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One way to assuage your nervousness would be to make some progressively longer trips. Like, 50 miles, 100 miles, 150 miles etc... As the car continues to perform well then your confidence in it will grow. In my experience with these cars, they like to be driven.
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[/ QUOTE ] /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif very good idea. You've got plenty of fun twisties out there in WA - get a map, plan a little trip and make a day of it a couple of times. A couple of 100 milers and you'll feel much better about how it all works. You'll get very in tune with all the noises and smells and in the event of something happening you'll have a better chance of catching it early. Usually a major catastrophe doesn't happen before the car gives you plenty of subtle clues.
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I will third that idea, Kev. After a few semi-long trips it would be a good idea to go over the car with a sharp eye for any problems or changes in fluid levels. Brake fluid and clutch levels are important. Obvious brake fluid leaks under the car are a good area to check, at all your brake junctions and your slave cylinder. Check your rearend for obvious leaks, your tranny and your engine oil. Little driplets of oil don't mean a whole lot, my car leaks from everywhere that have oil and has for years. Just make sure that the levels are ok.
Listen to the engine and check to see if it runs the same after a long run. Check your plugs as well as points for bad color or burned points. If your idle has changed a lot after a hard run, check to see if your dizzy is securely tightened. After several long runs, might not be a bad ideal to check your valve clearances and reset if necessary. Shouldn't have any change in clearance. Also check all your suspension nuts and bolts for tightness, especially if you did any work to this area.
Just generally listen to your car. It will tell you what it wants and needs.
Have fun!
Bill