This Was a BAD Idea… 720 GTR Road Test

The 720 GTR, a car that has presented numerous challenges including blown motors, setbacks, and delays, is finally alive, boasting 850 wheel horsepower on 91 pump gas. After dyno testing and a short drive, the car is being prepared for a significant road trip from LA to Canada, a crucial shakedown before the Gumball 3000 rally from Miami to Mexico City. The aim is to ensure its readiness, as "dyno sheets don't survive road trips." Before embarking on the journey, the car undergoes a thorough wash and detail. The owner expresses gratitude to Alex and his team for their hard work over two years, including rebuilding the engine twice. The journey begins with a mix of excitement and nervousness, with the immediate goal of reaching Canada. Initial observations include an improved clutch feel, but also a "parking system switch fault" and an air brake fault, which are noted as minor issues that do not affect driving. The first fuel stop reveals a high cost of gas at $6.59 a gallon. As the drive progresses, the owner admires the car's aesthetics and performance, noting its loud exhaust and impressive blow-off valve sound. However, a "tire pressure monitoring fault" prompts a stop to visually inspect the tires, especially since the route will soon enter remote areas. During this stop, a momentary scare occurs when the car stalls and initially refuses to lock or engage gear, leading to concerns about an open door or a key issue. These are quickly resolved, attributed to paranoia and the key being inside the car. The car's high fuel consumption is also noted, indicating frequent stops will be necessary, and the hope of finding better fuel, including 94 octane in Canada, is expressed. A planned highlight of the trip is taking billionaire Mike Hall for a ride to capture his reaction. The journey continues with snacks and protein bars, and a desire to capture flames from the exhaust in the dark. A brief encounter with police cars raises a moment of tension, but they are not there for the driver. Later, the driver reports good and bad news. The good news is the police are not interested in him. The bad news is the car has an issue: a significant loss of power, which Alex, the mechanic, suspects is a boost leak. This presents a dilemma: continue the 19-hour drive with limited power or turn back to Gintani, the shop, for repairs. Opting for caution, the driver decides to turn around and head back, viewing this as a necessary stress test for the Gumball rally. The car, although running, isn't performing optimally. Surprisingly, as the driver prepares to return, the car's power mysteriously returns, with the boost gauge showing the full 24 lbs. Despite this, the decision is made to return to Gintani to investigate the intermittent issue. The driver expresses exhaustion after four days of intense work and driving, emphasizing the importance of sorting out problems now rather than in the middle of Mexico. Upon returning to the shop, all dashboard lights are illuminated, and the car is nearly out of fuel. The next morning, back at Gintani, the team convenes to diagnose the problem. The owner reflects on the 700 miles of engine break-in accumulated during the troubled drive, likening the experience to being a test driver. He emphasizes that "failure isn't the opposite of success, it's the path to it" and that "failure isn't optional, it's required" for building something exceptional. Alex identifies the problem as wastegate codes, specifically an adjustment issue where the wastegate can move out of its small operating window over time, causing the car to lose boost. He explains that they will tighten and readjust it to prevent future movement. The discussion highlights the intricate nature of electronic wastegates and the precise adjustments required for these high-performance vehicles. After the adjustments, the car is ready for another attempt. The owner plans to get new tires and TPS sensors before trying the trip again. Guy, a friend, brings new Toyo RLE8R tires, as the preferred XCOMs are out of stock. The mechanics at America's Tire are initially hesitant due to the high-value car but proceed with the installation after being reassured the car has been "written off," implying a more relaxed approach to its pristine condition. The second attempt at the road trip begins, with slightly less traffic. However, the joy is short-lived. Just hours into the drive, before dark, the car again loses boost, failing to provide the expected 8 PSI. Frustrated, the owner decides to turn back for a third time. Alex, understanding the persistent issue, plans to order new wastegate actuators and have solid links custom-made to eliminate play. The owner accepts this as part of the shakedown process, essential for a reliable Gumball entry, and plans to fly home. The situation takes a dramatic turn when, while driving back, the car completely dies. It begins sputtering, slows down despite consistent throttle input, and eventually stalls. The car won't restart, presenting a major problem. A tow truck, driven by "AO," is called. The immediate challenge is the car's lack of a tow hook and its inability to start, making it difficult to get onto the flatbed. After some effort, including trying to start the car and pin it to the ground, it's barely maneuvered onto the tow truck. Alex, upon hearing the description, quickly diagnoses the new problem: the intake boot came off. He had predicted this based on the car's behavior. The car is towed back to the shop, where Alex and his team spend the week fixing it. They replace the wastegate actuator, create a new 3D-printed arm for it, and ensure all systems are smooth and functional. Alex test-drives the car extensively, taking his child to school in it and enjoying the positive public reaction. He confirms the car is now solid, with the wastegate issue resolved and the engine running powerfully. Additional minor issues, such as the reverse camera not working and a faulty parking sensor, are also addressed. The reverse camera issue is fixed by swapping a bumper from another 720, and the parking sensor is tightened and rewired. Alex highlights the successful clutch replacement, which has eliminated drive-off problems, and praises the car's smooth downshifts and powerful acceleration, especially above 4500 RPM. He also notes the effectiveness of the limited-slip differential in keeping the car planted and controllable, unlike other 720s that tend to slide. Alex expresses his satisfaction with the car's current state, emphasizing the joy it brings to people. He confirms the car is finally ready for Damon to pick up and for the Gumball 3000 rally, marking the culmination of a challenging but ultimately successful build and shakedown process.