If I have $500 to spend on engine mods for greater acceleration/hp, which would you recommend?

 

A tank of gas!

 

 

IF you have an S,then a pulley package would be the best...just my opinion...

 

Yes, I have a 2006 R53 S.

Thanks for your opinion, I appreciate it.

 

Custom Magnaflow exhaust system.

 

Pulley and CAI.

 

^^+1^^

 

..+2

 

Pulley and CAI +3

 

OK, pulley and CAI are about $400 and I can install the CAI, but what would I expect to pay to have the pulley installed?

 

I thought about the CAI, but i keep hearing its not worth the money over a K&N filter and swiss cheesing.. Is this true

 

The the CAI is worth it just for the sound but it also adds
a few HP's, I'm a DDM'er but there are a number of good
CAI's on the market.
The pulley can be done in an hour or less , if you have a shop that
knows what they are doing ; have a pulley puller and a belt
tensioner tool. Pulley puller is a necessity, tensioner tool can
be replace by a large screw driver and experience.

 

A pulley in an hour??!! Every mechanic I've spoken to here tells me 5 - 6 hours, including the MINI dealer in Albuquerque, and none, also including the dealer, have done one.

How do you know it can be done so quickly?

 

I've done two, a 2002 and a 2003. Anyone who is saying 5 -6 hours is ,

a) trying to screw you

b) have no idea what they are doing

Do a search on NAM and see what is entailed, but its a very simple job,
honest!!!!!

 

Better than listening to me, contact:
Way Motorworks / Helix etc...... they advertise here!

 

Hey, I believe you!

I know if the dealer says 5 hours, it's probably less than 1/2 that.

 

5hrs for a pulley, I could do it blindfolded in under an hour. Yes I actually have tested that too.

 

Planning a trip to Santa Fe anytime soon?

Can the pulley be changed without raising the engine? I was told these estimates are based on changing the crankshaft (flywheel?)* pulley which involves lifting the engine since there's no time estimate for changing the SC pulley. Santa Fe is a great place to live as long as you don't want anything "exotic" performed by a mechanic. 3 of the 6 I contacted wouldn't even call me back.

* being a noob I'm just relaying what I've been told, so please excuse my ignorance.

 

Way, I just read the install instructions you link to on your 16% Pulley page and I see you do have to lift the engine some. It does seem like a couple hours for mechanic who has the jacks, stands and tools, has some knowledge of the R53, but who hasn't r/r'd a pulley before. But, yeah, 5 hours is crazy.

So I have to find someone in driving distance from me. Do you (or anyone else) know anyone in CO you could recommend?

 

Follow Way's instructions and you'll be fine. Mine took two hours and I hand never done one. If you can turn a wrench you can change your pulley

 

And there lies the discrepancy. The crank pulley and supercharger pulley are two different pulleys. You are getting advice for replacing a supercharger pulley and an estimate to replace a crankshaft pulley.

Supercharger: http://www.waymotorworks.com/15-supe...ulley-wmw.html

Crankshaft: http://www.waymotorworks.com/cravens...nk-pulley.html

As suggested, search for a thread on replacing the supercharger pulley. It will be well worth the time to get a mental picture of what is involved.

The search function here on NAM is sometimes difficult. Try using google with your search term(s) and North American Motoring. That sometimes produces better results.

 

Pulley, CAI, & One-Ball MOD

 

The crank pulley doesn't involve lifting the engine. It involves removing the passenger front wheel and the wheel well liner. It takes about an hour to do too. Just in case you have to change one.

 

What did you use for a tensioner tool (see pic)? Which pulley puller did you use?

The instructions are certainly clear enough, if one has the tools.