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

[Zsolt]

Hey  Stephane,

We did a similar trip from Calgary to Vancouver island last year. Our
final destination was Tofino. Great drive, beautiful scenery! I also
enjoyed my 1.8 bar boost going up the "coke" (coquihalla freeway). I was
still on stock suspension, and I wish I had my upgraded Koni Sport/H&R
combo.

Cheers,
  Zsolt

Livolsi, Stephane wrote:

>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
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