Q: Would you take a Z on a trip?

PapoZalsa · 07-05-2010, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogoodname

a road trip like that needs a nose mask or at least a clear bra....dead bugs and paint chips FTL

Or Blue tape painters 3M.

We did around 1300 miles roundtrip to ZdayZ 2010, no problem.

shumby · 07-05-2010, 10:03 PM

I know it is not a Z but i did 2300 miles in 24.5 hrs straight in my G37S and it was not an issue.

casey.strader · 07-05-2010, 10:31 PM

Just a suggestion for those of you wanting to hit the "Tail of the Dragon"...there are a LOT of bikes that hit that area at high speeds, semi-trucks that still pass through (and have to take multiple attempts at the turns), and most importantly the 5-0 in that area are pretty bad.

Try hitting up highway 28...the hellbender...it's just south of the National park and I have found it's even more fun than the Dragon for a couple of reasons:
1) Hardly ever any cops
2) Much less traffic than the Dragon
3) instead of the hairpin turns (usually with semis parked in them), its more continuous "S" turns back-to-back-to-back-to-back, etc...

I have found that this is great for fun, spirited driving. Also google the "Waterfall Byway." This area is a nice drive that could be either relaxing or spirited and has many places you can pull off, swim in some watering holes/springs, and take some pretty dramatic photos.

The "Cherohala Skyway" is also a nice ride. its pretty high up and is one lane each way, next to no cops, and some nice long winding roads on the sides of the mountains with some great scenic overlooks. The 'Foothills PKWY" also runs off of this and is a good time (and a fun way to get from the skyway/dragon back to the north side of the park.

Not to bash on the dragon too much, I just don’t care for tickets and the Dragon is a cop magnet and is overrated IMHO. I was on a sportbike at the time of my last trip (we go every other year from Dayton, Ohio to Gatlinburg, TN) and ride the mountains and twisties surrounding...there are many other fun roads out there without the high visibility of the Dragon.

In any event, there is definitely some great areas to drive around there...enjoy!!

Matt · 07-05-2010, 10:37 PM

I did about 400 miles round trip this weekend, and surprisingly, there was very little bug/dirt acculmulation. When I stopped for gas, I just did a quick wipedown on the front bumper with quik detailer and hit the road again.

mspeasl · 07-05-2010, 10:45 PM

Late last week we returned from yet another road trip vacation. This time it was 4924 miles in the 370. On page 4 of this post is last years post about our trip west. This year we went West to Dodge City, KS then on to Tuscon, AZ (following after Watt Earp). Then north to Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. From there on to Vail and Aspen, CO. Then we drove to Sister Bay, WI before turning south to Central Illinois. So over the last three summer vacations we have spent several weeks and almost 15,000 miles in a "Z". Still do not have any complaints about ride or gas mileage. This year the mileage was better than last at about 28MPG average (car now has 13K where as last year it was brand new). Anyway it was again a great ride............

.

PapoZalsa · 07-05-2010, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casey.strader

Just a suggestion for those of you wanting to hit the "Tail of the Dragon"...there are a LOT of bikes that hit that area at high speeds, semi-trucks that still pass through (and have to take multiple attempts at the turns), and most importantly the 5-0 in that area are pretty bad.

Wasn't aware they completely open the Tail of the Dragon...

LunaZ · 07-06-2010, 09:54 AM

+1 on casey.strader's recommendations.
There are some roads down there that I enjoyed a lot more than 129.

As for debating between the Civic and the Z for a road trip, you're really asking this question? Maybe if it was winter, I'd consider my beater. Or if I absolutely had to take more stuff than I could fit in my Z...

Drive it! It's not like this car is a collectible that's appreciating in value.
As for bugs and stone chips, I keep a spray bottle of quick detailer and a microfiber cloth in the car and de-bug the front at the end of my day. If I was on a buggy road trip, I might do it every fuel stop. I figure when I get an unacceptable amount of paint damage on the nose, I'll just get it repainted.

I'll be driving from Harrisburg, PA to Raleigh, NC this weekend. About 6hrs driving time, and I'm gonna enjoy every minute of it!

cajunz · 07-06-2010, 10:37 AM

Just got back from a 2700 mile trip over the 4th and left the 370 parked in the garage. Ended up taking the Accord because I've gotten to where I just can't stand the seats in the Z. I guess its either new aftermarket seats that are more comfortable or the 370 is going down the road. Any suggestions for new seats from those who've changed out their stock seats?

Nitex · 07-06-2010, 11:25 AM

Month ago or so i drove from my apartment in San Antonio Texas, to my house in Seattle WA.. Roughly 2500miles. I purposely didnt tape/bra my car. I needed an excuse for a new front fascia!

nolan1016 · 07-06-2010, 12:20 PM

I drove from Houston Texas to Naples Florida about 1 1/2 months ago. My back felt so horrible when it was all done with. I'm almost 20, so its not like I have a bad back its just the seats are not meant for long journeys.

mnms370Z · 07-06-2010, 01:07 PM

Well I posted about my trip to Alabama and back and the next day I drive my car on a ten minute road trip and a rock popped up and chipped the nose on the hood. Man that stinks but I guess that is what you get when you drive these days. Dang it!

Matt · 07-06-2010, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolan1016

I drove from Houston Texas to Naples Florida about 1 1/2 months ago. My back felt so horrible when it was all done with. I'm almost 20, so its not like I have a bad back its just the seats are not meant for long journeys.

Weird. I was medically discharged from the military because of a back injury, and I can drive in the Z's seats just fine for 8+ hours.

nolan1016 · 07-06-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

Weird. I was medically discharged from the military because of a back injury, and I can drive in the Z's seats just fine for 8+ hours.

Now I feel like a baby. Hah I really don't know man, it did not feel very good but I have always had some lower back pain from football in highschool, but it hasn't flaired up in a while.

mspeasl · 07-06-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolan1016

I drove from Houston Texas to Naples Florida about 1 1/2 months ago. My back felt so horrible when it was all done with. I'm almost 20, so its not like I have a bad back its just the seats are not meant for long journeys.

Like I said in an earlier post about all of the miles driven by my wife and I. I have a very bad back problem and go the "Back Breaker" once a month. But the 'Z' doesn't seem to bother it at all and I will be 68 in November.........?

Matt · 07-06-2010, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspeasl

Like I said in an earlier post about all of the miles driven by my wife and I. I have a very bad back problem and go the "Back Breaker" once a month. But the 'Z' doesn't seem to bother it at all and I will be 68 in November.........?

Driving position, seat position, and other factors may contribute to the comfort level as well.

07-05-2010, 10:03 PM	#62 (permalink)
shumby Captin Canuck Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: with your mom Age: 44 Posts: 6,288 Drives: your sister Rep Power: 237	I know it is not a Z but i did 2300 miles in 24.5 hrs straight in my G37S and it was not an issue. __________________ Originally Posted by SAM@GTM Engine detonation is not normal and it should never never happen, and whoever told that need to do something else for living . Sam

07-05-2010, 10:37 PM	#64 (permalink)
Matt A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Augusta, GA Age: 41 Posts: 1,680 Drives: 2010 Avalanche LT Rep Power: 19	I did about 400 miles round trip this weekend, and surprisingly, there was very little bug/dirt acculmulation. When I stopped for gas, I just did a quick wipedown on the front bumper with quik detailer and hit the road again. __________________ "Any man who can drive a 370z while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the Z the attention it deserves." Albert Einstein....modified.

07-05-2010, 10:45 PM	#65 (permalink)
mspeasl Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Decatur, IL Posts: 367 Drives: Red M6 Sport/Touring Rep Power: 268	4900+ miles last 2 weeks Late last week we returned from yet another road trip vacation. This time it was 4924 miles in the 370. On page 4 of this post is last years post about our trip west. This year we went West to Dodge City, KS then on to Tuscon, AZ (following after Watt Earp). Then north to Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. From there on to Vail and Aspen, CO. Then we drove to Sister Bay, WI before turning south to Central Illinois. So over the last three summer vacations we have spent several weeks and almost 15,000 miles in a "Z". Still do not have any complaints about ride or gas mileage. This year the mileage was better than last at about 28MPG average (car now has 13K where as last year it was brand new). Anyway it was again a great ride............ . __________________ Mspeasl - Central Illinois 2009 - Solid Red, M6 '370' Sport/Touring (Delivered 7 April 09)

07-06-2010, 09:54 AM	#67 (permalink)
LunaZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vagabond Posts: 6,704 Drives: Project: a white one Rep Power: 512	+1 on casey.strader's recommendations. There are some roads down there that I enjoyed a lot more than 129. As for debating between the Civic and the Z for a road trip, you're really asking this question? Maybe if it was winter, I'd consider my beater. Or if I absolutely had to take more stuff than I could fit in my Z... Drive it! It's not like this car is a collectible that's appreciating in value. As for bugs and stone chips, I keep a spray bottle of quick detailer and a microfiber cloth in the car and de-bug the front at the end of my day. If I was on a buggy road trip, I might do it every fuel stop. I figure when I get an unacceptable amount of paint damage on the nose, I'll just get it repainted. I'll be driving from Harrisburg, PA to Raleigh, NC this weekend. About 6hrs driving time, and I'm gonna enjoy every minute of it! __________________ 2009 370Z Sport/Touring/Navigation \| see my journal for mods facebook: Be my friend... or not.

07-06-2010, 11:25 AM	#69 (permalink)
Nitex Track Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Seattle Posts: 848 Drives: '13 GTI Stage 2 UNI Rep Power: 16	Month ago or so i drove from my apartment in San Antonio Texas, to my house in Seattle WA.. Roughly 2500miles. I purposely didnt tape/bra my car. I needed an excuse for a new front fascia! __________________ 2013 Drivers ED GTI \| Stage 2 Unitronic

07-05-2010, 10:31 PM	#63 (permalink)
casey.strader Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 23 Drives: 40th Z (M6)+ Mazda 6 Rep Power: 15	Just a suggestion for those of you wanting to hit the "Tail of the Dragon"...there are a LOT of bikes that hit that area at high speeds, semi-trucks that still pass through (and have to take multiple attempts at the turns), and most importantly the 5-0 in that area are pretty bad. Try hitting up highway 28...the hellbender...it's just south of the National park and I have found it's even more fun than the Dragon for a couple of reasons: 1) Hardly ever any cops 2) Much less traffic than the Dragon 3) instead of the hairpin turns (usually with semis parked in them), its more continuous "S" turns back-to-back-to-back-to-back, etc... I have found that this is great for fun, spirited driving. Also google the "Waterfall Byway." This area is a nice drive that could be either relaxing or spirited and has many places you can pull off, swim in some watering holes/springs, and take some pretty dramatic photos. The "Cherohala Skyway" is also a nice ride. its pretty high up and is one lane each way, next to no cops, and some nice long winding roads on the sides of the mountains with some great scenic overlooks. The 'Foothills PKWY" also runs off of this and is a good time (and a fun way to get from the skyway/dragon back to the north side of the park. Not to bash on the dragon too much, I just don’t care for tickets and the Dragon is a cop magnet and is overrated IMHO. I was on a sportbike at the time of my last trip (we go every other year from Dayton, Ohio to Gatlinburg, TN) and ride the mountains and twisties surrounding...there are many other fun roads out there without the high visibility of the Dragon. In any event, there is definitely some great areas to drive around there...enjoy!!

07-06-2010, 10:37 AM	#68 (permalink)
cajunz Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Vernal, Ut Posts: 92 Drives: '09 370Z MB 6MT Rep Power: 16	Just got back from a 2700 mile trip over the 4th and left the 370 parked in the garage. Ended up taking the Accord because I've gotten to where I just can't stand the seats in the Z. I guess its either new aftermarket seats that are more comfortable or the 370 is going down the road. Any suggestions for new seats from those who've changed out their stock seats?

07-06-2010, 12:20 PM	#70 (permalink)
nolan1016 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Lubbock Posts: 214 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z A6 Rep Power: 15	I drove from Houston Texas to Naples Florida about 1 1/2 months ago. My back felt so horrible when it was all done with. I'm almost 20, so its not like I have a bad back its just the seats are not meant for long journeys. Last edited by nolan1016; 07-06-2010 at 01:19 PM.

07-06-2010, 01:07 PM	#71 (permalink)
mnms370Z Base Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Milford New Hampshire Posts: 21 Drives: White 370Z Tour/Sprt Rep Power: 16	Curse? Well I posted about my trip to Alabama and back and the next day I drive my car on a ten minute road trip and a rock popped up and chipped the nose on the hood. Man that stinks but I guess that is what you get when you drive these days. Dang it!

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