Mercedesotto;
The drive from New York to New Orleans sounds like a great trip in a car purchased for under 500. Question is, can you spend 5k before the rally?
My only suggestion for your basic troubleshooting is to first check that you have clean, free fuel lines and a gas tank filter which is clean. Quite a few of the posts contain references to the fuel lines and the filters in the tank, at the fuel pump and B-4 the FI pump.
One other thing to look for is wiring from the starter and or alternator in good (unburnt) condition. Best of luck.
MBG