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Good thinking, Batman. Octane boost is on the shopping list. Any ideas where I can get one of these filter funnels?

In perth area? not sure. maybe try your local coventrys. but I know we have some here at work. They're pricey, but worth it.

I doubt you wanna sting it to northam for some funnel goodness... :blink:

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Hi, all.

Let's set the scene: My wife is taking my daughter to a dance competition in Geelong (of all places!) in early October. It just happens to be our 25th Wedding Anniversary on 6th October, the day after the dance competition ends. She said she would really like to drive the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide.

This just happens to be hailed as one of the greatest roads in the world. I am fortunate to own one of the greatest GT cars the world has ever seen. My wife even saw the obvious connection. We just have to drive it in the GTR!!

So, first of all, I need to get me and the car to Geelong - which is 3,411 km from our house (approximately!).

Now, I looked at the Indian Pacific Railway, but the car is too low for the rail car, as checked by their official measure - a can of Coke . (Check out www.trainways.com.au and you will see they really do use a Coke can as the measure!) So I am driving over by myself, watching the last day of dancing, putting my daughter on the plane and then my Beloved and I drive back.

I aim to leave Perth on 29 or 30 September 2009. I am just sorting out the stops, etc. Danny at Imports 101 is helping me to check the car out before I go.

I know it's a long way to go and it will put kilometres on the car and the paint will get stonechips and I might get a flat (two spare wheels in the back seat is the plan) and ... and .... and .... But I bought this car to drive it. It seems to me that I can drive it on not one, but two of the greatest drives in the world. Nuff said!

So the Great Australian Adventure continues! Anyone want to join me along the way? I will endeavour to update this thread with tales of my adventures as I go (including car preparation)!

Cheers. :)

hi,on an other topic is there many bayside blue skylines v spec 2 in perth that you know of or nur specs, any that are coming up for sale ,the only one i have seen so far was the one at x speed but it was white,regards ewen

hi,on an other topic is there many bayside blue skylines v spec 2 in perth that you know of or nur specs, any that are coming up for sale ,the only one i have seen so far was the one at x speed but it was white,regards ewen

Erm .. ... ... no. Mine is going to be in use for a while!

Cheers. :thumbsup:

P.S. Talk to Danny at Imports 101 - he will sort you.

Edited by MLCrisis
Funnels with the little mesh filter in them? Superchump Morley had a stack on the weekend.

Most of the decent funnels have little mesh filters, but these ones i'm referring to are micro-filters. that's right. micro.

:banana:

Made by proquip, they're called "Mr. Funnel". Sexist c*nts but they work a treat. Could have easily been "Funnel regardless of gender". Just as catchy as Mr. Funnel.

And I reckon all the camping stores and whatnot would no doubt have them.

Edited by Dorigecko
Most of the decent funnels have little mesh filters, but these ones i'm referring to are micro-filters. that's right. micro.

:D

Made by proquip, they're called "Mr. Funnel". Sexist c*nts but they work a treat. Could have easily been "Funnel regardless of gender". Just as catchy as Mr. Funnel.

And I reckon all the camping stores and whatnot would no doubt have them.

I did Brisbane ~ Kalgoorlie in late 2006. No probs with pumpgas then. Refuel points about 200 ~ 250kms apart so did not carry spare fuel. Car was complied & serviced immediately before the journey. Carried essential tools, drive belts, hoses & plugs. Main thing I focused on was making sure I was prepared for a flattie, (tyre plug kit) taking regular breaks & eating properly at truckstops to combat driver fatigue, driving sensibly (nobody gives a rats how long it took you, just so long as you made it in one piece) with my windscreen uppermost in my mind whenever roadtrains entered my comfort zone. Stray animals came a close second but you can sorta control that. (Driver sensibility & Brakes). Total road kill in 3500kms was one cocky & 1000 grasshoppers, saw plenty of wildlife but, including camels grazing the roadside out in "The Paddock". I made sure I was off the road camped somewhere comfortable before full dark. Car loved it, no flats or windscreen damage. Awesome trip, I had a ball.

My 2c

Happy travelling,

GW

PS: Forgot to add; carried enough water for radiator & me.

Edited by 260tech

OK. Left the car with Danny at Garage 101 today for checks on all the main fluids, hoses, belts, etc, changed the oil filter, and so on. It needed a check since having the engine change.

Danny kindly provided me with a large container of pre-mixed coolant, 5L of Mobil 1, a load of hose clamps, a load of cable ties, a roll of duct tape and a spare (new) fan belt. Plus a can of Tyre-Weld and a few other goodies. All given on the basis of I will pay for anything that I use when I return. (Thanks, Danny - you and your team are stars!! :( )

At the weekend, I got - in no particular order - a tyre repair kit and that new camera I have been promising myself. Just got a Navman for finding my way around Adelaide, Geelong and Melbourne (can't go too far wrong on the rest of it - there's only one road!!). Work also got me a new Blackberry with a NextG modem, for hooking up the laptop (in those places where I can get a NextG Signal) and hired a satellite phone for those places where I can't! A few more things on the list to get this weekend.

Tomorrow I aim to book a few motels and hotels. Then Sunday, see my wife and daughter off at the airport; Monday, pack the car; Tuesday, do three weeks work in one day; Wednesday - I am off!

Photos start next week! Thanks for all the comments and good wishes.

Cheers. :)

Edited by MLCrisis

Sheeett mate, if I wasn't flying out to Sing tomoz, and if my car wasn't on the road I'd nearly go just for the shits and giggles of it. True being a country lad I can say that, with confidence, you shouldn't have any issues. Although it is always best to prepare in every possible detail. Gravel might be a prick on your paint, but in terms of handling and grip, I can tell you, first hand that I'd rather take the Skyline over a Ford, Holden, Honda, Toyota or most other such vehicles, even on loose gravel the car feels neutral and planted (I've got some horrid roads near where I live). I know you've got a fair amount of driving experience, but those roads do require a degree of respect, do not underestimate gravel. I've seen cops and ambos literally scrape people off the side of the roads and off gum trees, not a pretty sight. That is of course, if you negotiate any gravel at all on your trek.

Also, if you are a bit worried about one thing, I would pass on the footpump and get one of those battery powered ones, much like the ones 4wd'ers use in the outback. Saves a lot of time, and spring time in the bush, on a hot day isn't the nicest time in which to be exerting yourself, on your own and being unfamilair with the surrounds and local conditions.

I've run 95 in my GTT countless time with no issues (and yes, I realise a GTT and GTR are NOT THE same thing! :().. I really don't have a choice in the matter but it isn't such a big deal to make such a small concession, I'd maybe look at getting a quick tune before you leave, go for a slightly more conservative tune so that you can run 95 with some room to spare. That is about all I can recommend, like it or not, there isn't a lot you can do about the lack of availability of 98RON out bush, I have to deal with it all the time I'm afraid... :)

If we had any on the farm I would've been more than glad to have organise something with the old man, but unfortunately they don't deliver much in the way of 98RON. :)

Now I'm not sure of your route to Norseman (which I assume will be the Great Eastern hwy), but if you take the Brookton hwy, I'll warn you that Hyden (which is my town, aka Wave Rock) will be the last place 95 (premium) will be available for some time. To which point I'd suggest that if you are coming back with the missus, Hyden would be a nice stop over. :)

Also, I'd be taking a stanley knife, some rubber hose that is same/similair diameter to all your important cooling plumbing, some electrical tape, some big industrial duct tape (which I've used on numerous occasions, namely on my old VL, but you never know), a handfull of hose clamps (varying diameter, matching the rubber hose/tubing you've taken), cables ties nearly go without saying, so handy they are!! Eerrrr, can't really think of a lot else, make sure you add a few more bit to your car's toolbox, always nice to have those few extra bits and pieces. Long nosed pliers, phillips and flat head. As silly as this sounds, you just never NEVER know.. Such precautions are even more important if you do choose to deviate off the highway. Also, last thing I can say is make sure you get a damn good air filter, for those conditions, I'd say K&N would be the ticket.. Best not to shirk on such a chepo part, filtration out there is a big thing, hence why I now use a K&N on my taxi.. Peace of mind..

What else can I say, other that good luck and have an awesome time/drive! :)

[EDIT]

Hahaha, sorry, just read your last post, looks like you've got most of it covered..

Edited by Marco-R34GTT

Good luck Brendan :)

And for the record, I vote the 90 mile straight as the best road to overtake 2 road trains, 3 4wd's towing caravans, 2 cars towing trailers, a motorhome & another couple of cars in one go :(

Take one of those whistle things that scare off the roo's (creates some kind of low volume high frequency noise that we can barely hear)

You're meant to fix them to your bonnet, but just wedge them into between the bonnet/bumper, or in the grille or something.

Even with cat reflexes and ultimate brakes, shit can still happen. Was in the car on the way to Adelaide, not a very dark night, could see well ahead of the car, nothing, but out of nowhere this Kangaroo just jumped out and BANG, rolled up and over the top of the car only just failing to actually come through the windshield. Nobody was hurt, the car copped $7000.

Be sensible - that 90 mile straight would be f**king tempting for a top speed run, but anything could be laying on the road, and if you blow a tyre and roll 14 times, there probably aint going to be somebody close by to save you from bleeding / burning to death, if the impact doesnt kill you first.

Once again, thanks for the comments, Guys. I am sure that the 90 mile straight will be tempting, but I also appreciate the words of caution too. I aim to keep the high speed on the track - this trip is for cruising! Oh .. ... and thanks for the optimistic viewpoint! :banana: Roll only 14 times and burn to death. :) I will aim not to!!

Nic_A31 - Thanks - I found the anti-Roo whistle things and now have two of them on the front, on top of the splitter in the centre grill. I suppose they are one of those things that you won't know whether they are working or not until you hit a roo! I intend to be off the road before dusk - but I know these things don't always go as planned .... .... ..... !!

The car is fuelled up, two spare wheels one the back seat (with seat belts and webbing strap!), stupid space-saver spare has made way for tool kit and various spare parts, 2 x 10L jerry cans are full, various other bits and bobs ready to go in the car. Currently trying to decide on whether to take the trolley jack (very heavy) or just make do with the scissor jack. Can't get a bottle jack small enough.

I will ponder tomorrow!

Meanwile, Dan dropped off some SAU WA schtickers to star in the piccies on the way. Thanks, mate. :P

Cheers. ;)

I have driven from Perth to Melb 3 times, all round trips.

The first time it was the eighties in a clapped out hq wgn, I took 2 gerry cans (1 fuel 1 water) , a spare tyre and a fan belt

Second was in a s1 xj6 jag, I took water and fuel

Last trip was in a 1964 studebaker wagonaire, same deal, 2 x Jerry cans a spare tyre and a fan belt... + toolbox obviously.

First time out was fun, the roads were still a bit dodgy back then so it was an adventure of sorts.

2nd and 3rd times it was too easy making it little more than boring apart from the road houses.

No breakdowns or flat tyres. I did almost get mowed down by many road trains...BASTARDS

The ocean road should be fun, be thankful it's at the start of your trip if it was near the end I'd doubt you'd bother.

Nothing hard or dangerous about it now, you'll do it easy, then wonder why you did it at all.

The Sturt still sounds exciting to me.

Hellooo from the Norseman Railway Hotel, thanks to the miracle of a Telstra NextG thingo stuck into my laptop! I must admit I was surprised at the extent of the coverage. I reckon I was only out of mobile range for a short while, between Kalbalda and Norseman. Managed to fill up with BP Ultimate somewhere midway between Cunderdin and Coolgardy. No 98 octane in Coolgardy, so decided to try the next roadhouse. Big mistake - at least Coolgardie had 95 octane! So half a tank of 92 plus a full bottle of Wynns Octane booster got me to Norseman, where there is a massive BP station, complete with Ultimate - and a large stock of Wynns Octane Booster, so I bought a few more. I demonstrated my electronic wizardry by changing the Power FC Hand controller to show the knock meter. All under control, under a light right foot!

The drive was good. Left home much later than intended (about 9.15) and got here at 5.45. I reckon I should have bought a Lotto ticket too - the number of times I saw a cop when I was within a few km/hr of the speed limit, instead of cruising at 15 over!! I was very fortunate at one overtaking lane, because the cop, who had obviously been lying in wait, had just stopped someone else - while I steamed past overtaking a road train.

The car just purred all the way. This is what a GT car is all about - effortless driving, with bags of power to overtake.

I will take a piccie in the morning.

Kudos to the friendly welcome at the Norseman Railway Hotel, too. Not exactly five star, but comfortable and clean. A basic gym to iron out the kinks and a good home-cooked meal with a couple of beers.

Not sure NextG will work at the Nullabor Roadhouse tomorrow night - we will see.

Cheers. :(

Brendan, get onto the BP site while you can, as that will give you the locations of what fuel you can get along the way as most of the ones in the middle of nowhere are BP :( No 98, but you might be able to still get something half decent

Hi all. Half way home now, but the story from the last installment - in brief - was:

Took a bit longer than intended going from Norseman to the Nullabor Roadhouse, so ended up driving the last 1.5 hours in the dark. Thanks to the sonic Shoo Roo thingoes, I managed to get there without any major encounters with wildlife. I saw a few roos on the side of the road, but they were all getting out of my way, so these things must work! I sat at 90 kph in the middle of the road, to give myself the most chance. Also managed to see a school of whales in the Bight from the road before it went dark.

90 mile straight was awesome. Managed to keep the speed under control - it really isn't the road for high speed runs! Saw a few emus.

Drive into Adelaide was uneventful. Turned out that the major international class hotel that I had booked was right in the middle of the red light district! GTR got huge applause and cheers from the packed pub opposite, when I drew up. I was glad for a secure car park.

Every place I stopped, the GTR attracted some comments - all approving. Only had one problem with some clown wanting to race me, as I was driving through Victoria. He clearly had disliked the fact that I had overtaken him, so he decided to double his speed and overtake me - just as we entered an 80 zone!

Got to Geelong and the car had not missed a beat. Saw the last day of dancing and headed to Melbourne. I was unsure about leaving the car to the valet parking at the Park Hyatt, but when a Bentley Coupe drew up behind me, I reckoned that they had plenty to play with! They even washed it for me!

Great Ocean Road was great fun - a road where you actually have to brake and change down for corners! It was just like home! They have signs telling slow vehicles to pull over and allow following traffic to pass, with bays to pull into. Problem was that some people reckoned that this did not apply to them as they were driving cars - not slow vehicles. Hello!! If you have cars behind you, then you are a slow vehicle. Fortunately there were a few places where it was possible to overtake in a car as fast as the GTR dropped to second, no matter what the lines in the middle of the road indicated (they are so conservative!).

The Coorong Limestone Coast was less spectacular, but fast. Currently at the Port Wakefield Motel. Historic Port Wakefield. Yes. The less said the better!

I will be posting pictures of the GTR with the Giant Koala (Victoria) and the Big Lobster (SA), amongst other sights, when I get back.

Looking forward to the Westwards crossing of the Nullabor - and hoping to see some Nullabor Nympths this time! :)

Cheers. :D

Edited by MLCrisis

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