What are your thoughts on a road trip
-
mark a. chew
- SSE Member

- Posts: 101
- Joined: Sat Oct 20, 2012 7:06 pm
- Year and Trim: 2004 Bonneville GXP
2008 Grand Prix GXP - Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
What are your thoughts on a road trip
So here is the story, would love to have input... My '04 GXP is approaching 155,000 miles and I plan to travel to Myrtle Beach, or
Clearwater. I figure 14 hours from Indianapolis to Florida and 12 to South Carolina,
I replaced the front brakes and have new tires new plugs and air filter, I would replace the belt tensioners on both sides along with new belts.
Is it not realistic to take the car on that long of trip with the miles on it? the air works great, and my alternator is about a year old bought it
from NAPA, I want to drive it because ' getting there is half the fun', IF we had trouble I wouldn't want to my gf to say we should've drove
her car or my Sierra I know there are a lot of 'Unknowns' and anything can happen, but hoped for input here, anything else I should consider
if I take on a trip that far?
Clearwater. I figure 14 hours from Indianapolis to Florida and 12 to South Carolina,
I replaced the front brakes and have new tires new plugs and air filter, I would replace the belt tensioners on both sides along with new belts.
Is it not realistic to take the car on that long of trip with the miles on it? the air works great, and my alternator is about a year old bought it
from NAPA, I want to drive it because ' getting there is half the fun', IF we had trouble I wouldn't want to my gf to say we should've drove
her car or my Sierra I know there are a lot of 'Unknowns' and anything can happen, but hoped for input here, anything else I should consider
if I take on a trip that far?
- CMNTMXR57
- Certified Bonneville Nut

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Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip
I wouldn't hesitate to take it.

Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*
Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ
Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2011 Camaro SS
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD: Victory Red - 8.1L Big Block and Allison
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... RIP
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - RIP
- redfury
- Posts like an LN3

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Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip
The only thing I would want to check is the condition of the battery.
A temporary fix does not exist. It becomes a solution until it needs to be fixed again.

https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipO ... SiIKeTzuHy
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipO ... SiIKeTzuHy
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mark a. chew
- SSE Member

- Posts: 101
- Joined: Sat Oct 20, 2012 7:06 pm
- Year and Trim: 2004 Bonneville GXP
2008 Grand Prix GXP - Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip
Hey Thanks Lane! I think I will take it, after all I want to enjoy the drive there, and her Toyota just won't cut it. plus my
Bonneville has more room. I think we all know how a woman packs for a trip! Ha
I am going to finish the belt replacement and change the oil right before we leave.
I just love how this car drives. Ok that is a good idea, I will check the battery I believe what's in it is two or three years old.
Thanks for the advice and your inputs.
Bonneville has more room. I think we all know how a woman packs for a trip! Ha
I am going to finish the belt replacement and change the oil right before we leave.
I just love how this car drives. Ok that is a good idea, I will check the battery I believe what's in it is two or three years old.
Thanks for the advice and your inputs.
- CMNTMXR57
- Certified Bonneville Nut

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Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip
Oh gawd yes....
I swear I could go across the world with a carry-on for a month. She needs a truck with a trailer.

Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*
Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ
Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2011 Camaro SS
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD: Victory Red - 8.1L Big Block and Allison
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... RIP
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - RIP
-
mark a. chew
- SSE Member

- Posts: 101
- Joined: Sat Oct 20, 2012 7:06 pm
- Year and Trim: 2004 Bonneville GXP
2008 Grand Prix GXP - Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip
You know I kinda laugh at the amount she packs but when I wanted or needed something, she has it. Lol
- Kersh
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2005 Bonneville GXP *Sold* - Location: Canton, Ohio
Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip
It sounds like you've obviously kept on top of any issues you've seen as well as the regular maintenance issues.
DRIVE IT!!
DRIVE IT!!
2006 Saab 9-7x 5.3i
2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP / 4.6L Northstar *Sold*
2001 Olds Aurora 4.0 w/GXP Exhaust and High-flow cat (OSV Wannabe) *Sold*
2001 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi, 3.4" MPS, Intense Tune, SD headers, high-flow Cat, GXP exhaust, Modified Air Intake, 180* thermostat, GXP: 18" GXP wheels w/255/45/18 tires, CF Trim, Brakes and Strut Tower Brace. SOON TO HAVE: GXP Swaybars.
1972 Olds Cutlass Convertible / 461ci Olds / TH400 / 3.08 Posi. 13.62 @ 99.7 MPH......Got torque?
Yes, I seem to be drawn to GM's orphaned cars......
2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP / 4.6L Northstar *Sold*
2001 Olds Aurora 4.0 w/GXP Exhaust and High-flow cat (OSV Wannabe) *Sold*
2001 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi, 3.4" MPS, Intense Tune, SD headers, high-flow Cat, GXP exhaust, Modified Air Intake, 180* thermostat, GXP: 18" GXP wheels w/255/45/18 tires, CF Trim, Brakes and Strut Tower Brace. SOON TO HAVE: GXP Swaybars.
1972 Olds Cutlass Convertible / 461ci Olds / TH400 / 3.08 Posi. 13.62 @ 99.7 MPH......Got torque?
Yes, I seem to be drawn to GM's orphaned cars......
- nos4blood70
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Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip
Do it! Cruising miles are easy on the car.
If you're an anxious person like I am... You can make your own old-car-side-of-the-road survival kit! Obviously, I have an L36 car but many things can still apply.
For road trips, I put my tool kit and my milk crate full of spare things into my trunk. Trans fluid, oil, brake fluid, and coolant! I also have a full set of coils, ignition control module, alternator, MAF sensor, coolant elbows, thermostat, jumper cables, fuses, and a few other misc things in there. Barring some catastrophic failure or bad luck, I can cover my ass on most mishaps. Haha!
If you're an anxious person like I am... You can make your own old-car-side-of-the-road survival kit! Obviously, I have an L36 car but many things can still apply.
For road trips, I put my tool kit and my milk crate full of spare things into my trunk. Trans fluid, oil, brake fluid, and coolant! I also have a full set of coils, ignition control module, alternator, MAF sensor, coolant elbows, thermostat, jumper cables, fuses, and a few other misc things in there. Barring some catastrophic failure or bad luck, I can cover my ass on most mishaps. Haha!
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mark a. chew
- SSE Member

- Posts: 101
- Joined: Sat Oct 20, 2012 7:06 pm
- Year and Trim: 2004 Bonneville GXP
2008 Grand Prix GXP - Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip
Thanks nos4blood70 ! I have many spare things to take. and I always travel with spare/extra fluids, I take some travel
detailing items too. We need to be looking good. ha
I have never replaced any cooling pipes, I see no leaks or rust on them but figured the inside is where the problem would
arise. Should I look into them as well? again many thanks I'm open for others input, It has been said I might worry a bit too much, I think it is unfounded
most of the time.
detailing items too. We need to be looking good. ha
I have never replaced any cooling pipes, I see no leaks or rust on them but figured the inside is where the problem would
arise. Should I look into them as well? again many thanks I'm open for others input, It has been said I might worry a bit too much, I think it is unfounded
most of the time.
- CMNTMXR57
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 5841
- Joined: Wed May 13, 2009 10:45 pm
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Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip
You should never have to replace cooling pipes. Just hoses.

Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*
Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ
Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2011 Camaro SS
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD: Victory Red - 8.1L Big Block and Allison
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... RIP
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - RIP
-
mark a. chew
- SSE Member

- Posts: 101
- Joined: Sat Oct 20, 2012 7:06 pm
- Year and Trim: 2004 Bonneville GXP
2008 Grand Prix GXP - Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip
Ok thanks Lane, I guess that the worry wart in me, thinking.
What's your thought on these " Cadillac pills'' I 've heard about for the cooling system. would they be good
preventive measure ? Would my local GM or Cadillac dealership have them if I needed them?
What's your thought on these " Cadillac pills'' I 've heard about for the cooling system. would they be good
preventive measure ? Would my local GM or Cadillac dealership have them if I needed them?
- CMNTMXR57
- Certified Bonneville Nut

- Posts: 5841
- Joined: Wed May 13, 2009 10:45 pm
- Year and Trim: 2006 STS-V, 2004 GTO, 2009 G8 GT
- Location: CHICAGO
Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip
Use them all the time. Highly recommend them if you have light leaks. I used them in the V. Used them in service all the time. I would recommend crushing them up when you put them in. It quickens their dissolve process.
Yes, any GM service department should have them. We all use(d) them.

Yes, any GM service department should have them. We all use(d) them.


Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*
Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ
Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2011 Camaro SS
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD: Victory Red - 8.1L Big Block and Allison
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... RIP
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - RIP


