I just placed my order direct with M7 last night. I purchased the 16% pulley with stock JCW belt. I also have the Alta Tensioner Stop. But here is my predicament, I've worked plenty on high performance cars before, but none supercharged. I also do not have the pulley puller, as well as Tensioner bar. Those parts alone will add another $200 to the mod, for only being used very rarely. And any reliable M7 installer is only open M-F, and I'm a 9-5'er.

I guess what I'm getting at is, does anyone have the puller/bar and willing to help me out with the install on a weekend? I would be more than willing to drive to you and pay for your help in cash or in beer! I am located in Palatine 60067 right off of 53 and Euclid just 5min north of Woodfield mall. Thanks to anyone who can help!

-Chris

 

Have you tried calling Dustin at Auto X Cooper ?

Been thinking of the M7 pulley too since Im unsure between the 15 and 17
Let us know how it works out

 

Yeah, I contacted him on Friday and it looks like he will be doing the install. I will definitely keep you posted. I am getting the Alta Tension Stop installed at the same time.

 

Oh beat me to it, I was going to suggest him!

 

$300+ was his quote. That is rediculous. I'm ordering the tools myself for half of his labor cost. When I'm done, yes I'll help anyone who needs them.

EDIT: Got the pulley and belt in Friday, the puller/tensioner tool should be in from Way tomorrow along with RMW Brisk plugs. I'm planning on the install this coming Saturday the 13th. So excited.

 

Hey

HUBBARD WOODS MOTORS
847-446-0711

They took up MINI's about 1 year ago and are looking to please Everybody.

Give'em a call.. It'll be worth your wild... They have loaner cars too.

 

Sure hope this isn't your daily driver. My BMW mechanic had a booger of a time removing the stock pulley and had to end up cutting it off. Had I tried to do it myself at home, i'd still be there trying to fix it. The pulley i got from MiniMania didn't work at all.

 

Some of the stock pulleys can be an absolute nightmare to get off the shaft of the supercharger. It also depends on the puller tool that you use. cheaper the tool, the more work for the installer. Ive been through 3 different sc pulleys, trying out different setups. Never had a problem with the pulley removal tool.

 

Thank you all for the advice. As I stated, I am doing the install myself. Coming from a DSM background, I have no shortage of experience working on anything auto. If I can assemble a motor (plastigauge bearings, gap piston rings, assemble all parts) as well as programming a Megasquirt standalone ECU that controlled a 583hp DSM, I somehow doubt I'll have a problem.

I'll post when I'm done. You'd think you view me as afraid to tear apart a motor, that's far from the case.

 

Install was completed last night at 10pm. M7 16%, JCW belt, Alta tension stop, Brisk plugs, magnecor wires. The car is a completely different animal now. It was actually VERY easy, I was surprised how little convincing the motor needed to be reset into the motor mounts. All 3 points that were undone just dropped back in PERFECTLY, no real effort needed!

So if anyone local needs help, I have all of the tools and am now a "Certified Pulley Installer!"

 

Congrats !!!!!!!!
I May take you up on your offer to help off set your cost on the tool

 

I've got the 16% pulley and the puller but no bar. Do you think the job is doable without it using standard tools or Macgyver techniques?

 

I've heard it's possible, but a P.I.T.A. Being able to de-tension the belt in less than 5 seconds makes it worth the price.

 

I'm also thinking about doing this install myself. Which how to guide did you use? Where are you located? Would you consider loaning/selling your pulley removal tool and tensioner tool? I'm no mechanic, but I have replaced the clutch and cv joints on a Honda Civic, which wasn't exactly easy.