Sending my car over seas

[DJ Taso]

I'm going to Greece this summer and I decided to ship my car there. We did it before with our '88 Mercedes. It takes around 3 - 4 weeks to get there.

What I'm worried about is the summers in Greece are brutal. It usually averages high 90's close to 100's F and hardley ever rains. I have my 160 thermostat installed and my computer tuned to turn the fans on early. But today I noticed the needle passed the 180 mark all the way to 210 with my AC on. I talked with the guys at the shop and they said an electric water pump would help with cooling. Any other suggestions?

Any advice on what to check before I ship my car out? I'm getting new plugs and wires done along with a new opti as we speak. Breaking down in Europe would be devastating.

[redws6]

yeh i wouldnt imagine breaking down in europe would be good.

oil change maybe before you go?
thats all i can think.

[Z Ya Later]

Well, if you're gonna put in an electric water pump, definitely do a coolant flush and be very sure the wiring is correct. If you haven't done it already, the weep-hole mod. on the pump housing would be a good safety precaution as well. Do all the basic maint. you can think of (check all fluids, new PCV valve, etc.). Oh, and bring me with you, you'll need another mechanic on hand...just in case lol

Have a good time man

[Rob B (shoebox)]

Having an electric water pump fail overseas woud be even more devastating. I'd stick with the stock pump as it is not prone to any sudden stoppage. Your car won't be any worse off than anyone in south Texas or desert mid-west USA.

[DJ Taso]

Yea, I'm definetily going to do all the basic stuff like coolant flush, oil, freeon check, etc. I'm also going to get new tires. But since the elevation is different in Europe, do I need to change the timming on the computer?

[fastTa]

I would also stick with a stock style pump for now. I'm curious as to why your car is running so hot especially with a 160 stat. I have a Hypertech 160 stat in my TA and so do alot of guys around here....and our water temps never EVER go over 175-180...and these are cars making much more than stock HP with the stock fans, stock radiator, and most of them have a stock style water pump. Even driving them hard, sitting in traffic, and even in 100+ summers here in South TX. Never over 180. Mine ususally and consistently stays around 165-172 no matter what.

[bigtow]

stick with your stock pump as there are gm delers in europe that could get a replacement if needed and you should not need to reset any thing computer wise i dont think the elevation is that much differiant just watch the fuel ratings here in the uk our regular gas is the same as your super

[DJ Taso]

I would also stick with a stock style pump for now. I'm curious as to why your car is running so hot especially with a 160 stat. I have a Hypertech 160 stat in my TA and so do alot of guys around here....and our water temps never EVER go over 175-180...and these are cars making much more than stock HP with the stock fans, stock radiator, and most of them have a stock style water pump. Even driving them hard, sitting in traffic, and even in 100+ summers here in South TX. Never over 180. Mine ususally and consistently stays around 165-172 no matter what.

Well I kinda left something out and I hope a new alternator will help. My battery meter just barely touches the first yellow mark. It happens after driving a while. I believe the reason why it went passed 180 is because it wasn't producing enough juice to keep the fans at it's full potential.

[DJ Taso]

stick with your stock pump as there are gm delers in europe that could get a replacement if needed and you should not need to reset any thing computer wise i dont think the elevation is that much differiant just watch the fuel ratings here in the uk our regular gas is the same as your super

I heard your super is around 97 octane, is that true?

[fastTa]

Well I kinda left something out and I hope a new alternator will help. My battery meter just barely touches the first yellow mark. It happens after driving a while. I believe the reason why it went passed 180 is because it wasn't producing enough juice to keep the fans at it's full potential.

Quite possible if it was that low. It probably would be a good idea to also load test the battery while you're there.

[bigtow]

I heard your super is around 97 octane, is that true?

shell and bp have started selling 99 octaine raited fuel called optimax and ultra

[DJ Taso]

shell and bp have started selling 99 octaine raited fuel called optimax and ultra

All I gotta do now is attach wings to it

[TraceZ]

That will require a big box and tons of bubble-wrap! I'd be worried about it getting damaged in shipping.

[blackthunder50]

I would also stick with a stock style pump for now. I'm curious as to why your car is running so hot especially with a 160 stat. I have a Hypertech 160 stat in my TA and so do alot of guys around here....and our water temps never EVER go over 175-180...and these are cars making much more than stock HP with the stock fans, stock radiator, and most of them have a stock style water pump. Even driving them hard, sitting in traffic, and even in 100+ summers here in South TX. Never over 180. Mine ususally and consistently stays around 165-172 no matter what.

Wow! We just finished changing the water pump and opti last week. My car has a stock 180 degree in it (new). I run at 175 all the time but when i sit in traffic it rises a little over 215, and doesnt go down unless i turn the ac on. Is it okay if it gets that hot or should i check the relay switch/fuse???

[Dan B. 96 T/A]

Coolant flush.

Get an extra set of radiator hoses and clamps.

Bring an extra water pump. I changed my OEM one out with an aftermarket one from Pep Boys and it's lasted me 5 years, unlike the GM one that craps out after one.

Get some water wetter from Redline (now sold at Pep Boys).

Pack a small toolbox with basics. Pliers, a hammer, channel locks, screwdrivers, duct tape wrapped in clear plastic wrap, flares, and a saw.

You should be fine.