I find myself, out of the blue, thinking about the drive on hellbender with the top down and the sound of 9k rpm's echoing off the water and mountain. I CAN'T WAIT.

It sounds kind of funny that we drive 600+ miles to get to there and then spend the next 2 days driving around the mountains and drive 600+ miles home, spending very little time relaxing, and yet I find it to be the most relaxing and rejuvenating weekends of the year. I CAN'T WAIT.

 

So.. what do you guys typically do prep the car for the weekend?

 

turbo, overfenders, couple of nopi stickers, octane booster.....you know, just the usual stuff.

 

I usually have the oil changed and for the last 2 years I have had the tranny & Dif fluid changed before I leave. (It is easier for me to just use this time to do the dif & tranny once a year vs. mileage). If your brake pads are near the end of the life cycle I would put new pads on and check your fluid level.

As you know I had new slotted rotors installed, new OEM pads, braided lines and high temp fluid installed before last years trip. All the other times I was on just OEM equipment. I actually did notice the braided lines helping give me more (stronger) pedal when the brakes got hot. So if you don't have braided lines that is a worthwhile upgrade IMO.

I also change my air cleaner.

Tires:

Make sure you have some meat left on them, you will need it. On two separate occasions we had guys riding home with the cords showing on their rear tires. They didn’t go like that but came home that way. Not the safest way to travel. Thankfully no incidents. If you have lowered your car recently (new springs, like me) I would make sure and get an alignment before putting the road miles on the tires. I carry a portable air compressor to make sure my tires at properly inflated throughout the weekend.

Mechanically that’s about it, maybe others can share what they do.

 

pack the James Bond Martini Kit

 

Well, I want to make sure that the car is safe and sound before such an event. But, more importantly, I always try to remember that this gathering is indeed about the legacy of a car, the world's greatest federally funded road and the quality of time spent away from family and work.

That said, remember that the greatest satisfaction is arriving home safe and reading up on the threads about those who got to attend.

A). You of all people know the internal guts of this car. Enjoy it the way it was designed, regardless of the aftermarket mods and never forget, the Dragon and the surrounding roads are not "cloesed tracks". Speaking from first hand experience, you do not want to wake up and drive home a rental car & then negotiate with your insurance company.

B). Enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and forget the speed & the braggin' rights.

C). Live to create the anxiety to return year after year.

Botting Line: Prep the car for safety and not just the speed.

 

I plan on a full 100K Mile TLC session before the Dragon. (Since it will happen either right before, or during the event). Also I plan to finally go to 17", wider wheels. (AP1 stock now :cry2

Also, I'm going to redo the front brakes since they're warped thanks to some asshat with an impact wrench. I was thinking brembo/wilwood but it's just so $$$

 

The only thing i do is change the oil and make sure i have good tires. I just turned 138k today and the cars runs perfect. I take it on long road trips with my 4.77 gear. The car sits at between 5-6k for hours on the highway. Doesnt burn oil. So ne prep needed. LOL

 

see you guys there

 

You must bring the camera. Captain Chip will have his hardware. Between the two of you, no one will be safe.