Hey All.....new to this forum, actually new to the world of Chevelles......
Not sure where to post his question, but here goes.....
I just bought a 66 Chevelle...283 2v w/rebuilt powerglide....149k with the original engine that appears to have never been tore down.....starts right up and runs very nice as is (even peppy).......I'd like to think it was always well maintained, still has all the original stuff under the hood (stock air cleaner, carb, manifolds)...never been hot rodded, just a daily driver......
I want to drive this car from Oregon to NY near the end of August.....is this asking too much out of this engine?....I've read the mixed opinion threads about lead additive or not (I figure, why not add it).......the rest of the car seems just fine, I'm worried about 2700 miles on the motor, even though I'm not in a hurry and will prob. take a week to do the trip.........I'm already doing all the PM stuff.....hoses, belt, oil/filter change, fluids......etc......
Whaddaya Think???

Sound fine. Anything can go wrong in a motor but if all is fine now you can only hpoe it stays the same. Replace the things you mentioned and the motor will do fine.

yeah, Id take it...just carrie a few spairs like coil and maybe a set of points(you said it was stock right?) Thats the beauty of old cars...most anything under the hood that would stop ya, can be fixed on the side of the road in an emergency. Id trust mine...in fact, someday will be moving to south cal. and will be driving my 71 there. Id just worrie about basics (belts/hoses n' such)

I'd try it, BUT I'd make sure I had good tow in coverage.

It wouldnt hurt to at least give the engine a really good inspection. Especially for leaks. Anything that looks like its leaking could cause problems, especially in the middle of no where. Even the small leaks can leave you stranded when they get worse. And its always somewhere inconvienent.

Make sure you check your tires/pull the wheels and check the brakes for a trip like this. Make sure the oil and filter is changed. Change antifreeze and thermostat-50/50 antifreeze-fan belts-hoses. Drive it 60-70 mph and enjoy your trip.

spare belts
oil
trans fluid
TOOLS
have a blast

149k or 152k, it'll never know the difference. Well, it may notice when you go over the Rockies......

As far as the engine goes, I'd say that it's just barely broken in :) Seems like you're already changing most of the parts that can go bad from old age, but I would also take a look at the brakes, especially if you have 4-wheel drums. Going down a steep hill with fading drum brakes is no fun at all...

A small trolley jack like from Harbor Freight or Pep Boys. Can't fix nothing with a bumper or bottle jack.

Get a AAA card

http://ww2.aaa.com/AAA_Travel/Auto/automotive_services.htm

i would pack the wheel bearings.
david

Do you have lots of money or a credit card with a large credit line? Thats the first thing Id have available for a cross country trip with a 40 year old car I just bought.
Second thing would be a laptop with an air card for internet access to access this sight in case of problems.
Third thing is phone #s for people all accross the country who can assist you in case of problems.
Fourth thing is AAA.
Fifth thing is making sure I dont definatelly,positivelly have to be back on a certain date,in case things go askew.
And lastely Id take it to a really reputable good Mechanic and have the car completely checked out before I left. This wont garunty no problems,but its better than just rolling the dice and leaving.

Oh,and if the car doesnt have A/C I wouldnt go to TX. NM. AZ. or the SOCAL dessert till after Aug.
But then to, Im a woose:D

... woose

Is that a moose without antlers? :D

Is that a moose without antlers? :D Its someone who lives in the AZ. desert and wont drive their velle cause its to hot and the A/C dont work:waving:

A small trolley jack like from Harbor Freight or Pep Boys. Can't fix nothing with a bumper or bottle jack.

Very good idea. Or, if there's room for it, you can invest in a lightweight aluminum jack. Then you can use it in the garage as well. Got a Craftsman a while ago, and I love it.:thumbsup:

WOW....great response!.....good ideas, too. I like the Harbor freight floor jack idea......
I have to install a new radiator, so I'm putting in all new hoses and antifreeze....the brakes are new all around with new wheel cyl's and master cyl.....there are no real drips, but of course I'll be keeping tabs on the fluids I can check at stops...I'm going to get 2 new front tires, so I'll do that at a shop that does alignments and have then look at the front end just in case.....I have AAA and 2 cellphones.....I'm not in a big hurry, but I'm thinking if something really goes wrong, then I'll get that Uhaul truck and trailer and finish the trip........
Many Thanx for the great response!!

We had a 66 283 last over 260,000 miles. Other than it's appetite for oil, and the body it was in, it could have gone many, many more...

I'd recommend a CB radio cause there are going to plenty of places that a cell phone won't work. Plan out an interesting route and allow yourself some extra time to see some of the landmarks.

I was going to do that a couple of years ago with the Chevelle, but I couldn't talk anyone into it, including the wife. Most people don't like sitting in the car for hours on end anymore. I thought it would be cool to drive the northern route out, and take the southern route back. I installed an ARA aftermarket AC back in 1975 (system rebuilt by me in 2000), so keeping cool is no problem (34 degrees from the evaporator!). The ATK long block has over 200,000 miles on it, but still runs good and strong. I carry a trolley jack and a small set of tools anyway as a matter of course, as John recommended as well as extra coolant. Insect your bearings, repack them, change ALL belts and hoses, change your thermostat and all filters and DRIVE! You can always get the oil changed again along the way. Maybe next year I'll make the trip as well! The Chevelle would look cool driving across the Golden Gate! :thumbsup: