I want to do a pulley swap but heard some bad things about it. I heard that some MINIs experience a Service Engine light issue. Is this true?. If not are there any negatives associated with a pulley swap i.e engine damage, premature failure, etc? i have already done a CAI swap and currently waiting on my exhaust. TAI

 

I have a 15% pulley installed at about 8,000 miles & at 74,000 miles I'm still smiling. No issues for me. IMHO it is the best bang for the buck mod anyone can do to a R53 MINI.

 

About 50%+ of the readers here have a reduction (15,16,17 or 19%) and another 15% have one from the previous owner...and don't know it.
There are thousands of pages of threads on you questions....generaly a 15% is safe, a 17% is a bit more a agressive, and a 19% is so agressive it is asking for trouble IMO. Remember, the JCW kit came with about a 12% reduction pulley.
Any problems you have are simply mangnified with a pulley... As are any problems on a moded car...everything should be well matained, and in good repair before you add a pulley....
Pulleys are an awsome mod on a gen1 mini...heck the factory even did it on the JCW!!

 

17% here for about a year and no lights or problems. I have installed about 30 or so pulleys and all without any lights or problems.

 

If not properly installed- there could be problems. A 15% is a pretty safe bet. Smaller pulleys have been known to throw a belt at times.

 

Whoever told you this, do not listen to anything they have to say again.

 

the "service light issues" you refer to are related to adding a header.....NOT a pully. have a reputable shop slap it on and you're off!! with no worries......now go out there and get 'er done!

 

Do it. You'll love it.

 

Well....it did come from a dealer so.....nuff said i guess....sounds like im gonna do it.....

 

The only downside from doing a pulley is your face will hurt from smiling so much afterward.

Pulleys don't cause check engine lights improper install of the pulley would more likely be the cause.

Definetly install a pulley it should be your first mod.

 

just do it!

 

How much HP does a 15% net?

 

 

So with all these words of encouragement i think im gonna do it...the next question is anyone know anywhere in the southeastern va area that can/will do the mod?