Dreaming of the Dragon. How are you getting ready

Discussion in 'MINIs on the Dragon 13 (April 29 - May 2, 2015)' started by MCS02, Mar 17, 2015.

  1. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Sat down to get some work done, but I would rather be at the Dragon!

    So how are you getting ready for the Dragon?
     

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  2. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    Just trying to be reaalllyyyy patient. :wink: My MINI is pretty much ready to go, save for the wash & wax the weekend before I depart. Mentally, I'm already there: driving the roads in my head & eagerly awaiting the first adult beverages with many friends! :beer:
     
  3. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Just putting on Summer rims and tires and doing the basic maintenance.
    Oil
    Filter
    Belt
    Plugs
    Trans fluid change
    Brake Fluid flush and ABS bleed
    Alignment
    Buy beer and put on loud exhaust that the wife hates. :Thumbsup:
     
  4. Whales

    Whales Well-Known Member
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    #4 Whales, Mar 17, 2015
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2015
    In preparation for this year's dragon I had the following installed/performed:
    Week of March 9 at Helix
    Greene Performance BC Racing Coilovers with Swift Springs
    RMW Rear Control Arms
    215/45R-17 Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Spec
    New RMW Big Brake Kit
    OS Giken Clutch
    OS Giken LSD
    DeatschWerks Fuel Pump
    Fuel Filter
    Vibra-Technics Engine Mount
    March 16
    Alignment
    Scheduled for April 4 at Helix
    New RMW Cam
    Vi-Pec I-Series
    Dyno Tune by Jan
    Scheduled for April 25
    Oil/filter Change
    Pack and buy beer
     
  5. Z06_Pilot

    Z06_Pilot Well-Known Member
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    clay/polish/wax both Minis the week before leaving.

    change oil/filter in both.

    rotate the Super Sports front-to-back on the R56 JCW.

    and most importantly, fast a week before leaving to ensure I have plenty of room for donuts and Krystal burgers (those of you not from the South have no idea what you have been missing.....White Castle is NOT, I repeat, NOT Krystal....not even close :biggrin5: )

    I must say my list is not nearly as interesting as Dave O's and Whales.....when these new car warranties of ours are done, look out.........
     
  6. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
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    Figuring out how much stuff we can jam in my old Tacoma and various cars. Is this the year we do a clutch at the Dragon?
     
  7. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    How am I getting ready...........by putting up next years calendar on the wall !
     
  8. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Me...I'm fixing fat fingered thread titles about how people are getting ready.
     
  9. Goldsmithy

    Goldsmithy MINI Alliance Ambassador
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    I'm sitting on pins and needles. I have my registration and a motel room booked for the Dragon. Problem is, I don't have my mini yet. I won't get it until the middle of April. Once I get it, I need to change the oil, the belt, flush the brake fluid and refill, flush the cooling system and refill, and have a trailer hitch installed. Then I have to get the wife's mobility scooter trailer road ready (check the wheel bearings and lighting). Maybe tires...

    I am buying a 2005 R52 S and most of the stuff I am going to do I consider normal maintenance when buying a used car. I am a firm believer in preventative maintenance.
    As this is my first MINI, I will welcome any suggestions anyone might have.
     
  10. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    When you change the belt if you can change the tensioner if you do not know the last time it was done. Just don't buy the part at the dealership.

    Here is a link for the same part the dealers sells at a 3rd the cost.

    Amazon.com: ACDelco 38404 Professional Automatic Belt Tensioner Assembly with Spring and Hydraulic Damper: Automotive

    If you can not do the job many of the vendors like Helix or Detroit Tuned will do it for you at Fontana.
     
  11. Goldsmithy

    Goldsmithy MINI Alliance Ambassador
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    OOPS, forgot to ask a question. I come from traveling long distances in air-cooled VW's and won't leave home without a spare fan belt, a 10mme and 13mm wrench, rotor, distributor cap, and a Bentley manual. What spares do you experienced travelers carry in your mini?
    As I'm a noob and don't want to hi-jack a thread, if this would be a subject for a new thread, please let me know.
     
  12. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Some people bring a spare tire but not me. As for tools and parts you do not really need to bring anything all because the vendors have all the tools and parts you could need.
     
  13. 05r50

    05r50 Well-Known Member

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    Increase my drinking and start smoking agsin
     
  14. LowCountry S

    LowCountry S Active Member

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    plug kit, tire slime, compressor,(no spare) serpentine belt and some basic tools, Bentley; just in case something happens between here and there :Thumbsup:

    other than that, if its something I can't fix, there is someone at the Dragon who can...Helix, DT, Way, and the rest, those boys put in some hours up there! They've saved more than one person's trip I guarantee :Thumbsup:
     
  15. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    Heh, seriously?

    Years past, would have been wash / polish / wax / etc.

    This year is replace engine, replace transmission, replace ECU, replace BC1, replace ignition switch, replace instruments, replace dash, replace doors, get a tune, maybe pull a few dents...
     
  16. aslondon

    aslondon Member
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    I just keep replacing and ordering "stuff" I am so excited I think my wife is going to kill me if i mention it again!. Last time I did the Dragon it was on a Honda Valkyrie so this should be a different experience. This is the first real vacation out of town in several years.

    Al
     
  17. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    I think you are just using that as an excuse to get out of the wash/polish/wax/ect. :biggrin5:
     
  18. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    This is expected too...
     
  19. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Aren't you just and over achiever. :lol:
     
  20. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    Leave the dents. They are Red Badges of Courage, and they help with aero.
     

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