My longest trip to date

In2Deep

After doing three very fun 400 mi+ r/t runs in my '09 Sport Tour 6MT from Austin to OKC over the past 3 months, I wanted to stretch things further. So last week I decided to run up to Colorado. 880 miles each way, and each done in a single day, each taking about 13 hours total time (GPS stats showed moving time behind the wheel at about 12 hours). Here's my report:

COMFORT: Seat comfort for a long day was just fine. I found myself adjusting seat back and seat bottom angle a couple of times to change things up. No problem for me.

ROAD NOISE: We all know that the road noise in our machines is noticeable when driving most surfaces. It is what it is. The drone and noise when driving asphalt has never really bothered me over the 70M miles I have on the ODO. On this trip the route from Austin to where I was going (Divide, CO) had me take a 50/50 mix of Texas and New Mexico secondary asphalt roads and freeways. Freeway pavement was just fine. However, for the first time in my experience I found that the road noise from Asphalt started wearing on me over the longer runs of 150 - 200 miles each stretch. Now it needs to be noted that these secondary road runs were done at pretty high speed overall (I'd guess average 90MPH), so decibels were a little higher and for longer periods than most might experience at the speed limit (70-75). That said, the drone from asphalt over such long periods of time definitely took a mental and physical toll, but nothing that couldn't be shrugged off eventually. FYI, I am running nearly new Hankook Ventus V12 EVO's (had about 2,000 miles on them at the beginning of the trip).

PERFORMANCE: Not much needs to be said here other than the 370Z on the open road is too much fun. The car loves 85+ MPH, and IMO 90MPH is the sweet cruise speed. Runs up to 120-130 are easy and instant and when done under the right situations/conditions -- and with proper skill -- are safe and stable. FUEL ECONOMY was great....again. Average over the trip was 26 (even when going North to CO "up hill" as you gradually gain altitude over hours of driving). Remarkable was the first leg coming out of Colorado down I-25 and then over from Raton NM, and running 85-90, I saw 29 MPG over a full tank. Very cool.

The car also burned about 1 quart of oil over the entire 1,700 miles. This doesn't surprise me given the higher sustained speeds and frequent runs to triple digits over the course of the trip. Using Royal Purple (since new).

ISSUE: About halfway going up to CO I was coming into a small town after running a back road. As I downshifted into the speed zone my clutch went nearly to the floor before disengaging. Having kept up with various threads on this forum about the CSC, I pretty much knew exactly what was happening. Since it's pretty isolated on this route, I was a bit concerned. I had no choice but to forge ahead, and ended up giving the clutch a pump about every 10 minutes for the remainder of the trip up. That brought the clutch pressure (to the foot) back up, but would dissipate each 10 minute interval. A pain in the a$$, but it got me to where I was going. The really good news is that I found a tiny repair shop in the town I was visiting (with great Yelp reviews), and within 2 days my CSC was replaced (and I did the master cylinder as well). No way was I going to try and make it back home with out repair.

I had them check the clutch plates, and to their assessment the clutch itself was in fine condition, and they did not recommend a total replacement (very expensive, by the way). With the new CSC, to me the clutch actually feels and performs better than new. Shudder is gone. SO FYI, my clutch itself was fine at 70,000 miles. PROPS go to Big Sky Automotive in Divide, CO. Brandon saved my bacon, and did a great job fixing the Z.

One other minor issue on this trip: took a nice hit to the windshield with a rock kicked up by a truck. Cracked and a running crack in the passenger lower right corner. New windshield is necessary. Oh well.

SUMMARY: Great fun, comfortable, a bit noisy, and I would not hesitate to take a similar distance one-shot run in this car again if I wanted or needed to.

That is all. Drive safe.
I2D

__________________
...and now a message from our sponsors

PaulNYz

Good write-up and sorry about that CSC problem during the trip. I'm going on a 260 mile trip soon, first long one with this car. I haven't had any CSC problems yet, but it is in the back of my mind. But my Z only has 10K on it. Plus you're subject to much higher heat in TX as compared to myself up here in NY.

That's actually very impressive that you made it to 70k on the stock CSC.

MCDX

Nice write-up! It's really funny how everybody confirms that the Z feels home at higher speeds.
Sorry to hear about the windshield. That's nasty! Hope you get some coverage. After 70k miles a new one should make the car feel like brand new.

I can't wait to take my Z on another road trip.
With it's seats and it's cabin it just feels cosy. I like how there are no back seats but just a "wall".
Still my waifu gets plenty of legroom to make herself comfy.

Adjusting the seat and "moving" around a little is important anyway. Even more with an AT as you almost never put pressure on your lower back.

SINISTER

Your a maniac driving that far...I go to Houston to Austin and I am worn out...lol

How much did the CSC cost you to replace? How long did it take them to replace it?

__________________
Not to be able to stop thinking is a dreadful affliction, but we don't realize this because almost everybody is suffering from it, so it is considered normal.

Jsolo

How often did you stop to take breaks? 12 hours of moving time is a lot. After a 600-700 mile day in the G I was pretty tired. This was mostly interstate. I do stop about every 2 hours on the interstate or more often when driving technical roads. Need to stretch a bit, eat/drink something, etc.

__________________
G37S Sedan 6MT, Eibach swaybars, Invidia Exhaust, Weaker Clutch Pedal Spring

For sale links

rey127

I just can't find comfort on long drive. Maybe it's because I don't have a big *** but after just 2-3 hours I find myself trying to get one butt cheek the other way or something. My next purchase should be a car seat cushion

Fuzzzy

The Z's seats have no lumbar support at all--at least I can't find it. A small lumbar pillow does wonders on trips-at least for me. YMMV.

In2Deep

To answer the questions above:

Cost to replace the CSC and the master cylinder was $1,147.00. Probably just a bit on the high side, but given the somewhat isolated area I was in I was just happy to find a place that could get the parts and do the work, which took a total of 2 days. I was visiting family so had alternate transportation, and the repair place was only about 5 miles away (versus 45 miles to Colorado Springs). Value in convenience.

Total time was 13 hours, 12 hours moving -- so 1 hour total stopped time for fueling and breaks. The way I travel long road trips (no matter which vehicle I'm in at the time) my stops are more like pit stops. I don't dilly dally. I typically run about 3 hours or a bit longer between stops. I try to get in "the zone" and stay there.

I2D

__________________
...and now a message from our sponsors

mishuko

Those are some nice distances. I did a few 800mile + single day drives....

I think my longest was from Fontana to NJ but half way there we got hit by a road closure due to a crash half a mile ahead (thank God it wasn't us!)

I found that regardless of distance if it's raining it stresses me more and I need longer pit stops and even naps lol.

How much do you normally pack? My gf and I have become very crafty at fitting stuff into the car lol

Magic Bus

I assume you didn't get a chance to upgrade out of the CSC into one of the other fixes listed on this forum. If so, may I suggest a RJM clutch pedal. While it may not eliminate the issue 100%, I believe it will allow your CSC to function a lot longer.

90 ST

My longest one day run was 1300 miles...did it a few times, but i'm crazy.

__________________
Not driving your car to keep it in nice shape, is like not wanting to smash your girlfriend so she stays tight for the next guy.

mishuko

The legend returns! Lol yea you are crazy driving in winter with the z your crazy mofo lol

StevenSlice

1800 Miles, 3600 round trip. Socal to Sioux Falls, SD. Went to meet up with a bunch of gamer friends after years of knowing them.