Shipping a Car

[krash]

Hey guys, I'm finally taking my 240 to memphis. The car is currently in Silver Spring and I dont want to drive it all the way there on a freshly rebuilt engine. I was wondering if you guys have any experience with shipping cars or and good companies I can contact.

I wouldn't be opposed to flat towing or something it on my own, but the only truck we have is a RWD V6 Dakota, dont think that will fit the bill.

thanks for any help!

[jbracy7]

As long the truck has hitch mounted to the frame,it could .

[Dattebayo]

I dont want to drive it all the way there on a freshly rebuilt engine.

Why not? That would be a pretty good break-in for it IMO.

Anyway, I just drove past it two days ago.

[krash]

It'd just be sitting there at like 3.5k for a LONG time. I know break in methods are controversial, but from what I know, you want a nice variation of driving for the break in. Plus if something breaks on the way I'd be super duper screwed.

So you saw the car in all its multi-colored glory. My girlfriend recently got a hatch, so at least it has a buddy now haha

[WDRacing]

The majority of motor break in is accomplished in the first 100 miles after rebuild. Anything after that is really just driving.

I towed my 240 from AZ to TX, was 11 hrs, with a Mitsubishi Endeavor. I had no problems at all. I don't think the Dakota will have any issue at all.

[Heavy]

acquire a AAA membership and drive it the whole way. you only live once

[pepesilvia]

acquire a AAA membership and drive it the whole way. you only live once

I agree! Drive it!

[krash]

I've been deprived of driving this car for 1.5 years. I'm not going to take any risks that will bring me back to that situation. Its been hell lol

[AZhitman]

Krash - I've shipped cars... a LOT.

Remind me tomorrow and I'll get you the scoop - and a hookup.

It's past my bedtime.

[Jesda]

acquire a AAA membership and drive it the whole way. you only live once

This is my preferred method of transport, plus you can meet all the awesome people from NICO along the way.

[gwoods]

acquire a AAA membership and drive it the whole way. you only live once

I agree! Drive it!

AAA caps the amount of miles they will tow for free and you have to be towed to the nearest dealer/shop

Go through your auto insurance policy. I have had towing forever its $4 a month. My G35 idler pully bearing seized and spit the pulley assembly and belt across McDowell and 91st ave at about 100k miles. I found the parts called my insurance for a free tow home. I tried to replace it by buying a new bearing and pressing it in but the threads were buggered and I lost the spacer for the pulley. I called my insurance again for a free tow to the dealership.

But I agree with drive it! Why would you have to stay at 3500 rpm your not going to speed up and slow down? Don't use cruise control and change the oil when you get home. I think you have a great opportunity to really breakin the motor here.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Break-in should be high load/high vacuum for the first few miles to seat everything. Drive it around for ~100 miles, change the oil, then take that bish across the country hah.

[Dattebayo]

DO IT.

Google says only 881 miles. That's an easy two days of driving, maybe 3 tanks of gas. Cheaper than delivery and the trip has a double-purpose.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

+1 for sacking up and driving it.

[krash]

I think Greg got me the hookup! Thanks again man!

The drive is not pleasant, I've done it about three times, it really kind of blows. It would be nice to drive MY car the whole way and kind of just enjoy the ride, but again, untested car. I don't want something to go bad on the way and then be stuck. If something happens IN memphis, then no big deal I can fix it.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

The 2 times I've driven my Miata cross-country, it was immediately after a big install/project. Its part of the fun man. The drive is boring if you're not on your toes haha.

First time was turbo, injectors, ecu. Wasn't really running right but I went anyway haha.

Last time (about a month and a half ago) was right after a head gasket and transmission swap. Timing was off a tooth, I went through 4 or 5 quarts of oil (VVT banjo bolt leak), and the shifter was sloppy as hell (different turret design). It was fun though. Because the cam was off a tooth, it wouldn't start when hot because the cam angle and crank angle sensors wouldn't sync up. Getting pulled over and then bullshitting with the cop for 25 minutes while I waited for the car to cool down was interesting. I also had to leave it running while I got gas and ran inside to take a leak. The clutch is super stiff/easy to stall, so if someone tried to steal it, they'd be about 5 feet from where I left it, trying to start it after it stalled on them haha.

[elwesso]

I agree with the break in thing, I think it's overrated. Honestly I think a long road trip would be a lot better than a bunch of short trip/stop-n-go driving. I say make the drive..

If you insist, I think a Dakota would be pretty reasonable to tow that with. It might not be the most pleasant going through the mountains, but it's not like the 240 is terribly heavy.

[Kompresshun]

If you got Greg's hookup on shipping, then it's a heck of a deal. I wouldn't bother with driving either, considering that shipping really isn't THAT much. I'd rather pay for the peace of mind than risk ruining the car on it's first maiden voyage. I personally don't like rolling the dice when i've put that much effort getting it back on the road.

I wouldn't actually tow behind the Dakota because the transmission will likely take a dump in it. Anything Dodge from that era will crap it's transmission if you haul anything more than a Barbie Jeep behind it.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Hey, if you put in the BorgWarner governor pressure solenoid that I co-designed, you should be golden. Saving Dodge POS transmissions since 2009

Also, when I got my 240 shipped, they cracked my front bumper. Most of the time, general tow rigs aren't set up well for lowered cars and the driver's don't take the precautions to make sure things go on/off smoothly.

If this is the same dude that Greg uses though, I'd feel a lot better.

[gwoods]

Greg PM me the car shipping guy, my Jag is on craigslist and I am XJL SuperSport shopping most of the good/nice ones are miles away.

[RicerX]

Krash - NOPI nationals in Atlanta isn't a terrible drive from Memphis. DO IT.