Counting the days......

to getting my 328 home!
I fly out of Bend on Friday and head down to California to pick up my "new" 328. If all goes well and the weather looks good, I will be driving it home on Sunday.

I want to thank all of the responses to my questions to make this all possible. And yes, I will take pictures on the way home!!!

As you can imagine, I am getting really excited.

Thanks again,
Bob

 

Enjoy it. Should be a lot of fun with just a drop of anxiety to spice the mix.

 

The Anxiety will keep him alert on the drive home!

Congrats. Can't wait to see the pics and hear about the drive!!

Jim

 

where you picking 'er up in Cali?

I luv that drive over the Siskiyou (sp?) pass and thru Lake Shasta.

cheers . . have fun

 

Exactly!

 

Don't worry about it - Just drive it!

2 days after seeing it for the first time I drove my new 328 2700 miles in 3 days without the slightest hiccup of any kind!

Enjoy!

 

is from Santa Cruz to Central Oregon.

The plan is to take it up the coast on Saturday to check it all out. Then, head over 17 to valley, out 680, to link up with 580, then up I5 to US97. I always like the drive above Redding, but not that excited about the drive from San Jose to Redding, but it is the most direct route.

I did have the car checked out, fluids changed and it has been driven over the last couple of weeks, just to make sure there are no issues.

I have sent down a small tool kit, with DMM, and of course some Crater Lake Vodka for toasting the new vehicle!!!

 

Only tool you need is your AAA card.

I've been to Bend..your a lucky guy to have great roads to drive the 328 on.

 

Not a Ferrari but I once drove my 1977 Lancia Scorpion from San Jose CA. to Bend OR. for our Lancia West Coast reunion.

I must say the drive was a blast, the route was excelent and times, it was pouring rain.

Did not have any issue nor hicups. So I know I did.

 

It's nice and warm here, personally I would take 101 north, then 199...for such a beautiful long ride. If it's a GTS, take the top off and enjoy the california weather and the music from the exhaust!!!

Good luck!

/td

 

I'm just over the hill in San Jose. If you find you need anything (wrenches, floor jack, etc.) let me know.

 

Last month I drove from Santa Cruz/LosGatos to Mt. Shasta. Hy 17 to 280 to 680 to 80 to 505 to 5. From 505 to Redding is boring and challenging. Depending on when you drive, there is a lot of big truck traffic and it is only two lanes each way. Many times a truck going 3 mph faster than the next one decides to pass and backs up the fast lane big time. People drive fast ... 80 to 90 mph. A 328 is low (as you'll find out) so for your maiden voyage you may find it a bit stressful .. I would. Beyond Redding you get into the mountains and curves, and it is much better .. three lanes for slow trucks on uphills. If you can find a better route and are not in any hurry, I'd recommend taking it. Have a safe trip.

 

Thanks for the advice, as I have driven this route many times, as I try to return to the beach every year and my parents live in Sacramento. I usually drive one of the Jeeps, but have done it in my 240z many times.

I am hoping the weather allows to do the drive on Sunday,as I thought there would be less traffic, and I would not have to deal with commuter traffic on a weekday in the bay area. I have looked at the drive up 101, but as I recall, it takes a ton more time, and driving in more stop and go traffic. The drive up I 5 from 880 to 97 is my biggest concern, just hoping my timing is right.

Any other suggestions is greatly appreciated. A couple of other questions, do you recommend running with the headlights on? Any thoughts on what the range would be on the fuel tank? There are a few parts of the drive that lacks decent fuel stops. I guess I should plan ahead. I also think I will be nervous stopping for food along the way, well, leaving the car in the parking lot!!! I just got to get use to it.........

Thanks again for your help.

Bob

 

Enjoy your ride and your new car ... Bob! Happy for you ...

 

My 328 averaged over 21 MPG for my 2700 mile cross country trip - a low of 18 and a high of 23mpg up/down the mountains. On the flats it was 21-22, including some rather high-speed stints. I refueled at around 200-220 miles just to get out and walk around a bit/grab a coke. Never took more than 10 gallons. Since the tank is 18 gal, the max range would be an easy 300+ miles/tank.

 

You'll find that your ass will dictate stops before your fuel gauge does. Most of those big off-ramp stations have a remote place to park where you don't have to worry (too much) about the SUV full of kids parking next to it. Just don't spend too much time in the can or pondering the snack food. I'd keep the lights down in the daytime .. too many bugs in the valley.