I wanted to put an aftermarket pulley on my 03 with 47k miles, but i dont know which one to go with. I dont want to do something that is going to end up damaging my engine in the long run. I was thinking about the m7, alta, or the dinan( but the dinan is costly with all the extras you have to get with it totaling for me around $2g's which is very unappealing). Any suggestions on which is the safest and smartest pulley to go with?

 

You can search the forum as there are many on this subject. For me 15% is the safest to go. The manufacturers you mentioned are all reliable. You'll be happy to do this mod.

 

Any 15% pulley should be fine. From a cost standpoint it is probably one of the most effective mods out there and from a reliability standpoint it is also one of the best. One thing to look out for is a vendor who lets you rent a pulley removal tool at the time of purchase, definitely something that can save you some money.

 

you can check out the kmt pulley as well - they sell on ebay - $49 + 30 s/h from slovenia. there's a thread or two floating around here reviewing them (good reviews). it's a good economical way to go (i'm about 85% reading to hit the buy now button on ebay).

 

Pulley is a pulley basically - very modest design differences. So as long as its round your pretty safe . If there is a local vendor, I would go that route.

I would focus on install. While the actual install in not that complex much must be done to gain access and requires a special tool so I often encourage people to pay to get it installed. plus in the event there is a problem there is accountability. I paid 325 for pulley, new belt and install from an experienced mechanic. Of a local vendor can have the pulley installed.

 

Yeah! What he said!!!!!!! I don't have an upgraded pulley yet, but I will definitely have it installed somewhere locally with good experience. hmmmmmm-perhaps Jan at RMW

 

That would be funny to see Jan get his hands dirty.

 

Thanks guys, all very helpful, so in terms of which pulley, you dont think it really matters?

 

I would go to Alta or other suppliers that will give warranty, support & service.

 

i did a alta classic 17 with no problems only other thing i added was the plugs for extra protection. And i love it, so glad i did it

 

obviously the drawback about the KMT pulley (unless they are providing warranties now)- but if saving $50 bucks on a mod is a big deal then it may be worth it if you're gonna have professional install done. keep in mind, the warranty on the aftrmkt part doesn't cover any probs with your supercharger, etc.

HHFD633 - why did you go with 17% vs 15%?

 

The KMT have a lifetime warranty until they have been started producting. If it's anything wrong with it you get new one.

 

sweet! guess that answers a big question!!!!! I see a KMT pulley in my future (although it will sit in a box until I can part with the $$$$ to install it)

 

Have Danny at Mini Corsa install a 15% pulley and shorter belt. I am not sure which pulley he uses but it really doesn't matter if it is an Alta, Craven, etc.

 

Not many people mention the minimania self aligning pulley and i'm not sure why. I installed mine by myself and it lined up perfectly the first time out with absolutely no headaches or worries. i'd say check it out, even if you have it put on by a shop close to you its nice to know that the pulley will align itself so you dont have to worry wether the mechanic put it on correctly

 

Who makes the KMT pulley? And is there a website I can check out?

 

i don't think there's a website - if you run a search here for kmt pulley's you'll find a thread or two, including one where a cpl of members discuss install, results, etc. also, if you search on ebay for kmt pulley you'll find the auction. apparently the guy who makes them is from slovenia (he's on NAM as well - but i don't remember his usr name) - anyway, i guess his pulley's are used in europe and he's just recently started shipping them to the US.

this is def the route i'm gonna go and have it installed either at Corsamini or RMW in soCal.

btw, chisss is one of the ppl here on NAM who installed the kmt

 

I would think that any reputable vendor would replace the pulley that they sold someone if that someone presented them w/ the pulley broken do to a machining or metal fault. Pulleys do not wear out. I've had my pulley for 3 years and if tomorrow it broke due to the metal itself or machining - MY LOCAL VENDOR WOULD GIVE ME A NEW ONE NO QUESTIONS ASKED - ESPECIALLY SINCE HE INSTALLED IT.

This is why I emphasize pulley purchase/installation. Lets assume something goes wrong - I simply have the car towed to my vendor and have a pulley installed that day or you can have the pulley removed, shipped off, await new pulley and schedule install. Lets assume the pulley not only breaks but falls off the car and cannot be found - whats the guarantee say? I do not have to present the broken pulley - My vendor put it on the car.

So if the concern is warranty, I believe this is the way to go. Having said this anyone that has basic skills, desire, the tools can do it oneself and should never have a problem.