Taking NSX on a 15k mile trip...need suggestions.

[Meeyatch1]

Yes, you read that right. I am in the planning stages for taking my NSX on a trip that I estimate to be about 15,000 miles. It has long been a dream of mine to drive the entire border of the United States of America. I know it sounds really crazy, but I do not think it has ever been done before.

The plan is to start in Detroit, Michigan (since I live in Indiana this is a close border point) and drive the entire perimiter of the country, documenting the trip with pictures, impressions from the road, and reports of the reliability of the NSX.

Here is where I need some insight:

1.) When would be the best month to do this? (I am concerned about snow and ice in Northern areas.)

2.) What kind of preparation would I need to do to the car to complete this? (I will take my '94 NSX w/ 71,300 miles)

3.) What pitfalls (other than luggage space) will I encounter taking the NSX on a journey this long? (Advice from people who have driven theirs across country would be helpful.)

4.) What would be the odds of getting some sponsorship from Honda / Acura, or even a dealership, with something like this?

I am also considering contacting some of the major car magazines and seeing if they would allow me to write a feature article on the trip. This has to be more unique than most stories they write, and if it does not drip with automotive car guy craziness I do not know what does.

Okay, well if anyone has ideas about who to contact for any of this, or if you can help answer these questions, please feel free to let me know. Also, if you happen to live near the borders of the U.S.A. and would like to accomodate an NSXer on the road, that would be extremely appreciated. Thanks for your help....see you on the road.

 

[Zishan]

Off the top of my head, I would suggest joining AAA just in case. Other than that, why are you doing this? Sounds like fun though!
Good Luck
- Z

 

[Meeyatch1]

Off the top of my head, I would suggest joining AAA just in case. Other than that, why are you doing this? Sounds like fun though!
Good Luck
- Z

Why am I doing this? Because I can. I mean that in all seriousness. Life is too short, and I plan to make my life special. Carpe Diem is my belief. I cannot think of a reason not to do it, can you?

 

[Zishan]

Why am I doing this? Because I can. I mean that in all seriousness. Life is too short, and I plan to make my life special. Carpe Diem is my belief. I cannot think of a reason not to do it, can you?

Not one that I can think of. I was simply curious. Sounds like fun and I wish you the best. Can't wait to see pictures and hear about your journey.
- Z


And yes, I agree with you 110% that life is too too short and sweet. I was again reminded of that today as I'm just returning from a funeral.

 

[MJK]

Great Idea!

I vote for september. I'd make sure I had all the fluids changed, maintenance done new tires, brake pads, filters etc. Call me over-cautious.

Be sure and take some pics of the car too (nice color combo btw)

 

[Meeyatch1]

Not one that I can think of. I was simply curious. Sounds like fun and I wish you the best. Can't wait to see pictures and hear about your journey.
- Z

And yes, I agree with you 110% that life is too too short and sweet. I was again reminded of that today as I'm just returning from a funeral.

I am very sorry for your loss....that frailness of life is the exact reason to live the most that you can, and for a trip like this.

 

[MJK]

Oh yea, scope out some good maintenance places along the way for oil changes / just in case!

 

[Meeyatch1]

Great Idea!

I vote for september. I'd make sure I had all the fluids changed, maintenance done new tires, brake pads, filters etc. Call me over-cautious.

Be sure and take some pics of the car too (nice color combo btw)

Thanks...I was thinking the same thing, and will take extra parts along (oil filters, oil, brake pads, etc.) just in case.

Looks like you have the same car as I do. My '94 white/black is #176, what about you?

 

[MJK]

Same exact thing - #161.

Let me know when you are going to be close to me? New Orleans is about 6 hours and sounds like a great weekend trip to me!

 

[Meeyatch1]

Same exact thing - #161.

Let me know when you are going to be close to me? New Orleans is about 6 hours and sounds like a great weekend trip to me!

Cool...will do. Where in Tennessee are you? I was down there with my '91 NSX (black/ivory) a few years ago on a road trip that took me through there, and then into the Cherokee National Forest, and the Smoky Montains...great trip, and beautiful state.

 

[MJK]

Right now I am in Jackson - between Nashville and Memphis (aka BFE). Its alright, but I much prefer the Eastern half of the state. I lived in Knoxville for 6 years, and that is probably my favorite place in TN. You can't beat the Smokies in the Fall.

 

[Carguy!]

I am about 40 miles north of Detroit if you want to spend a night or two we have a spare bedroom.

 

[PHOEN$X]

Wow, what a bold undertaking! Wish I could tag along!

Some questions. How long do you anticipate the trip to take? Are you going to take your time, or try to get it done within a specific timeframe? Will you have a passenger, or try to go it alone?

As far as preparations go, I would put a bra on the car, and make arrangements for new tires if/where you think you'll need them. Bring an accurate tire gauge, and a GPS navigation unit if you don't have one already. Get a Valentine, and check your route against the Speedtrap registry. Also, a wireless laptop if possible, so you can upload pics and provide updates at hot spots along the way. Finally, take LOTS of pics.

Sounds like an awesome idea for a trip. I would love to do it someday! Let me know if you'll be coming near Phoenix.

 

[RP-Motorsports]

I am sure many of us here would meet up with you as you come through our states!

Also I agree on the laptop and the pic uploading idea.

Wingate Inns and Hilton Garden Inns are both national, and offer free high speed internet in the rooms.

I agree with Sept. Great colors, cooler days for more comfortable travel.

Good luck!

 

[DocL]

As for a good time to do the trip, I'd say June-August is the optimal time. You can even make an agenda to see a baseball game in every major city that you travel through. I had a few friends that many years ago set out on a trip to see a baseball game in every stadium in the league. Fun idea if you have nothing else to do.

When you're in S. Florida make sure to notify us also.

 

[Lazarus]

Didn't the guys at Car and Driver do this annually some years back, the One Lap Of America or something? I've always wanted to do this too, tour the US starting from Seattle. But I never imagined doing it, or that it could be done, in an NSX. Where are you going to put all your stuff? Anyway, I hope you can overcome the logistics and the shortcomings in storage space. Best of luck!

P.S. If you happen to veer off I-5 and wind up crossing the Pacific, do look us up in Hong Kong, ok?

 

[Brian2by2]

15,000 miles on stock rims: you should probably go through a set or two...so make sure to carry enough $$

Sponsorship is a great idea too.

I do think this has been done before..........on foot. I think someone has biked or walked around the perimter of the US before. Took him like 3 years or something if I remember correctly. I may be wrong though...damn discovery channel

 

[Lazarus]

Run Forrest Run!

 

[dlongo]

Even if the major car magazines aren't interested, I'm sure it would be a great story for NSX Driver. Good Luck and keep us posted. You will probably be passing right by me on I-95 in CT.

 

[nsxtasy]

Just out of curiosity - what do you mean by "driving the border"?

For example - in North Carolina, does this mean that you would be driving down I-95? Or that you would be driving every single road along the shore of the Outer Banks, even where they don't necessarily connect with each other?

 

[Lazarus]

He probably meant perimeter.

In fact, he did!

"....and drive the entire perimiter of the country...."

 

[DanO]

Brainstorming…

Lots of music, mp3 player, books on tape. Wireless Internet connection so you can keep a weblog. GPS w/ mapping software on your laptop. Some sort of system that keeps your electronic gadgets (video camera, cell phone, laptop, GPS, etc…) held in place (for those fun corners) and easily accessible. Valentine 1.

When going x-country, I usually try to keep the driving time no more than 9 hours per day with 11 hours max. It’s nice to schedule in some physical exercise in to keep the legs from atrophying—a nice brisk walk or short jog w/ some pushups and some stretching usually does the trick. Keep a written journal of your experiences and your thoughts. Plan your trip but don’t be tied to your GPS and schedule. Coming back from NSXPO ’99 I got board driving through Wyoming and could see the Rockies off to my right so I switched off the GPS and took the next right and ended up a few hours later driving some beautiful deserted mountain roads.

Tools
Multi-screwdriver, nylon ties, duct tape, pliers, 10,12,14,17mm sockets and wrenches. If you takes this stuff you won’t need it.

Supplies
Quarters for the DIY car washes, qt. of oil., octane booster, Service Manual, sponge, chamois, rain-x, window cleaner, polish, wax, rags

Maybe schedule a service at Mark Basch’s shop. I’d consult the NSX traveling enthusiasts list and maybe plan your route using some of us on that list as opposed to motels. Some of us Detroit area guys may be interested in caravanning w/ you for 300 miles or so if you’re going north.

If you need a V1, GPS and/or mapping software for you laptop, you are more than welcome to borrow mine. You can pick them up on your way to Detroit <g>.

Have fun!

DanO

 

[JOPRIMO]

Did he say how long it will take yet?

Also, when he gets into Calif.... lets arrange an NSX "escort" for him up the coast or something...you know the guys in Diego follow him up to OC then we take him up through malibu then another team up farther...that would be fun.

Unless he plans to stop and visit for days at a time.

 

[yo]

Here are a couple of my thoughts:

1) travel during the summer, it had snowed in many of the nothern states this year by mid september.
2) travel during the summer, the NSX is much better in hot weather than cold
3) travel during the summer, you might be able to catch early fall and see some amazing color changes throught the US, how cool!
4) buy and use some long distance tires. you will loose some performance, but most of the drive will be highway miles anyway
5) buy an MP3 changer and replace the existing one. 1200+ songs will last a long time before changing.
6) take a companion. You didn't mention if you were traveling alone
7) take a dual-band cel phone. I would ensure I had a way to reach someone when driving in remote places that will not have digital cell service.
8) take more than one camera. cameras tend to break when packed/unpacked dozens of times, especially when space is tight.

 

[Meeyatch1]

Some questions. How long do you anticipate the trip to take? Are you going to take your time, or try to get it done within a specific timeframe? Will you have a passenger, or try to go it alone?

I anticipate it will at least take me a month to do. I plan to do the trip alone, as it will allow me to do the trip the way I always wanted to do it...one guy, his car, and the open road.

The car is equipped with a Vanentine 1 already, and I need to order the OEM bra still. I plan on stopping in to Phoenix along the trip, so see you then.