View Full Version : From NY to Florida


MazdaEight
07-23-2009, 11:04 AM
Ok, so I'm moving to Florida in about a month. I was just wondering, is there anything I should do to prepare my 8 for the trip and temp. change?

MICHGoBlue
07-23-2009, 11:55 AM
Have a shop do a AC check up, in FL, air conditioning is not a luxury, it's a necessity, can't afford to have it not working.

Other than that, can't think of anything else besides changing to 5w30 or heavier oil if you're using 5w20.

adamwzl
07-23-2009, 12:39 PM
when was the last time you changed sparks and coils?? That could be a possible thing to do.

04RX8man
07-23-2009, 12:52 PM
I also recommend changgine the oil to something heavier. when I was living in florida I was using 10w30 in the summer and 5w30 in the "winter" haha.....where abouts in FL ru moving to?

Jasonawojo
07-23-2009, 01:09 PM
I use 5w20 in FL, RP though. But anyhow, yeah check plugs/coil as any sluggishness from them having issues will probably present itself.

Otherwise, if your regular maintenance is up to date and ac is working fine, bring a spare quart of oil and you should be good.

RotaryDuke
07-23-2009, 01:57 PM
Why would one use 5w30 instead of 5w20 in a hotter climate? Someone mind explaining how that stuff works? Thx.

MazdaEight
07-23-2009, 02:47 PM
Aghh...I just did an oil change 2 days ago with 5w20, so switching to 5w30 isn't gonna happen right now. I know the plugs and coils are fairly new. AC is good. Um, what about getting the oil cooler fan mod? And I will be moving to Land O Lakes near the Tampa area.

Cattywampus
07-23-2009, 02:51 PM
Aghh...I just did an oil change 2 days ago with 5w20, so switching to 5w30 isn't gonna happen right now. I know the plugs and coils are fairly new. AC is good. Um, what about getting the oil cooler fan mod? And I will be moving to Land O Lakes near the Tampa area.

Sweet. You will be in my area. Enjoy your trip

ken-x8
07-23-2009, 02:54 PM
Since you're on top of maintenance, you really shouldn't have to do anything. Just check fluids, tire pressures, emergency flat kit (or cell phone), etc. before you hit the road.

Once you're settled in, go to 5w30 on your regular oil changes.

Don't forget to stop at Pedro's when you get to South Carolina.

Ken

MazdaEight
07-23-2009, 03:05 PM
Alright, thanks for the replies. I will have to meet up with everyone in the area when I get there. Ken-x8...what and where is Pedro's?

ken-x8
07-23-2009, 03:34 PM
Alright, thanks for the replies. I will have to meet up with everyone in the area when I get there. Ken-x8...what and where is Pedro's?

If you go down I-95, you'll find out soon enough. :jump:

We'll expect a billboard count.

Ken

MazdaEight
07-23-2009, 03:51 PM
Lol ...ok but if your talking about a South of the Border place there is no way your getting a billboard count.

Razz1
07-23-2009, 03:53 PM
Gee why do people ask silly questions? The car is relable just like any other vehicle.

If you want ot know about preparing for any road trip that is different.

Make sure you know how to change a tire if you have one. If no buy an extra can of that goop. You are going to need it if you get a flat.

Check your water level and inspect the tires.

MazdaEight
07-23-2009, 04:03 PM
^^ If your talking about me creating this thread then it isn't silly. My car isn't use to 100+ degree weather. And if this car is just like every other vehicle, then why is it so easy to flood, and need its oil checked so frequent, and need a good redline every so often? Amongst other things why does it have a rotary engine?

ken-x8
07-23-2009, 04:23 PM
...then why is it so easy to flood, and need its oil checked so frequent, and need a good redline every so often? Amongst other things why does it have a rotary engine?

Pedro would know. :)

Yes - I was talking about South of the Border. And we did successfully count the billboards one time. But it was on a family vacation with my wife and daughter. Two of us spotted and the third kept a written tally.

Ken

mysql101
07-23-2009, 04:30 PM
And I will be moving to Land O Lakes near the Tampa area.

We will be neighbors.

I use a 40 or 50 weight oil.

AC is optional. If you sweat, drive faster and you'll cool down. :)

04RX8man
07-23-2009, 04:46 PM
that's the best part of driving down 95 is couting billboards haha!.....

DarkLord7854
07-23-2009, 06:02 PM
Aghh...I just did an oil change 2 days ago with 5w20, so switching to 5w30 isn't gonna happen right now. I know the plugs and coils are fairly new. AC is good. Um, what about getting the oil cooler fan mod? And I will be moving to Land O Lakes near the Tampa area.


You'll be fine unless you plan to drive really really really hard.

If your coolant light comes on though, flip the A/C off for a little while.

MazdaEight
07-23-2009, 07:10 PM
We will be neighbors.

I use a 40 or 50 weight oil.

AC is optional. If you sweat, drive faster and you'll cool down. :)

Nice...so I can count on getting a ride in your turbo'd 8?? :yesnod:

PaPaBear
07-24-2009, 07:42 AM
Aghh...I just did an oil change 2 days ago with 5w20, so switching to 5w30 isn't gonna happen right now. I know the plugs and coils are fairly new. AC is good. Um, what about getting the oil cooler fan mod? And I will be moving to Land O Lakes near the Tampa area.

Land O Lakes! I lived there for ten years before moving to Miami. Beautiful area. Built a house on Lake Saxon (Lake Padgett Estate). Really miss the fishing, water skiing and natural beauty of the area. There is an abandoned airport north on Hwy 41 that I think is used for autox. South Florida sucks except for the Keys.
Good luck.

MazdaEight
07-24-2009, 11:27 AM
^^ Thats sweet. I was hoping there were some autox or tracks, so I could take the car and see whats it's got without braking the law.

911SC
07-24-2009, 03:57 PM
You going to Florida? Buy it a bikini.

Cattywampus
07-24-2009, 05:05 PM
Land O Lakes! I lived there for ten years before moving to Miami. Beautiful area. Built a house on Lake Saxon (Lake Padgett Estate). Really miss the fishing, water skiing and natural beauty of the area. There is an abandoned airport north on Hwy 41 that I think is used for autox. South Florida sucks except for the Keys.
Good luck.
A corvette club is using that field now. It's a sweet road course with nice guys too. I patrol Lake Saxon. Nice area and very quiet.

XAreXAteX
07-24-2009, 05:14 PM
This summer I've done the Atlanta to Jacksonville drive a few times. Six hours about 400 miles each way. I've had zero problems. About to take it to Panama F.L. next week which will be another few hundred miles. I'm probably should knock on wood but I've done fine. 8's love the highway miles.

Make sure your oil change is current. Check tire pressure/fluids. Enjoy the drive.

shinka911
07-24-2009, 05:37 PM
you better come to some of our tampa meets

PaPaBear
07-27-2009, 08:09 AM
A corvette club is using that field now. It's a sweet road course with nice guys too. I patrol Lake Saxon. Nice area and very quiet.

Is the Bass fishing still great in Padgett, Saxon? Pulled many large mouth out of Padgett and even caught a baby gator once.

Transam kid 01
07-27-2009, 08:13 AM
Blue tap the whole front of your car like that Audi guy did so you don't get rock chips

Transam kid 01
07-27-2009, 08:15 AM
Or get a bra....IIRC, topgear8 is selling one for pretty cheap

mysql101
07-27-2009, 08:22 AM
Nice...so I can count on getting a ride in your turbo'd 8?? :yesnod:

No, you can't. I removed the turbo earlier this year. Police34 now carries the torch :)

nycgps
07-27-2009, 10:09 AM
check A/C, make sure it has the right charges. shouldn't be hard.

then just change your oil to some heavier ones.

have a nice trip,

MazdaEight
07-27-2009, 10:51 AM
Blue tap the whole front of your car like that Audi guy did so you don't get rock chips

Too late for bumper as far as chips go.

No, you can't. I removed the turbo earlier this year. Police34 now carries the torch :)

Nooooo. ....lol still looking forward to meeting up with you and the others in the area.

you better come to some of our tampa meets

Will do.

check A/C, make sure it has the right charges. shouldn't be hard.

then just change your oil to some heavier ones.

have a nice trip,

Thanks.

Cattywampus
07-27-2009, 11:20 AM
Is the Bass fishing still great in Padgett, Saxon? Pulled many large mouth out of Padgett and even caught a baby gator once.

Cant say for sure. But I do know it's a hot spot for some great fishing. Never had the chance to see any get pulled from the water but if that lake is not filled with boats anyday of the week you can bet there is something wrong.

Cattywampus
07-27-2009, 11:23 AM
No, you can't. I removed the turbo earlier this year. Police34 now carries the torch :)

Ill be by this week sometime to check out the new CCs.