I just bought a 2005 R53 w/ about 60k on the clock. I'm thinking about picking up a kit w/ new plugs and a 15% pulley. The car is going to be used as my daily driver, with the (hopefully) occasional track day. What risks do I need to be aware of when adding they pulley?

 

I had my 15% installed at 50k and now at 81k is still strong with ni issues.
If you're anywhere near LA, I'd recommend Danny @ MiniCorsa 818-505-8240.
They install it while you wait.

 

Use a slightly shorter accessory belt. Also check that your belt tensioner is working fine. At about 60K miles, you might be getting close to time to replace it. If the shorter belt you are using is a NAPA belt and you are in more northern and colder climate areas, I've found the NAPA belt rubber is pretty hard when cold so your belt may squeal a bit until the engine bay builds up enough heat to warm it up.

Other than that, if properly installed (all the pulleys aligned), you should be good to go. I also get slightly better fuel mileage in normal day to day driving. Slightly worse if I'm very spirited in my driving.

 

The biggest risk in getting a pulley, is a speeding ticket

The pulley has been proven to be a worthwhile and reliable mod, I suggest our pulley package with the pulley, belt, and plugs.

 

60,000 is nothing for the gen 1 cars, people (this guy) do performance mods well over 100,000.

"If it's in good working order, Mod It, if it's not, fix it then Mod It.".

 

I got Way to install this at 60K and have NEVER regretted it for even 1/10 of a second. You're already due for a belt and plugs anyway .

 

I did pulley and exhaust at 100k. Don't be scared

 

Like most have already stated the R53 has a pretty good reputation for being reliable so there isn't a huge risk pushing power out of it at higher mileage provided it was taken care of by the previous owner.

Since the car is new to you if you haven't had it done yet, I'd have a reputable shop look the car over for some of the common problems that start to occur at this age and mileage. Things like the oil pan gasket, motor mounts, belt tensioner, FLCA bushings, ignition coil can be bad or can be starting to go around this time. It wouldn't hurt to do a compression test too. With a good inspection of everything you will know were you stand with your car and were to prioritize your budget for modding.

With that said the pulley will be the best bang for the buck so if the car is in good working condition then slap it in, most don't regret it.

 

I did mine 3 months ago at 55K and ive had no issues, all i can suggest is change the tensioner while their in there, and get a tensioner stop just in case.

 

I did my pulley at 96K its running beautifully still! and im at 125k now! Do it Do it. Lower gas mileage and tickets are your biggest worries!

 

60 k is pretty young...MANY folks waited till 50-60k when cars were newer to avoid warranty issues....
It all comes down to maintenance, and current condition of the car....

 

Other than self induced problems getting the original pulley off, the WMW 15% pulley went on without a hitch, and along with a Dinan CAI , new tensioner
(with stop) and belt, the car ( '05 R53) is running like a train...I don't think you have much to fear, except the urge to stick your foot in it more often!

Just came back from a 3 day trip to Las Vegas, the on-ramp from Sacramento airport onto Hwy 5 So. to the 99 No. overpass is sheer bliss....a full 360 onto new pavement then a wide climbing sweeper onto 99 N...well over twice the legal limit and laughing like a maniac.

It really is the most bang for your buck you can get before diving into a new head and tune.

Gawd I love this car!

Mad Gepetto

 

Is lower fuel mileage the result of the pulley itself, or because of putting your foot into it more?

 

There is a shop in Atlanta Ga, that installs the 15% pulley. So, if I have them do it, what will be the performance increase? I am sure someone has done a before and after Dyno to see the increase, but I can not find it anywhere...

 

mostly using the pedal more...
some folks do see better mpg...you are actually leaning the car a bit with the pulley WOT (not dangerously so with a 15, and no other major mods ((like a cam)) IMO). WOT you are running on stored maps in the computer, not the o2 sensor info..in cruise/light acceleration, the computer will adjust the fuel trims and add a bit more to maintain the proper mixture.
The mpg reduction of a pulley is kind varied...the intake temps are a bit higher..so in a hot climate, some cars, depending on octane fuel used, might run richer to compensate...so possible loss.
I for one stayed about the same (after a few weeks of fun), and the did more mods and finely a tune...I get MORE MPG than stock, more HP, and still have a safe fuel to air ratio...WIn WIN!!

 

Varries from car to car...nobody wants to get stuck guaranteeing a level of increase...
I can tell you, your face will be SORE FROM SMILING after you get the pulley!! It is all about drivability...more boost down low..so more TQ, esp for the most often used RPM's. Any pulley is a compromise...you can actually loose topend due to making more heat, but most folks in a street driven car drive the lower 2/3 of the rpm band anyway.
WayMotorWorks in Atlanta (over torward the PDK airport) is an awesome shop...I've actually been there..bought a few items.

 

WayMotorWorks is the shop that was recommended. I would like to find a dyno run on a stock 2006 MCS. Then on a 15% to see the increase in Torque from 3000 to 5500 RPM..

I figure if I take 15% off of red line and call that my max RPM, then it should not be a problem and will give the Mini the low end umph needed in town to go from one light to the next. I would like to get the 4:10 also.. Just thinking out loud...

 

did my 15% at 70k miles...just bout a 17%,will be on this weekend..7,200 rpm limiter....ohh yea


111,000 miles!!!!!



replaced clutch, flywheel,oil filter housing and coolant resevoir at 100,000 miles,no other issues


daily racer to and from work

 

i did a 16% M7 pulley at 95K and my crank pulley fell apart at 115k, but it seems to be that the crank pulley was bound to fail anyway.

 

On our tuning dyno a stock MINI S will put out about 140-145hp at the wheel, and with a 15% pulley only it will be about 155-160hp just depending.

It is totally not necessary to change your max RPM. We rev these car over 7k all the time without issue. And we do that on the race car for long periods without problems, so whatever you do on the street won't be any worse.

 

X2

Installed the way kit at 113k with the addition of an Alta CAI. Picked up .5 psi from the CAI and 4lbs from the pulley @4300ft with no issues. The wail of the blower is worth it alone

 

thinking of going a 15% as my supercharger blew up 3 days ago :( 146k kilometres on the clock. stupid m45.

 

So you replaced you super charger and now you want to put a %15 on it? Or your s/c is $@@&ed so you don't care?

 

my car is in the workshop awaiting a s/c to arrive, so i'l get a smaller pulley fitted whilst its out

 

I'm on my third s/c now. I think I can do them in my sleep now. I have 160k miles run15% reduction on the s/c and 2% overdrive on the crank