E30 Roadtrip Prep

[varg]

If you're worried about the fuel pump, just replace it pre-emptively (especially if it's buzzing).

Who is worried about their fuel pump? I certainly wasn't. It was 7 years old, had <100,000mi on it and was not making any excessive noise, then it melted down on a gas stop. Even if you keep a used stock or cheapo in the box-o-parts just to get you home instead of your trick high flow unit, it's at least a prudent and easy to justify spare.

[ome30]

I did a roadtrip in my E30, about 750 miles on a dying fuel pump without knowing. New ownership and it was miracle I made it back without getting stranded. I'd get a flashing check engine and slugging under heavy throttle (on hills mostly), wild times but beautiful views. But yeah, as long as it's not making an buzzing noises, you'll be good.

[Das Delfin]

A few years ago I did a trip from CT to SF and back and the advice that got me thru was if your car can make it between oil changes you'll be fine.

I'd bring a spare alt belt, fuel pump, a few quarts of oil, maybe couple gallons of water, and a nice set of tools.

Make sure your cooling system is up to date.

And have fun!

[ainadude]

In, addition to all the above, it's never a bad idea to have an extra set of keys, ID, a credit card and some cash hidden in the engine compartment just in case something weird happens hundreds of miles from home

[dnguyen1963]

Cash! I have not seen cash in a few years. The last time I paid for something in cash, people looked at me like I am from another world.

[dnguyen1963]

Who is worried about their fuel pump? I certainly wasn't. It was 7 years old, had <100,000mi on it and was not making any excessive noise, then it melted down on a gas stop. Even if you keep a used stock or cheapo in the box-o-parts just to get you home instead of your trick high flow unit, it's at least a prudent and easy to justify spare.

A long long time ago, I had an AirTex pump in my car and it ran fine. But one day, I ran the tank down to near empty and the pump started to make whining noise (These pumps need fuel to cool themselves off). I switched over the Tre pump and never run the tank below 1/4 full and everything has been fine.