Hi Jay,

Thanks for the offer. I am definitely considering taking you up on that.

Do you know how long it would take to do the belt swap?
Also, how much does a new belt cost?

 

I went with the Gates belt from Detroit Tuned for $20 and have no complaints. I installed DT's tensioner stop at the same time and it took me about under 2 hrs (I'm a novice) in a cramped 1-car garage. Just changing the belt should take less than an hour.

http://www.detroittuned.com/products...20061102225055

 

Hi Jay,

I'm going to take you up on your offer, if you don't mind.

You can have my 12:00 noon slot, and I'll move to your 4:30 slot, provided you can help me put on a new belt beforehand. Incidentally, I just ordered a new belt from Detroit Tuned, thank you for the link.

I will show up at the shop around 1:30 or so, will that work for you? Please let me know.

Please bring your pulley tension tool with you. Is there anything else I will need to bring? Do we need I need to bring anything besides the new belt? (jack/jack stands, socket set, etc.???) Please let me know.

When I had my pulley installed by Randy Webb, he had to remove the engine from its' mounts, jack the motor up slightly in order to get enough access. Do you have to do this for a belt swap as well?

 

I can bring my tools. Can you bring 2 stand and a jack? To change the pulley belt you remove the right front wheel well plastic lining and it's right there. It's really pretty easy.

 

Guys

Please don't do this at Ekstens if you can. I work at a dealership and we frawn on this very much. Not very cool. Maybe you could meet up before hand. Please understand we're using their facility for this event.
Thanks Larry

 

Oh well, we tried. I guess you could have Ekstens install it. Sould be pretty quick job for them, so shouldn't cost much.

jonnieoh, let me know if you still want to switch times.

 

Guy's
I hope you understand. It's like going to a restaurant and bringing your own food.

 

No problem, I completely understand.

 

Thanks

 

guys, if you want you can do it in my driveway. I am about a halfmile away. PM me if you want my info. Nobody will be here so dont drop your car on yourself.

 

Also I have a couple jacks and jackstands if you need. I have a larger floor jack and a low profile one. Maybe I can call in sick that day

 

I'll call your workplace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

will not....their number is unlisted and umm... they relocated to India!

 

Larry,

I am really sorry. I lack any tact and experience in these type of dyno tuning events, and it is really showing! I can now totally see your point, that it would be wrong/rude to do a belt change ourselves there, (duh!). Consider that plan cancelled!

Jay, I would love to still do the belt swap with you at SPDinNY's house, (if you still don't mind, AND we can fit it in between our respective dyno sessions).

SPDinNY: Thanks for volunteering your driveway, that's really generous of you! The fact that you're only 1/2 mile away, it doesn't get too much more convenient than that. Could you PM me directions?

This is all getting very difficult to plan out, logisitically. Sorry everyone. Please have patience with this newbie...

 

Larry,

I would be happy to have Eksten's change the belt for me, BUT I'm really concerned about whether or not they'll have the garage space available and a guy to do the belt swap, in the time before my dyno run.

I am really paranoid about not messing up the dyno tuning schedule that you're working so hard to set up.

I don't want this scenario to happen:
I show up early, assuming they'll have a guy that can swap my belt for me before my session, and like all things in life, something happens where there's nobody to work on my little belt swap, (or there's no available shop space). All of the sudden, it's my turn on the dyno, and I have not gotten my belt put on yet...

 

PM sent. Oh and to get to Ekstens from my house. Turn right out of my driveway. Turn left onto Dewey ave. Cross the railroad tracks. Turn right onto Bennington and the garage is just on the right.

 

I can help you do it in SPDinNY's driveway. Might want to let the neighbors know also. Wouldn't want them to get suspicious and call the cops. THAT would really ruin the dyno day.

 

I think I will take the day off...my neighbors probably would except they know we love minis since we have 2. Where abouts are you coming from jay I will PM you info

 

Schweeeeeeet.

Thanks guys. I owe you one!

 

I'm off of Scottsville Rd south of Jefferson (across the river from RIT).

 

directions PM'd just let me know what time to expect you guys.

 

SPDinNY: I will arrive at your house by 1:30.

I will start getting the car jacked up and prepared, so when Jay arrives, we can get started immediately!

 

The Western NY MINI club will be at Watkins Glen on Sunday 4/27 for opening daypening Day. It's $20 for 3 "paced laps" on the track. I can't make it, but it thought I'd pass on the info. It would be a nice drive after the tune, especially for the monster build. I wonder if Jan has ever been to the Glen?

 

Actually, Joe (jpavlo) and I were going to be there as well. Did this event last year, and it was a real blast!

Highly recommended, even though they're just "paced" laps, (laps behind an official pace car). You can still have a ton of fun, especially in a MINI.

JON

 

Can I swap to an earlier slot on Saturday? I'm coming over the border and want to cross it before the main traffic.

HyperBluestx20, or anyone else can swap his slot with my 3:00PM one?

Thanks in advance.