highway" (100km/h limit...) before the front of my TR got too light (...and I chickened). | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
New member Username: Ross Post Number: 3 Registered: 3-2002 |
i drove my 512tr from rome to london, via monaco and geneva (over the pass by albertville - lots of twisty fun!), which was about 2000km, in 2 days. much more comfortable than i imagined. gas mileage was only abt 11mpg, but who's counting ? it was lots of fun. when people see you coming they just clear out ! much more street cred than i ever got in porsches or the m5. | ||
| jim (Jimz87)
New member Username: Jimz87 Post Number: 22 Registered: 2-2001 |
Starting a los angeles to florida adventure in about 3 weeks. My 87TR has 16000 mi now, figure another 3000 or so, then will look to sell on east coast. Anyone interested in clean California car along the way, let me know. Will look for Ferrari's along the way to say hi. Any suggestions are appreciated. Have done trip in 911SC before, but I'm sure this will be quite a different trip, hoping to take 2 or so weeks to arrive in tampa. | ||
| Craig Hess (Crag)
New member Username: Crag Post Number: 39 Registered: 10-2001 |
I bought my 85 308 in Boston. Signed the papers, slapped on a temporary tag and drove it 600 miles to Charlottesville, VA. Had a blast. I traded waves with a 328 near NYC (it was the only other Ferrari I spotted on the trip). The car ran flawlessly and was more comfortable then I expected it to be. I did have a state trooper in Maryland follow me for 10 miles. I don't know if he was admiring the car or hoping I'd do something stupid. I plan to take at least one 600 mile (round trip)road trip this summer to Pennyslvania for a Ferrari event at Pocono. | ||
| Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Member Username: 4re308 Post Number: 450 Registered: 6-2001 |
I bought my 84 308 in Forrest Hills New York, and drove her home to Atlanta in one day! NOW that was a lot of fun. Had the top off during a rain storm in Virginia, and just kept going and never got wet! People looked at me like I had 3 heads!! It was the most fun I ever had fully clothed! | ||
| Mark C. Gordon (Markg)
Junior Member Username: Markg Post Number: 141 Registered: 2-2001 |
'82 308 GTSi. I have a factory red cover with the prancing horse on it....maybe I will buy a generic one!! | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 313 Registered: 6-2001 |
Mark: When I bought my first 348, it came with a plain brown cover. When I go overnight in the Ferrari, I use that cover, rather than the bright red one that came with the 355. People can't tell what's under the cover, and that helps. When I use the red cover, everyone knows its a Ferrari. Art | ||
| Richelson (Richelson)
Member Username: Richelson Post Number: 632 Registered: 12-2001 |
Mark what Ferrari were you driving? | ||
| Mark C. Gordon (Markg)
Junior Member Username: Markg Post Number: 138 Registered: 2-2001 |
My main concern now is where to safely spend the night on long trips; we stayed in Green River Ut. first night at a motel visable from the freeway, people would exit, drive around my car a few times, then re-enter highway. Left it parked in the covered parking lot at Excalibur in Vegas, no problems. Gas station stops are a kick, kids just go wild ,while their hen-pecked dads just say "yea, yea" as their kids point a yell "Ferrari! Ferrari!". Parked between 3 NM State Police cars at Giant truck stop in Gallup (wished I had a pic of that!); spent night in Albuquerque, young girl at check-in jaw nearly hit the floor when she looked up a saw my car...love the long trips!! | ||
| bob snow (Resnow)
New member Username: Resnow Post Number: 19 Registered: 5-2001 |
Arthur, I did it alone and on I-40 all the way (except from LA to Barstow and the last 3 miles to my house). Didn't get tired at all as the car was new to me and the trip was perfect weather-wise. Only problem I had was my rear was just a tad wider than the seat allowed in comfort and I had to make a pit stop in Sears' Amarillo store to purchase an Italian/American ass adaptor (pillow). Used a Valentine detector but got virtually no signals until I crossed the Mississippi. Even briskly passed a few cops while they were cruising the road at night in New Mexico. Not a single ticket. After CA-AZ-NM-TX-OK-AK, Tennessee and North Carolina were bummers. Don't know if I could do it again, though. Bob | ||
| Barry Wolinsky (308gtb)
New member Username: 308gtb Post Number: 8 Registered: 2-2002 |
As I'm a new owner, my longest trip was driving from the dealership on Long Island to my home in New Jersey. Though only 50 miles, it was interesting in that I had to drive the Cross Bronx Expressway, George Washington Bridge and New Jesey Turnpike. I had a truck who followed me off my left rear quarter for a couple of miles on the Turnpike and finally pulled past me with a double blast of his horn. I returned his salute with the Ferrari horn to which the trucker responded with one long blast on his. So, not a long trip, but definitely entertaining. As the weather improves around here, it will be driven lots more. And further. Barry | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 311 Registered: 6-2001 |
Dave: the trip was a ball breaker, given the high speed and the lack of "papers". I had to be back at a certain time, and while there were parts that were great, it got to be a job. HOWEVER: DRIVING THE SPYDER AT OVER 140MPH FOR 20 - 30 MILES AT A TIME, THE FREEWAY TURNED INTO A ROAD COURSE. That was fun, especially going around the traffic that was moving 80 - 90 mphs slower. Stupid, but a lot of fun. | ||
| Richelson (Richelson)
Member Username: Richelson Post Number: 631 Registered: 12-2001 |
Everytime I take a long trip I feel very tired. I am not sure why but if I am in a luxury car I am ok on a long trip. I guess it is the engine noise for a long period. | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Junior Member Username: Davewapinski Post Number: 149 Registered: 8-2001 |
Art, On your long trip in the Spider, did you find it fun and confortable or exhausting? Dave | ||
| Mike Fisher (Mikef)
New member Username: Mikef Post Number: 45 Registered: 11-2001 |
From Bloomington IN to PA for the Le Belle Machine event last June: over 1500 miles round trip. Won 1st place in the concours and 4 Bridgestone tires for the longest distance traveled. Hope to do it again this year. Drove my Merak to Concorso Italiano a couple of years ago, 5000+ miles round trip. Won't do that again!!!!!!!! I would like to drive to the FCA meet in Los Angeles this year, but don't know if I can take that much abuse again. (77 308 GTB) | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 307 Registered: 6-2001 |
bob: Did you make that drive alone, or with someone to share the driving. If you did it alone, good job, not so bad even with help. Highway 10 or 80? What detectors did you use? Art | ||
| bob snow (Resnow)
New member Username: Resnow Post Number: 18 Registered: 5-2001 |
Drove my 348 from LA (where I bought it) to my home in NC in 36 hours (2651 miles). Bob | ||
| Kelly J. Vince (Tifosi1)
Junior Member Username: Tifosi1 Post Number: 160 Registered: 2-2002 |
July, new orleans, no air yet, 250 miles round trip. Roof on, on the way ther at about noon. Roof off on the way home after 5. Long hot day. but now I have AC, 134a Gives me about 54 degrees at the vent. i'm happy. | ||
| Ernie Bonilla (Ernie)
Junior Member Username: Ernie Post Number: 217 Registered: 11-2001 |
The longest trip I have driven in my 348 was about 365 miles one way. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Junior Member Username: Doody Post Number: 99 Registered: 11-2001 |
ROTFLMAO! oh dear! i'm sorry to hear, but i bet it would have been a laugh-riot if you happened to be watching! suitable for tv sitcom use. i bet that was a very unpleasant mess. my condolences! doody. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 390 Registered: 9-2001 |
lol, sorry | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 304 Registered: 6-2001 |
IT JUST CLIPPED THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD, AND ENDED UP IN THE CAR. IT WAS A MESS, OR THE TRIP WOULD HAVE BEEN QUICKER. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Junior Member Username: Doody Post Number: 98 Registered: 11-2001 |
OUCH! what kind of marks did the seagull leave on the car? doody. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 302 Registered: 6-2001 |
WM: Thanks for the info. I think that I've got tickets for the Oscars, but won't be sure until this weekend, so that's what I'll be doing in LA. John: Interstate 80, with two escort detectors one facing front, one facing back. Never put the top up, at over 100, even though there were showers, didn't get wet, but killed a sea gull near Salt Lake that didn't get out of the way quick enough. There was a Corvette met up with along the way, who traveled through Utah and Nevada, and exchanged running point. The ZR was quicker than the 348, but had about the same top end. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 700 Registered: 9-2001 |
I drove my 348 Spider from Atlanta to Indy for the USGP last fall which is about 1100 miles round trip. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1600 Registered: 5-2001 |
I went from Miami to Sarasota in January the longest. About 400 Miles total no problems or incidents, except a broken spoiler in a parking lot, but that could have happened anywhere.  | ||
| Mark C. Gordon (Markg)
Junior Member Username: Markg Post Number: 135 Registered: 2-2001 |
Colorado Springs to Las Vegas and back; doing it again this autumn. | ||
| Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Junior Member Username: Solly Post Number: 246 Registered: 6-2001 |
Craig-If you get here by May 15th, join our annual road trip here in NY. Details will be posted. Anyone else who wants to make the trip is invited. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 299 Registered: 6-2001 |
Fred: Not nerve, just stupid, but lucky. Art | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Junior Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 77 Registered: 1-2002 |
Thanks for the tips on the detectors I was going to pick up a V1 I just wanted to check and see what everyone on here thought was the best....pretty good consesus that V1 is number one! Art I am pretty amazed at a 135mph average speed! What in the hell roads were you driving? Interstate? county? Your own private highway? Its good to see people enjoying their Ferraris up here in Minnesota it was so nice today I wanted to take my baby out but I am still waiting for my replacement rear rim after cracking the old one...damnit! Hope most of you are enjoying your cars this weekend! | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 150 Registered: 12-2001 |
Art Chambers: on where to go in LA, do you mean car-specific or generally? Car-wise, a trip to the Petersen, stop at Heritage Classics for the book store, drive Mullholland, Sunset out to Malibu;stop at the 4 Seasons, tip the guy at the door 20, have a drink and stay away from the transsexuals at the bar; then, Chateau Marmont, stay away from the vampires at the bar; across the street, the old Argyle, or whatever it is called these days, eat on the patio in back with a grand view, stay away from the bar altogether; a stop at Symbolic (although i like the La Jolla one better), some spicy corn chowder at the Ivy on Robertson, and then, take a nap. | ||
| Frederick Thomas (Fred)
Member Username: Fred Post Number: 368 Registered: 2-2001 |
I hate to think how much gas my car is going to suck up. I plan on trying to make very good time but am wondering how often I will have to stop for gas. As far as radar detectors I have a V1 also and love it. I would not want another radar detector and it is worth the extra money. Art that is a heck of an average speed you had made all the more interesting by the fact you had no regisration or license. Man that took some nerve. | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Junior Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 191 Registered: 9-2001 |
The Ultrasmith setup is nice...I was quoted ~$800 for their mirror - from a 996. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 298 Registered: 6-2001 |
Ernie: We're running the bikes at Buttonwillow next weekend. I plan on driving the 355 to there, maybe into LA. Any recommendations about where to go in LA? | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 297 Registered: 6-2001 |
My 1994 348 Spyder on purchase from Chicago to San Rafael, California in 1 1/2 days. Maximum speed 155, average speed 135, 2200+ miles in 36 hours, with a short stop in Salt Lake for a 4 hour snooze. No tickets, car wasn't registered, didn't have a license, would have been jail or something big had been caught, but got lucky. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 148 Registered: 12-2001 |
Have had k-40's installed subliminally over the years in various cars, using the rear view mirror for the displays. Someone posted a link to Ultrasmith not so long ago on this channel,showing a Valentine installed that way.That will probably be my next move. I hate the appearance of those boxes attached to the windshield, and, assuming the cop sees it, it more than guarantees a ticket, yes? (i am also assuming most of you have hook-ups hardwired,so you don't have coilcords dangling dangerously in front of your doggone gearshift). | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Junior Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 190 Registered: 9-2001 |
V1 in all three vehicles...add in the stealth kit and nobody knows when your lights hit. They also will upgrade (for fee) any unit they have ever sold to their latest and greatest technology. (Sometimes they swap, sometimes they open it up.) Very cool policy IMHO. | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 104 Registered: 3-2002 |
John, the only one to have is a Valentine 1, every magazine rates it no 1. it gives location of radar, front back sides etc. excellent! had mine for 3 years, never a ticket! (I will get one now!) A little expensive but cheaper than a ticket and increased insurance premiums! | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Junior Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 76 Registered: 1-2002 |
I'm glad you liked the PO-PO name some people dont have a clue what I am talking about when I say that....must be a Midwestern thing. I have learned to always keep an eye out for them around here cause they have nothing better to do than pull people over and go home and tell their kids about how they ran down a 170mph car. A little off the subject, but not really considering the police love to pop up when you dont expect them on road trips. What kind of Radar detectors do you all have? How effective are they do you think? | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Junior Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 57 Registered: 1-2002 |
3,796 miles round-trip, from Austin to the West Coast, up PCH, and back to Austin, from 9/7/01-9/19/01. Averaged 15.7 MPG as well, despite the majority of the time spent at 100-125 MPH, as well as over 100 miles (not continuous) at 165-170 MPH. | ||
| Frederick Thomas (Fred)
Member Username: Fred Post Number: 367 Registered: 2-2001 |
Thanks for the quick feedback guys. It sounds like everyone had a great time. I think my car will do well and am really looking forward to it. I totally agree that these cars were made to be driven. Two comments I really found funny. John referring to the police as PO-PO (which I will be looking out for) and Cmparrf40 comparing the a/c to a mouse with a mouthfull of ice. | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Junior Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 189 Registered: 9-2001 |
1400 and 1600 miles...roundabout LA & San Diego to Seattle. I'll be driving back from CI this year as well. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 147 Registered: 12-2001 |
Drove my injected boxer from westchester, north of NYC, to northern Florida, a couple of years ago, on a bleak Feb. day. Had cabin fever and the winter blahs, just threw a bag with my toothbrush in the car and went. (Shipped the car back). Sent my 550 to California a year later, drove it over a thousand miles in 4 days, then shipped it back.Oh, yeah, i forgot about the rallys, the day trips to Maine (twice one week to Portland) and little jaunts to the finger lakes, driving the car locally, and then returning. I will typically go out for a day of driving before dawn and return at night, without any specific destination, putting several hundred miles on a car in a day between ny, pa, conn., mass, etc. | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 103 Registered: 3-2002 |
I bought a Daytona in August of 1999 in San Diego and drove it NON-STOP to Kansas City through El Paso (had to see my Ferrari tech's daughter in El Paso) 1,684 miles in 27 hours. Did I mention it was hot? 103 degrees in Phoenix at 10:30PM, and 109 degrees in Liberal Kansas the next afternoon! No problem we had A/C, yeah right! Like a mouse with a mouth full of ice blowing through a straw! But it was a blast! New Mexico is incredable roads as straight as an arrow, that Daytona ate every mile with a smile! Last summer we drove the 355, Daytona and the Dino from KC to Dallas, that was fun, made very good time, remember Ferrari's are meant to be driven! | ||
| John J Stecher (Jjstecher)
Junior Member Username: Jjstecher Post Number: 75 Registered: 1-2002 |
I've taken mine a couple of times on a 400 mile round trip from where I live in Minnesota to my parents house in Iowa and the car LOVES it!! I always try to find excuses to make the trip longer and hit more of the country roads where I know the PO-PO wont be hiding behind every hill or billboard. I have never (knock on wood) had a problem when putting miles on my car....heck its a car thats what their made for! Enjoy your trip! | ||
| Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
Junior Member Username: Joechristmas Post Number: 152 Registered: 3-2001 |
I have drove approx. 2800 miles in my 308. Very long trip. It was fun. The car did well. | ||
| Craig Balaban (Cmb328)
New member Username: Cmb328 Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2001 |
In May I'm planning to drive my 412 from Miami to New York. It's a great road car, and this will be my longest Ferrari trip. | ||
| Lou B (Toby91)
New member Username: Toby91 Post Number: 13 Registered: 4-2001 |
Don't baby it. They are great machines but still just cars. I routinely drive mine 400 miles to the Glen, play for the weekend and then drive home. The longest track trip was 600 miles to Summit Point and back. Also there are many rallies like the Forza Mille; 1500 miles plus milage to and from the start point. Isn't that the classic essence of a sports car? Drive to the track or rally, play with it and drive home. Of course, if you run slicks or a challange car you are forced to trailer it. UGH | ||
| Frederick Thomas (Fred)
Member Username: Fred Post Number: 366 Registered: 2-2001 |
Just curious how many of you have taken your cars on long trips. The farthest I have driven my 308 so far is about 100 miles round trip. In a month or two I am going to take it from Indianapois to Harrisburg P.A. (about 1100 miles round trip). I am looking forward to the drive but was just wanting some feedback. BTW the shortest trip in my 308. I took my car out of the garage which is in the back of my house and drove it around to the front to warm up. I went inside for a few minutes and when I came back out decided it looked to much like rain was on the way and put it back in the garage. Total trip about 50 yards. |