Mega trip - Will I make it?

[urbex]

HIGHLY recommended that you mount that thing to the rack, and spend a day or two driving around with it BEFORE embarking on the journey. That's roughly 180lbs of fuel mounted at a high point (not counting the weight of the tank and mounting hardware), and the sloshing around is going to have a big negative impact on the handling of the vehicle.

I once tried mounting a spare tire to the roof of my Jeep Cherokee to keep as much cargo room open as possible. Lets just say it was quite obvious that it was up there. Granted, taller vehicle, higher center of gravity, and considerably softer suspension/anti-sway bars, but that was less than 1/4 of the weight that you're talking about running and it didn't move, unlike the liquid fuel in your tank.

To put it short - after that experience, you couldn't pay me to put that much liquid on the roof of my car and drive around town with it, much less 7,000 miles.

[FlyingVolvo]

Great advice, I will be sure to check that out long before the trip. We also have a 20 gallon tank that could be used; it would reduce the weight a bit.

[Maasai]

My volvo has over 324,000 miles on same engine. When you get that high, then you can try to plan shorter trips. Keep driving

[Polvora79]

Does any one knows how to get a free download VCDS Windows-based Diagnostic Software for volvo and the right usb cable to buy online????????

[FlyingVolvo]

My volvo has over 324,000 miles on same engine. When you get that high, then you can try to plan shorter trips. Keep driving

Yes, sir!

[urbex]

Does any one knows how to get a free download VCDS Windows-based Diagnostic Software for volvo

Yep, I know exactly how to get it

[VCA]

Just FYI, VCDS/VCADS is for trucks. VADIS (formerly) and VIDA (current) are the diagnostic software used for cars. You need a VCT2000 interface for VADIS and a DiCE interface for VIDA.

[FlyingVolvo]

The trip is on!

Feel free to continue sending any tips or suggestions for the long haul. I've decided to ditch the fuel tank idea for several reasons. One being that, as someone pointed out, adding 180 pounds of fuel to the top of the car would drastically change the handling. Second, it would probably cut my MPG by 3-4. I figure I can just spend a little more for gas in Canada and it'll pay for itself by not losing the MPG by having major wind drag.

I've got a box of spare parts coming together; so far:

-MAF
-Fuel Pump Relay
-Radiator tank cap
-Thermostat
-Fuses
-Relays
-(soon to have fuel pump assembly)
-(going to get spare headlight bulbs)

I will be carrying my full set of tools and little spare pieces.

Recently done:

-New front struts (OEM shock, OEM bearing, IPD seats)
-New brakes (4 Centric rotors + pads, rebuilt front caliper + new hoses)
-Snabb performance intake pipe
-K&N 3" clamp-on filter
-New Wahler 87 degree thermostat
-Magnefine inline transmission filter installed
-Brake pedal switch replaced
-Replaced turbo compressor bypass valve
-New cat-back exhaust
-Hella Supertone horns

[jblackburn]

^^^Police bumper. In case any Subaru/Prius drivers are camping in the left lane doing 50 mph and need to be taught a lesson.

Buy some cheap radiator hose from an auto parts store (AND CLAMPS) and take it with you just in case. I've been stuck in SC on the side of the highway before with a blown radiator hose in my old Honda, and it wasn't a lot of fun. Even though I know you said you replaced them recently, it's still something I'd want to have and do carry around with me in the spare tire well.

[FlyingVolvo]

Isn't that what copious amounts of duct tape is for?

And for those Prius drivers...