OK, I bought and replaced the gasket. Then started the car, and warmed it up. Pulled out the dipstick and saw it puffing, but put paper over it again and it was pushing. I've already cleaned IAC and throttle body. I bought (and am waiting for) AutoRX and I'll put that in for my trip.

From the advice listed, I should probably route a hose down to the underside of the car from the oil system. (Not sure that whole rags thing is that safe..) I'm thinking the best place to do it would either be pull off the hose that goes to the PCV system off the top, plug that hose and run a hose from that inlet to the underside. Is that the best route? I can't drill through a cap, so that's out. I don't really want to leave the dipstick out cause that will splash out everywhere. I also thought about putting a hose over the dipstick tube and running that down. Would that be a better place to do it?

And finally, how much oil would be coming out of this? Should I have a catch underneath so I don't lose too much? Should I bring another quart or two and check at every pitstop?

Thanks for all your help