Driving Newport Beach,CA to Kamloops,B.C.

Congrats on the car. That sounds like a great road trip.
I would use Larry at Ferrari Technologies. Great guy - really reasonable.
He gets pretty busy, so you might want to call today to see if he can squeeze you in.

1131 West Collins
Orange, CA 92867
(714)639-1706

Have a great trip.

 

welcome to the Fcar club

I did Vancouver to San Jose,CA and back in June with a 348, and used Chevron stations without problem. Also found Oregon gas stations were a little weird, after my 3rd fill (I always fill the car myself) I was told that it's against the law for anyone but the attendants to fill the car. They all relented.

PETER did the same trip a year ago in his 308GT4, he's a "consultant" on Fchat and would have more insight for 308's.

I'll drop you a PM

 

50/50 standard antifreeze with distilled water. I haven't tried "Water Wetter" yet so I can't speak for it. "Spasso" in the Northwest section of this site has been running that with all-water (no antifreeze) and has had no problems. Keep in mind: old car-old technology. Stay away from other specialty products, developed for newer cars which use different materials in the cooling system, have different tolerances and operate at different temp levels.

 

Actually, it's been two years since I did that trip!

I had stopped twice in each direction through Oregon and let the attendants fill the car as per the regs... All were enthusiastic (especially this one kid at one of the stations. He was blown away that he was filling a Ferrari and it probably made his whole time working there worthwhile!) and did a great job.

 

I don't want to be a party pooper, but are you doing this fluid change because the car hasn't been driven in a while and think that's all it needs, or just as some added piece of mind for a car that you have already thoroughly vetted?

Because if the car has not been checked out from head to toe, I certainly would not just hop in it and make a drive like that. Remember, it's a 28 year-old car! There are a ton of things that can be wrong with a "used" car that age that are way beyond a simple fluid change.

I don't want to assume that you haven't thought this through and, in case you have, sorry! But just in case you are new to classic Ferrari ownership (or classic car ownership), and also you have not had the car checked out prior to purchase (and people will do this when there's a good deal and a trustworthy seller), I would NOT do a drive like that. You'd be better off getting it shipped to you, and get whatever work it needs done in your city. That way you can begin to establish a relationship with a local shop, and start to do some of your own work which is a great way to get familar with a new car. Or, if you are dead-set on a drive/adventure from CA, get a complete check-out (PPI) and have any immediately-required work done in CA before your trip.

There are few 28-year-old exotic cars that will not need some work here and there.

Whatever you do, DON'T RUSH!! I know it's hard, but take a breath and take your time - do it right, or you'll have a terrible experience on your road trip. Understand also, that even to get a shop to do a full fluid change with only a couple day's notice could be tough. I have found that rushing ANY part of the Ferrari ownership experience (buying/selling/pit repairs/last minute pre-trip prep/choosing mechanics/turn 9 at Willow Springs/etc./etc.) can be detrimental.

And if you're a wise old hand at all this and I mis-interpreted your post, sorry!!!

 

Awwww , c'mon.....ya gotta try it sometime!

Lessee, I warped the brake rotors on the way by Mario's house around midnight...I5 to 128 to 121....then we boiled the brake fluid at Yosemite...yikes that's a long way down over that cliff!...then on thru Mono Lake to Barstow...2,600 miles in a car that had 'old gas' when I cranked it up.
(It was actually very well maintained, but I bought a BIG fire extinguisher...ya never know....)

These cars were MADE for that stuff.....

If some more Fchatters will post contact info as a safety net it'll be great!

I'll go back to my old Road Trip thread someday when I have the pics resized...

Royal Purple makes a product similar in some ways to Water Wetter. I use Royal Purple thru out on my old jalopies!

 

Welcome to the site, also, JIm.......good luck!

 

You bet they're made for this kind of driving. I've driven my 1970 365GT to Monterey in '04 and '05, and drove my 1976 308 track car up there last month (not the best idea, but what the hell). But you just shouldn't do a long trip in an "unknown" car. Besides that, I admire Jim's spirit: ROAD TRIP!! YEAH!!

And Jim, welcome!!!

 

Congratulations on your purchase. Have a safe and fun trip home. Looking forward to your post about the adventure.

A question for you: How are you handling the insurance for your drive back to BC? Are you obtaining temporary coverage through a California broker and insurer? (OK, that's two questions!)

Cheers
Jon

 

I5 thru the middle of CA is HOT, very HOT this time of year. i'd suggest a straight fill of water and a bottle of water wetter. if you've got the money go with evans coolant. $$$$ tho, but works better than anything.

i'm off the I5 by about 25mins up the 50 to tahoe. if you need anything let me know. i may be able to to help with roadside repairs in the sacramento area.

but do get a PPI and find out if the car is roadworthy for that distance. i've done some boneheaded things in my past that at the time sounded fun. stuck in death valley mid july for 6hrs is not FUN.

i travel with an aluminum racing jack (sears) jack stands and a bag of tools. each time i've done a road trip. they've come in handy. nothing major, but having your own mini shop on the trip helps the old nerves.

 

oh and in newport beach there is a 76 station off macarthur blvd and bonita canyon. on ford rd. has 100 octane race gas at the pump.

 

Hello Jim,

Since you have a 78, I assume you have a carbed 308 with cats. I will be gone from the humboldt bay area from the 14th till late the 17th. If you are coming up 101 - a beautifull drive. call me if you want to stop in the humboldt bay area, or if you have a problem, 707-826-7139 or cell 707845-8800.

Just about any major gas will do just fine.

Have the people doing the servicing check the fuel hoses very carefully, particularly the tiny evaporative hoses, they can gush fuel on a hard turn or side hil parking and ruin your whole day.

Have the car scoped and make sure the points are not just about closed up, ask me how i know.

Make sure all of the suspension bits are tight enough for a 1000 mile trip.

Buy a 5 pound fire extinguisher and pray you will not need it.

Cary your phone, juiced up.

I remember my drive home with the car - you are gonna have a good time.

best,
chris

pm me if you want to set up a meet.

 

If you are looking for a mechanic, try posting the question in the Southern California section. You will probably receive a lot more comments. Or just do a search in the Southern California section.

Good Luck and Congrats!