I am curious... whats the difference between all the different brands of supercharger pulleys? And what brand does everyone recommend using? I want to put a 15% Reduction pulley on my MINI but I need a little help choosing the better brand name. Thank you all for your help and info.

 

LDG uses the Mini Madness which is what I went with. A pulley is simply a round machined circle... I don't think there are any advantages or disadvantages between brands...

The only bad thing I've heard about any pulley, is that one of the M7 ones I saw at a Tate Breakfast was rusted... And the owner said M7 knew about it and attributed it to the finish style the customer picked. I don't think thats a good answer, but only the side of the pulley was rusted, not the part that touches the belt.

 

So here's a question for you... i saw somewhere that LDG will do the install for $235 is that true and what does it cover? I mean does it cover the cost of the pulley and installation or does it just cover the installation?

 

that is probably just installation....mine cost $400 + $120 for the pulley

and for which one to get...i've had an alta 15% since february and have had no problems

 

At one time, there were pulley brands that had to be pressed onto the supercharger after heating them in the oven or with a torch. Alignment was critical and was not foolproof.

I don't know if any such pullies are still on the market, though. All of the ones I've seen are of the two-piece, self-aligning variety.

I've installed three so far - two Altas and a brand I can't remember. The only difference was that the brand I can't remember had six mounting bolts, where the Alta had four. It didn't go on any easier, align any easier, or run any truer, so I don't think the number of bolts affects anything.

 

The total cost is $280. Patagonian GT just had it installed @ LDG. I think pullies are pullies are pullies.

 

I have a supercharge pulley stamped and sold by Webb.

 

I would stick with the 15% from Alta or Webb and have it installed by someone who has experience with pulley installation. The total cost should be no more than $350-$400 including pulley + labor.

 

Any comment on Helix?

 

Like I said before, they are all the same now. Buy the least expensive one. From what I am hearing on NAM and µ, LDG is by far the least expensive.

 

Somebody buy me a pulley for Christmas?!

 

I have a 17% Helix for about 2000 miles now, I just love it. Car is alive, and I mean alive!

 

My 15% Alta has been for over two years with no problems!

 

Be sure to get a larger air box than stock in order to get the most out of the pulley.

 

Pretty much the same as all the others. What is important in this discussion is that the larger the reduction the faster the supercharger turns - but you have to balance that out with the captivation that is created in the water pump. So here is the formula: higher the percentage of reduction - increases water pump captivation - less efficiency of water pump - increased heat - need for cooler plugs (recommended) - slight reduction in heat.

Generally heat increases result in increased wear on engine components and warranty issues followed by finger pointing at the dealership if your car is still under warranty.

Take the conservative route and stick with 15%. Take the convenience route and go to Lucky Dog. Take the economic route and go to Lucky Dog.

BTW: due to belt tensioner issues having the belt replaced is a good idea - and keep the old one in the car as a spare - just ask Sherman

But that's just my opinion

 

A pulley is a pulley is a pulley. From the information I gather it seems like there are 2 or so shops in the country making the pulleys for everyone. Don't believe the BS about stainless versus aluminum pulleys, for the temperature and speeds you will be running there is no difference (except price).

The only real decision is what reduction value. If you ever plan on tracking the car I'd stick with something like a 15%. Although it's possible to run a 17 or 19% on the track you have to watch out as it will probably generate quite a lot of heat and then the engine will start pulling it's timing and you'll lose power.

 

Want my old one?

 

I have a 0% reduction that's a little dinged up. It's all yours...

 

Perhaps, what do you have?

Let's see what Wagnbat has, I might be interested...

 

Ummm... I hope you do get the joke... from both of them...

 

Uh... notice the ?

 

Yeah, but the fact you answered Will's post in a more serious manner left me some doubt!

 

Heyyyy... that should be really hot in my JCW!! We can do an even swap!!




-Paul!

PS - So Edge doesn't get all upset, I'm kidding!

 

Mine was a Helix 15%. So far no problems at all, except the runflats hook up
even less now .I think most people are right, all the pullies on the market
are prttey much the same. I went with the Helix because I got it used off
of NAM for a good price.(thanks to DMH).

 

Ah, that's right - Helix! Thanks for posting, it was driving me crazy not being able to remember what pulley we put on your car. Glad to hear you're enjoying it.