I have seen a lot of comments on the benifits of reducing the Supercharger Pully, but is anyone willing to share the cons? Any other drive train issues after installation? That are not driver induced that is!

 

Wrong forum. Need to post in 1st gen.

 

The only "con" that comes to mind is if you get too small a pulley, (like a 19%), AND you do a lot of track racing, where you're up at or near redline a lot.

Then you will be spinning the water pump faster than it was meant to work at, and you could have a failure.

Generally speaking, the 15% smaller than stock pulley is great for any driving style or motoring purpose. 17% smaller is going to give you just a bit more horsepower, with just a slight amount of increased risk, (again, especially if you're bouncing off the rev limiter a lot). The 19% is probably mostly for street use, and while the reward is greatest, so is the risk.

My personal advice is stick with the 15%. It is closest to the factory JCW pulley reduction, (which was something like 13.8% smaller, if I'm not mistaken). I've got probably 35,000 miles on my 15% pulley, and haven't seen a single con.

More power, better sound, (I love the supercharger whine, especially when combined with a cold air intake), and if you're driving frugally, better mileage, too.

 

I am a little confused as I am new at this but I posted this under drivetrain discussion I thought as it is a drive train issue. What is first generation?

 

Thanks Johnnieo
That is the kind of info I need.

 

Cons: Higher intake temps at higher RPM's. If the temps get to high then you lose any gain in power that the smaller pulley gave you. Also if running too small of a pulley you risk the possibility of cavataion in the water pump. Also belt life is shortend because of the tighter bend around the smaller pulley.

Pros : More power for a small investment. Most of the cons only really happen if you race or live at or near the redline.

 

Thanks MIKES GREEN MINI I have an 06 green r52 - Lean Green & Mean!

 

Con's....your face will hurt from grinning so much....
Pro's...you will be grinning, enjoying your car!!

About 1000 threads on this....my suggestion....do it...enjoy your car...pick the right reduction for how you drive....and don't worry about it!!

 

Hummmmm

Speeding tickets
Worn out front tires

 

I have nothing but positive thoughts about my 15% pulley..... Best bang for the buck mod period.

 

I had a 15% pulley put on my car at around 60k. Pushing 185k now and I THINK I might need a new supercharger since it just started the rattle/grind noise. Had zero problems in-between.

 

Can't agree more on ZippyNH and Way.
Still the best bung for buck on HP/Tq.

 

-You will be spinning the supercharger and water pump faster. This will shorten their lifespan slightly, if anything at all.
-A high boost pulley setup can make the water pump cavitate at high rpm.
-A small supercharger pulley can slip on the belt more, wearing out the belt faster.
-Added stress on the engine internals and head gasket.
All these effects are not much of an issue if you stick to the 15, 16, or even 17% reductions. The added fun is worth the drawbacks.

 

Had an '05 R53 for eight years, seven of those with a 15% pulley. Never had a con. Just enjoy the hell out of it.