some others made some references to it earlier, but you are putting it right out there.

You need to look at the route you plan on taking. During a good time of year, it can be hard enough just finding gas stations at the right interval. And when you do find them, in some parts of the country premium doesn't exist. I have a photo from a station I stopped at in Wyoming, and the octane was "85.5", no joke, that's the label on the pump.

Now throw in winter weather. I was a bit naive. I grew up driving in snow, and figured it's not much of an issue. Again, it's different than the East Coast. They will just close highways down out west when there's been a bad storm. They have these gates that they put down across the highway, and when it's open again is anyone's guess.

You're going to SoCal, so I think the best bet is play it safe, and go south before crossing the continental divide, etc. The ride is boring, and a few years back lots of cell phone dead zones between TX and CA, but your path should be open the whole way.

I am not saying don't do it, I have had two coast to coast trips, and a handful of others that were about halfway coast to coast. It's a fun experience with a passenger, and pretty insane without a passenger. Change all your fluids first, and if you're considering it, I'm sure you have faith in your car's reliability.

have fun, take pics, enjoy yourself along the way. Don't rush it.

 

Take pics! :d

 

Safe trip enjoy.

 

I travel for a living, and do long (16hr +) trips in my Evo every month or so. In fact, about 1/2 hour after I drove the vehicle off the dealer lot, I was en route from Phx to Wisconsin.

Within the last year, I have driven from central FL to WI twice, WI to TN 4 times, central WI to Chicago more times than I can count, and another WI to AZ trip. All in the Evo.

Here's my advice:

Don't push yourself. It's so easy to say "I can make it another 100 miles to (wherever)" but that last hour or so, you will be so exhausted that you can either fall asleep on the road, or not be alert enough to avoid hazards. I plan for no more than 12 hours of road time a day (within a 16 hour period) that leaves time for gas stops, restroom stops, breakfast and lunch.

SIRIUS RADIO!!!! This by far is the best thing for over the road travelers. I listen to Howard Stern's broadcast, the wrap-up show, then switch to 101 for the stupid associated shows. While you may not like what's being said, it keeps your mind going, and you can eat up the miles. Talk radio is where it's at... Music is too soothing for long trips. Books on tape (CD) are also good. Comedy radio is good, and NPR is good for some of their shows.

Radar detectors are nice... but don't depend on them. They have saved my *** more than 50 times, but I have still been nailed by laser radar 2xs. Go Valentine 1, or nothing.

Tires. Don't waste your money on winter tires. get a good tire with a good treadwear rating, go slow in snow. (I am currently on performance summer tires, and just went through a blizzard in WI, and did just fine) Drive according to the road conditions. Keep them inflated to the proper temperatures, and check the pressures every morning.

Get an alignment, change your oil, and check your fluids. Make sure your spare tire is in good condition and inflated properly. change your oil before and after the trip.

Carry an extra gallon of windshield washer fluid.... you will use it!

Every time you stop for gas, run it through a touchless car wash. It will cost you 5 min, and $7 each stop, but it will keep the bugs from piling on the paint.

When you feel sleepy..... STOP!!! pull to the side of the road, and take a 15 min nap! Dont rely on caffeine. You will have rebound from it, and crash

Make sure your phone is charged.... ALWAYS.

Bring a pillow for your lower back.... a small neck pillow is perfect. The Recaros are very comfortable, but there's not enough lumbar support for long journeys.

 

Thanks for all suggestions guys !

For anyone who lives in cali, how do cops treat cars with out of state plates ?

 

The best advice i got from a cop. "Dont be the biggest a**hole on the road. Everyone is doing something wrong... Just dont be the biggest a**hole at that place at that moment and we will leave you alone"

 

i lived there a couple years (NorCal) with out of state plates. 4 window tint, aftermarket (but not ridiculous) exhaust, with the wing on it. I was not pulled over once in CA.

if you tag it in CA, you are ****ed if you are used to how every normal state works.

 

Huh???




OP doesn't want to divulge his route or when he's traveling.

 

seems as everyone has given you pretty good advice,

Not sure how **** you are about your cars paint... but with my show cars I always buy a roll of Blue painters tape, and cover the front bumper/hood/fender/side of the skirt near the fender and near the back of the rear bumper to prevent all the rocks/bug chips..

Simple, cheap way to prevent your paint from getting messed up on the long journey!

 

If I'm not mistaking you have a month to get your tags switched over to California tags. I don't know what NY charges but you are most likely looking at 200 bucks for the registration and more for the rest of the misc charges.

Hope your engine is stock or you better have the parts to make it look stock or you are screwed as you will have to put up with California emissions which means you have very little leeway as to what you can do.

As far as the Evo making the trip I have made the West to East coast drive in a LOT bigger POS vehicles than the Evo. You should have NO problems as long as your maintenance is up to date. This isn't the 70's where you see dead vehicles on the road every few miles.

 

I took mine from va to colorado in the summer. No snow though, something to be careful of. If you have a good tune you should get 25+ mpg for your trip. Just stay out of boost. Dnt wanna chance any issues at all. Speed up before the hills, knowing they slow you down and will make you waste gas trying to climb them. Extra bit of coolant/oil in case you need to top off (i saw 214 degrees F on my oil temp after driving for hours)

 

Have a safe trip!

 

When I moved to NM, it was 1200 miles of driving that I planned on completing in two days. One of my concerns was the 115 degree heat in the desert because it was summer time.

I got on google maps and plotted the route I would take. I also searched for gas stations for intervals of filling up. Like another post stated, 91 octane isn't available everywhere, especially out in the middle of nowhere. Since I knew the mileage between gas stations from google, I put the address in my Garmin GPS and used that along my route.

One tip from my experience is to keep the gas tank above 1/2 tank. When I was passing through AZ, one of the gas stations was not working due to the heat. I had plenty to get me to the next station on my printed map with gas stations.

The only parts I carried was an oil filter, gasket, 5 quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic oil, and one gallon of Mitsubishi coolant. I didn't need any of it, but I was happy it was with me.

 

radar detector is a good investment for road trips...saved me plenty of times riving from san antonio to atl many times. It's not cop proof , but at least it will keep you alert...

i only drive during the day...wake up at crack of dawn (4, 5am) hit the road until sunset...driving at night tends to be more dangerous as it's easier to doze off at the wheel, your car hits more bugs with headlight on, etc etc. Also as others have mentioned, definitely get your car checked up just to be sure everything is working properly.

good luck! I love road trips. you will get to see a lot of beautiful sceneries. let us know how it goes!

 

Welcome to LA when you get here. I did cross country a couple of times. Getting registered isn't the black manic some think CA is. You will need a cat for a smog check but the CA law is changing on the first so maybe not even that there are lots of out of state plates here but you have a reasonable time to switch over. It just makes you more interesting for police to watch.

LA proper is more **** about it because of the more numerous red light cameras that want to mail you tickets.

Road trips are the best. Don't rush it and take in this likely once in a lifetime ride. If you love to drive your evo then you will love the route. It's a big beautiful country!