Tools and spares package for a shakedown cruise

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Stephen Hotz

Stephen Hotz

Youtube channel Stephen Hotz Just Drive It!
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Ok here's the deal. Once I get home on the evening of the 7th I have a week to get the engine in, all systems tested and a couple hundred miles on the Coronet. On either the afternoon of the 15th or early morning of the 16th we leave for the Roadkill Ziptie drags. Thats 861 miles 1 way.
What tools and spares would you take with you?
Engine is 360 magnum that has been re-ringed, valves lapped in, new oil pump, new pickup screen, new oil pan, 340 4v cast iron intake, Holley carb (thank you RRR), hoses and belts new.
So I have normal hand tools, crimpers as well. An extra fuel pump. Extra fuel filters. Extra belt (serpentine). Extra hei modules. 5 gallon fuel jug. Fuses.
Am I forgetting anything?
 
I assume your battery is fresh too? I had an alternator go bad on a long trip once.
 
New Battery. Used alternator. Definately taking extra fluids, jumper cables, spare tire, jack, 4 way lug wrench and jumper cables. Also first aid kit.
 
If the car still has a ballast resistor, take one of those. Change the oil and filter before you go. The motor has been freshened up, so anything that got loosened up and washed into the oil filter needs to go. Take an extra oil filter just in case, and maybe a gallon of antifreeze, just in case. Good luck and have fun! :)
 
Stephen Hotz said:
Am I forgetting anything?
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An A-body?? :poke:

Seriously. Depends on the shakedown.
I wouldn't worry about the pump. it will either work or it wont.
I would bring a multi-meter and some electrical wire.
Might bring some bailing wire or metal coat hanger, and worm drive hose clamps too if any fear of things falling off.
Definately would bring an extra set of spark plugs and a gage. That way if they get fouled either on the trip or on the strip you can swap out.
Plastic trash bag in case it rains.
 
Garethw said:
I assume your battery is fresh too? I had an alternator go bad on a long trip once.
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I've had more alternators fail in different ways than anything else. (Every one of them was a rebuilt too)
it all depends how far you'll be from a junkyard or parts store.
 
If your making passes, maybe a timing light, jets and a sardine can. Depends on how its setup and whether you care enough about the times to be tinkering - I mean tuning at the strip.
 
Line the trunk floor with some cardboard as you may be under the car tightening something. I'm assuming your hoses are new, then I'd grab a couple taillight bulbs and go. I think your pretty well covered with everything here. Enjoy, sounds like a great trip.
 
A good flashlight as well as a good battery powered work light, maybe an extension cord.
 
If there’s something you absolutely don’t want to change, bring a spare of it. The thing that breaks is always the thing you don’t have a spare for! :rolleyes:

But seriously, the only thing I usually carry spares for is ignition stuff, especially if you’ve gone electronic. An ignition module fail (any kind/brand) is easy to swap and can’t be fixed otherwise so I bring one. If you’re still running points then absolutely bring a spare set and a condenser. If the fuel pump is electric having a cheap one as a spare isn’t a bad idea, same idea. Something that makes the car dead in the water that’s an easy fix if you have a spare. Lots of stuff can fail that’ll put you on the side of the road but I’m not changing a mechanical water pump on the side of the road so there’s no point in bringing it. If I can’t fix it in 5-10 minutes I’m probably getting towed anyway. I don’t bring anything that won’t put me on the side of the road, a headlight isn’t gonna disable me and it’s a standard bulb anyway so if you lose one the local store will have one when you get there.

If you’re racing when you get there then ignition and carb tuning stuff will come in handy so you can make adjustments between rounds if it’s allowed.
 
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I pack a known good alternator.

A credit card with no balance on it can be a most wonderful road trip companion.......
 
Mattax said:
I've had more alternators fail in different ways than anything else. (Every one of them was a rebuilt too)
it all depends how far you'll be from a junkyard or parts store.
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most of the trip will be I-10 unless I choose a different route out of Texas.
 
72bluNblu said:
If there’s something you absolutely don’t want to change, bring a spare of it. The thing that breaks is always the thing you don’t have a spare for! :rolleyes:

But seriously, the only thing I usually carry spares for is ignition stuff, especially if you’ve gone electronic. An ignition module fail (any kind/brand) is easy to swap and can’t be fixed otherwise so I bring one. If you’re still running points then absolutely bring a spare set and a condenser. If the fuel pump is electric having a cheap one as a spare isn’t a bad idea, same idea. Something that makes the car dead in the water that’s an easy fix if you have a spare. Lots of stuff can fail that’ll put you on the side of the road but I’m not changing a mechanical water pump on the side of the road so there’s no point in bringing it. If I can’t fix it in 5-10 minutes I’m probably getting towed anyway. I don’t bring anything that won’t put me on the side of the road, a headlight isn’t gonna disable me and it’s a standard bulb anyway so if you lose one the local store will have one when you get there.

If you’re racing when you get there then ignition and carb tuning stuff will come in handy so you can make adjustments between rounds if it’s allowed.
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Hoppy set up the dizzy, I have to finish the adaptor box for hiding the HEI conversion. Definately going to race it if just for baseline. If I get to it will take the TQ with me as well. Fuel pump is electric so I have 2 spares and they dont take up much space.
 
With the electric fuel pump having a working alternator is more important; but you'll still be able to drive it for a while on battery only. At least in daylight.
If its easy to pack, and you have one, then maybe take it. IDK.
One advantage of the B-body is the larger trunk!
 
Jeez, if he took everything that everyone has suggested...he might just as well tow a second car behind him!

:lol:

Just some basic replacement ignition parts, a spare tire and a few simple tools. That along with a cell phone and credit card and have at it. It’s not like you are pioneering a new path across uncharted lands.
 
We did the ziptie drags two years in a row (irwindale to Tucson and back) and I went through the same dilemma. I packed everything I could think of and never had to touch the car once other than putting gas in it. I can only suggest good windshield wipers because the first year we went it poured rain in Tucson. It’s a great time and I wish I was goi g this year. Have fun.
 
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