If he is leaving San Jose and going up I-80 to avoid any mountain passes, perhaps a history lesson on the Donner expedition or the purchase of a map should be in order first. Between San Jose and Reno there is about a 60 mile 8000 foot pull from sea level at Sacramento to Reno Nevada. Also I think that Denver has a nick name as the mile high city. Not trying to be a smart A@@ but just saying... not sure if there is a route to take to avoid all the mountains. Good Luck Jeremy. Let us know how the old girl did.