3.2 Conversion - outlaw Street and track car project, (Was “Would you do This 1400 mile road trip?) Options

[davehg]

Last year I bought a 914-6 conversion with a 3.2. The car was an autocross car, and the PO had removed everything that wasn't essential - no more side windows and mechanism, no door panels, no carpet, no radio, no heater. Nada.

I had a mechanic friend go through, check and adjust everything, and the car runs great! It's loads of fun to run up and down Hwy 74 in the desert. It does smoke at idle, and needs a top end job, but otherwise ok, brakes are fine and tires are new, though the toe needs to be adjusted for a road trip. The car is geared for the track, and 80mph runs at 4.5kRPM. Oh...new battery too.

I've put about 800 miles on it since I bought it and the only issue was a faulty switch easily replaced. I'm planning to bring it back and upgrade the interior and do a top end job.

I'm bringing it back to the PNW and the cost to ship is $1200. I have a flatbed car trailer and can tow it, but finding the time to go down and fetch is a challenge - I'd need a week - three days down a day to pack up, and three days back, and the fuel/hotel costs wouldn't be much less than shipping up. Plus, crossing CA at 55mph with a trailer makes me want to puke in my mouth.

So....I had an idea. Me and my 16 year old kid pack light, fly into Palm Springs, and do the 1300-1400 mile trip home, stay off I5 and take my favorite motorcycle twisty roads home (I've done this trip on various motorcycles and cars over the years). The downsides - race seats, no creature comforts, wind blowing, may be very hot in the summer, my ass will ache at the end of a 350 mile day, and if we break down...well, that's when the real adventure begins, right?

Upsides - just about everything else, and we'd have that trip to remember for ages.

So what say you? Do the trip? Or bring the car back home the more secure way? If we do the trip, what should I bring along? Fuel pump? Relays? (going to bring plugs, belt, small tool kit, fuses)

Here's the pix of the car for clarity:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-21443-1505926526.2.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-21443-1505925313.3.jpg)

[Mark Henry]

I'd do a shout out for members contact info along your route.
Just in case you needed a place to do a few repairs or more important worst case scenario a place park the 914 that's safe till you can pick it up.
4500 rpm is a bit high for long term, so it's going to be a bit slower ride than you expect. Just under 4k should be doable.

There's a article in Hagerty this month about two guys that drove a '79 alfa, that hadn't ran since 1989, about the same distance.

[KELTY360]

I'd do a shout out for members contact info along your route.
Just in case you needed a place to do a few repairs or more important worst case scenario a place park the 914 that's safe till you can pick it up.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Epic adventure. If you feel the car is sorted enough then go for it. You'll end up hot, sweaty and tired...just like a good workout. AAA Plus is your friend.