I'm realizing first hand how the virulent the modding bug is! My wife and I have had our '05 MCSa (mileage ~50k) for about 6 weeks, and have been very happy thus far.

I hadn't planned on doing too much with the car, but after reading through a number of threads here, it sounds like the 15% reduction pulley is pretty much a no-brainer. The question is selling the idea to my better half, who -- while she appreciates spirited performance -- thinks the MCS is sufficient as is. (Our MINI's exclusively a street car; we don't autocross or partake in any track activity.)

Any suggestions on how to pitch the mod to her? When I was first shopping for MINIs, I recall someone offering the sage advice that extra horsepower should be considered a "safety feature" -- a little extra oomph for avoiding trouble on the freeways. I tried that line on her but I don't think she's buying it.

From perusing a good number of the supercharger pulley threads here on NAM, it seems like the consensus is that a pulley is a pulley is a pulley and that there's not a huge difference between manfacturers.

I also recall a thread (looks like a few years old now) that surveyed which pulleys people have. (Seemed like ALTA was very popular.) Realizing that popularity doesn't always equal quality, I'm still curious as to which 15% reduction pulleys (or 16% in the case of the M7) you all actually have in your MINIs these days.

There's a dizzying array of possibilities (Way Motor Works, CravenSpeed, Alta, M7, Webb, Helix, MINI Mania/ULTRIK, Madness MINI), and I figure NAMers are a pretty discriminating crowd.

 

A NAM Vendor, Way Motor Works, sells just what you need: http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...cat=327&page=2
It's a pulley package and it has all the right stuff.

Go for it...

 

go for the pulley, its one of the best mod available, rather get a 17% Reduction.. just incase you intend to mod further in the furture

AS to the part where your wife comes in, She wouldnt know its installed unless you tell her :D
its not like an exhaust system where its very much noticeable.

 

Since your driving for street, I would go 17% or 19%

 

For the automatic the first thing to try is the milder version of the Sprint Booster. Improved throttle response will go a long way to excite her about the prospect of improved performance elsewhere. The installation is non-invasive, is easily reversible, and has a money back option; safety nets for the apprehensive. From that point on it’s easier to sell "more is better".

 

Yes and also because it's an automatic, rather get a 17%. I'm running one on mine and I love it. Plus I have quite a heavy foot

 

I've got a Webb 15% reduction pulley for a song at the NAM Marketplace. Pulleys turn up often there so you can save some money and impress your wife.

The improved acceleration is addicting. You can punch it at any (normal) RPM and get kicked into your seat.

Find a good independent mechanic to install it and make sure you get the right belt for the pulley.

 

Definetly go for a Pulley, it is the biggest bang for your buck and will make you smile.

As for selling it to your wife. Most of my customers tell their spouse how the car will pull out into traffic alot faster. Meaning it won't fall on it's face like it does now, your wife can see this as safer.

And for those with a stick, alot of time your spouse is sold on having more torque on the low end so you have to shift around town a little less.

Of course if all else fails forgiveness is easier to get than permission.