road trip report - 86 5ktq turns over 300,000 km

[Livolsi, Stephane]

I know, I know, some US listers have 300,000 Miles, but eh, when in Canada,
do as the Canadians do- odometers are in KMS!

Just got back from a week long holiday on Vancouver Island. Drove some
awesome roads and I am pleased to report that the car performed flawlessly.
Makes me start believing that I have it really well sorted out now.  Total
driving time was about 23 hours (not continuous) and top speed I hit was
about 160 km/hr but only for short distances.  I kept my average highway
speed at about 100 - 120 km/hr. On the other hand, average speed in some
areas was about 60 km/hr because of the serious twistys.  Very fun to drive
though.  Total kms travelled was about 1600 or so.  I turned over 300,000
just off the west coast of Vancouver Island heading back inland.  Of course
I stopped and took a pic. Wife and kids think I'm crazy.

Had some very windy twisty sections with 20 and 30 km/hr hairpins and
climbing at 18% grades.  The temps got higher than I have ever seen before,
but still did not get past the 2nd mark.  I am sure glad that I have a 1 yr
old rad and all new radiator hoses.
There was 1 scary moment, in a sharp turn at about 80 km/hr, climbing
steeply when the oil light and beep came on.  Shut the car off right away
and coasted to a stop at fairly flat spot.

Popped the hood and whew! was it hot under there, but checked the oil and
the level was fine and there were no oil streaks on the road behind me.
GULP! Oil pump failed?  Started it back up and no warning light.  I'm just
racking it up to an electrical gremlin.

Handling was nice and tight with the new subframe and swaybar bushings.  It
sure was nice to go on this trip and really feel confident that the car
would make it.

Stephane