Edge
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I just emailed them a short time ago - I hope they can fit me in. If not, oh well, my fault for RSVPing too late.
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Ali - I made my donation appointment for 1pm. I didn't see an option to sign up for a double. Is that a decision that is only made on the day?
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:banghead: :angel:
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I'm sorry Ali - I'm not sure I'm going to make it. If I do, it will be pretty late (at least 7:30pm). I'll try!
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OK guys... we all know Plasti-Dip is awesome, but the past few days it seems that almost every thread ends up talking about it. Give it a rest already - sheesh! Or... maybe start a new, dedicated thread about Plasti-Dip in the Maintenance & Modifications forum, and concentrate the discussion there? Just saying... :angel:
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The rear one makes a much bigger difference in our MINIs.
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Painting calipers is a nice touch, especially if the existing calipers are unpainted. I was very happy to get my rear calipers on my original brakes painted red to match my front (1st Gen JCW) calipers. Of course, now that I've upgraded to the R56 JCW BBK, the new rears came pre-painted. As for using plasti-dip to do it, I strongly urge caution on that. As far as I'm aware, it's not designed to be used on a high-heat application like brake calipers or engines. It could turn into a huge sticky mess, and potentially be a safety hazard such as dripping onto the rotors or who knows, even catching fire! In any case - be careful and do your research. The brakes are perhaps the most important safety feature on the entire car. It's something you don't want to screw up.
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To extrapolate on this discussion, MINIs are designed to use hubcentric wheels. That refers to the center hole in the wheel. Ever look closely at your OEM wheels and the car's hub? They are designed to neatly fit together. This helps to keep the wheels centered perfectly. Other cars that do not have a hubcentric design simply use permanent lug bolts (i.e. they are attached directly to the hub) instead - where the bolts stick out from the hub, and the wheels only slide onto the bolts (and are secured with lug nuts) instead of a center hub. So that's all it is. Wheelcentricity is especially important when trying to buy or use wheel spacers on a hub-centric car (like the MINI), because you don't want to lose that clean, centered attachment of the wheel to the hub. If the wheel spacers are too wide (e.g. > 5mm), the hub isn't long enough to reach the wheel any more - so the spacers themselves need to have a center protrusion in order for the wheel to fit cleanly on the center. <whew> I hope I made sense with my explanation above.
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It's coop.
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I now have had 2 serious buyers PM me... so consider this "sale pending".
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Ideally the tune should always come last, after all of the engine-related mods are done, so that the tune takes full advantage of all parts.
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I'm sorry I missed the run today - looks like it was a smashing success! I was happy I was able to have a relaxed morning and then I was able to crank through the stuff at my office too (nothing exciting - a big cleanout). The panoramic idea sounds great, Craig! I'll be happy to participate if you still need people.
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Well, we're still a good 7 or 8 weeks from Halloween, so don't hold your breath just yet!
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I fully planned on it... but I first wanted to get portions of the seats reupholstered in blue leather to match my interior. Also, because I have a 2005+, I needed to find/buy a passenger weight sensor to transplant in so that the car doesn't complain that it's missing. I still plan on doing the above... but I ultimately decided to buy brand new JCW seats from the UK instead of using the new ones. They cost a fortune (notably more than the quoted amount above due to the current exchange rates) and arrived on Thursday evening. Since I now have the new pair of the seats in my hands, I don't need the used pair any more, so that's why I'm selling them. I don't know for sure, but this totalMINI forums post contains photos of the seats (with red paneling) and the Euro armrest installed at the same time. I think the Euro armrest is actually bigger than the USA one, so I'm confident the USA one will work fine too. I sure hope so, because I have the armrest too! (mostly for the Bluetooth kit) Note that since you have effectively the same car I do (2005 & 2006 are effectively identical - they are both post-refresh), you'll have the same challenges as me - namely: You'll need to defeat the airbag detection mechanism since these seats don't have airbags. This can be done with a resistor - MINI actually used to sell one for this purpose (see Item 2 here on RealOEM.com), so this is a legitimate solution - provided that you have the correct resistance. I actually own two of those exact resistor parts (bought a few years ago from the UK), and although they are not for sale (I need them!), I'll be happy to let them be measured with an accurate multimeter to determine the correct resistance value. You'll need a passenger weight sensor. Unfortunately the circuitry for this can't as easily be defeated by a simple resistor, because the amount of weight on the sensor is measured (at least at a couple of intervals). You will have to take one from a donor seat and transplant it. This issue is why I suggested in my for sale post that the seats are better suited to a 2002-2004 MINI, which doesn't require the passenger weight sensor. Note that the above two problems will be the same for any aftermarket seats that are installed in a 2005+ MINI, unless they are specifically designed for a USA MINI, including the airbags and passenger weight sensor. This isn't a problem unique to the JCW seats! Since you asked, I just weighed one of my new ones, which still has the shipping plastic on it and also has the seat heaters (my used ones don't). The weight of one of these seats is 43.4 lbs. Note that this was without the mounting rails installed on them. Take away the plastic and the seat heaters and you're looking at about 42 lbs per seat - again, without the mounting rails. The seats are identical except that the adjustment controls & seatbelt connector are on opposite sides... so I expect that they're the same weight. BTW, one small detail I forgot to include - these seats are specifically based upon the "Sparco Milano" seat. A quick search for regular Sparco Milano seats (i.e. not JCW-branded, etc) turns up a price of $1,699 per seat. :dong: I'll update my first post with the model comparison.
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Actually that was Quitta not me.
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John Behe definitely knows his stuff with 1st Gens. However, if you do business with him, don't mention DCMM. He used to be a vendor (many years ago) and we had an unfortunate falling out, and he wants nothing to do with us now. In case you're curious, the main issue was an event conflict - he had taken the time to set up a special event for the club, and then someone else came in and created a conflicting event and it totally took the wind out of the sails of his event. It's one of the reasons why we try to guard carefully against conflicting events, unless it's believed that the two events are so different that they won't drain attendees from each other. We don't want that kind of thing happening again!
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Real 1st Gen JCW Sport Seats (branded with JCW logo) from Europe. These are the Sparco-based seats (specifically the Sparco Milano), not to be confused with the 2nd Gen JCW Sport Seats, which are Recaro-based. These were on another person's MINI ("works4me" from Houston, TX) for 3 years before I bought them from him. I have never used them myself - I've kept them in storage (protected by clean garbage bags) since I bought them in 2010. They are black leather and in good condition. I'm only asking what I paid for them (including the shipping cost from TX): $725 (price is firm) Brand new these seats would cost over $2200 for the pair, plus shipping from Europe. NOTE: These seats do not have airbags in them (part of why you can't buy them in the USA). Also, they do not have the passenger weight sensor, so they are ideally suited to a 2002-2004 MINI (the passenger weight sensor was added for 2005+ models). Also, be aware that these seats do not include seat heaters. I'd prefer a local DC region sale, instead of having to ship them (again). I'll be happy to bring them to you, or meet up with you somewhere, or you can pick them up from my place in Annandale, VA. Here's the original Motoring Alliance sale thread where I bought them from: F/S: JCW Sparco seats - Motoring Alliance :: MINI Cooper Forums They were $500, and I also paid $225 for shipping - hence the $725 asking price now. ...and here are some pics (taken from the above thread):
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Oops - fixed! :embarassed:
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Chris - just be aware... first of all, you'll specifically want the S brakes, not the Cooper brakes, if you're going to try to put 2nd Gen brakes on your 1st Gen. Secondly, the brake line connector to the calipers did get changed between gens, so you'll also need custom brake lines to enable this (i.e. 1st gen on the car end, 2nd gen on the caliper end). That's what I had to do for my big brake upgrade. I just wanted to give you a heads up so you are prepared for what it takes.
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What should I do with my stock R52 Cabrio
Edge replied to CapsFanVA's topic in Maintenance & Modifications
Only on the hardtops. The convertible models stayed 1st Gen (including the supercharger) through 2008, until the new 2nd Gen convertible (aka R57) was released as a 2009 model. -
What should I do with my stock R52 Cabrio
Edge replied to CapsFanVA's topic in Maintenance & Modifications
Like Ali was saying... pulley, intake, exhaust & tune are the 4 "must have" mods for any S R52 or R53 in the power department. Brakes - lots of options, from the 1st Gen JCW brake upgrade (which is effectively identical to the 2nd Gen S brakes, except the red paint & logo), to Big Brake Kits (both JCW and aftermarket). I used to have the former, and now have the latter (2nd Gen JCW BBK) retrofitted onto my R53 (see my thread on it). Then of course you have the handling mods. A larger sway bar gives you the best immediate "bang for the buck", but there's a lot more you can do after that, with upgraded springs & shocks, or coilovers, and caster camber plates. Obviously lighter wheels will help reduce the unsprung weight and rolling mass. It's a long, expensive slippery slope... but it's a bunch of fun! -
Yep, it definitely shows how experience matters much more than the car itself. Not to mention that the fastest times were stock/showroom class, not tuned. Some of us (myself included) have to get a lot more seat time under our belt. :angel: Actually, mine is a JCW - a 1st Gen JCW, but a JCW. It came from the factory as an S (JCWs weren't a factory option in 2005), but the 1st Gen JCWs involved a full conversion kit (including cylinder head, injectors, etc - installed before I even took delivery of the car). It's definitely not a GP though, even though I have some GP parts - it's way too heavy. I have every last option available, plus some extra stuff like 50lb of soundproofing! GPs are the exact opposite - as few options as possible to reduce the weight (including lack of rear seats). I probably have one of the heaviest 1st Gen JCWs in existence. :laugh:
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Here are a couple of pics of the picnic site, for those curious :top:
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until<p><strong>DCMM Annual Meeting</strong></p> <p>Saturday, September 29th 2012 at 1:30PM</p> <p> </p> <p>Hard Times Cafe - Fairfax</p> <p>4069 Chain Bridge Rd</p> <p>Fairfax VA 22030<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4069%20Chain%20Bridge%20Rd+Fairfax+VA+22030+US" rel="external nofollow"></a></p> <p></p> <p>Parking will be in the rear shared lot with Virginia Commerce Bank off Sager Ave or University Dr. See photos for preferred parking locations. Parking has been verified with HTC.</p> <p> </p> <p>We will be in the upper room, Pool Table and Game Room, Chain Bridge Rd entrance level. </p> <p> </p> <p>This is our most important meeting of the year and we need as many members to attend as possible. We will be voting on 5 open board positions! If you are interested in running for the board or would like more information, please <a href="http://www.dcmetrominis.org/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=3" rel="external nofollow"><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">contact Edge</span></strong></a> or any other current board member (<a href="http://www.dcmetrominis.org/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=8" rel="external nofollow">GreenCactus</a>, <a href="http://www.dcmetrominis.org/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=386" rel="external nofollow">HzBBlur</a>, <a href="http://www.dcmetrominis.org/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=225" rel="external nofollow">cmcveay</a>, <a href="http://www.dcmetrominis.org/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=374" rel="external nofollow">TGGRRR</a>, <a href="http://www.dcmetrominis.org/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=5" rel="external nofollow">Mr EZ</a> or <a href="http://www.dcmetrominis.org/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=917" rel="external nofollow">Wizzer</a>). You do not have to be present at the meeting to run for the board, but nominees who <em><strong>are</strong></em> present will each get the (optional) opportunity to briefly introduce themselves and why they are running.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em><span style="color:#FF0000;">This meeting is open to current, paid members ONLY.</span></em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:#000000;">A Chili Buffet and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. The buffet will offer three chili options that should make most everyone happy. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:#000000;">You are welcome to order an alcoholic drink, but you will be billed for it separately.</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;">Here are the preferred ways to arrive and park for the meeting:</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p> <p><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qzm2tp-qJnM/UDrrgrJRIcI/AAAAAAAABb4/wWdocDqeFJ0/s800/Rear%2520Parking%2520Entrances%2520Sager%2520and%2520University.JPG" alt="Rear%2520Parking%2520Entrances%2520Sager%2520and%2520University.JPG" /></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;">Approach from either Sager Ave or University Drive</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p> <p><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_iOJPcZ2z2c/UDrrg3ni9GI/AAAAAAAABb8/XfEGkxKrZUw/s800/Preferred%2520Parking.JPG" alt="Preferred%2520Parking.JPG" /></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;">Preferred parking</span></p>
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DCMM Annual Meeting Saturday, September 29th 2012 at 1:30PM Hard Times Cafe - Fairfax 4069 Chain Bridge Rd Fairfax VA 22030 Parking will be in the rear shared lot with Virginia Commerce Bank off Sager Ave or University Dr. See photos for preferred parking locations. Parking has been verified with HTC. We will be in the upper room, Pool Table and Game Room, Chain Bridge Rd entrance level. This is our most important meeting of the year and we need as many members to attend as possible. We will be voting on 5 open board positions! If you are interested in running for the board or would like more information, please contact Edge or any other current board member (GreenCactus, HzBBlur, cmcveay, TGGRRR, Mr EZ or Wizzer). You do not have to be present at the meeting to run for the board, but nominees who are present will each get the (optional) opportunity to briefly introduce themselves and why they are running. This meeting is open to current, paid members ONLY. A Chili Buffet and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. The buffet will offer three chili options that should make most everyone happy. You are welcome to order an alcoholic drink, but you will be billed for it separately. Here are the preferred ways to arrive and park for the meeting: Approach from either Sager Ave or University Drive Preferred parking