Is it worth spending the money and getting a alta adjustable tensioner brace, or do i just keep the stock hydraulic one and get new bushings and a over extension stopper?

 

I bought my mini about 2 years ago and have gone through two shocks (assemblies) and the alta tensions stop. The stop kept rattling and the shocks kept blowing. Installed the adjustable tensioner about 1 month ago and have had no issues whatsoever the only pain is that you have to remove it to remove the belt which sucks.

 

New stock tensioner Gates, WMM stop and derlin shock bushings.

The tensioner is one of the many crappy products that Alta makes. Alta is the APC of MINI parts.

 

any other opinions out there?

 

We don't recommend the alta tensioner as it doesn't allow the belt tension to change with rpm or load. Since you adjust and tension the length when you install the tension won't change as the engine runs. This means at some points the tension will be too much, and some loads it will be just right, and other loads it will be too little. The stock tensioner moves and changes tension as the engine runs too keep belt tension and wear correct.

 

The ALTA tensioner was made to get rid of a common failure of the factory tensioner damper. Most cars out there do not have a damper and have constant pressure on the belt, and never have a problem with destroying parts if the belt breaks, or have a damper that wears out.

Having a damper adds another level of complexity that will eventually wear out and could lead to an expensive repair bill if the belt breaks.

 

The hydraulic damper helps with the pounding from the blower as well as the rpm/load that Way mentioned and belt failure is not really a problem if you replace your belt yearly. And the gates tensioner is pretty cheap to replace every other year if you have to.

 

This part is pretty much bad design that leads to excessive wear and tear on other parts.

It fails to take into account the alternator, a/c compressor, idler pulley and supercharger nose cone bearings can be subject to extreme wear if the belt is over tightened with this product. There’s also the part about he belt stretching and being too loose.

I can throw away a few tensioners and still be money ahead vs. wearing out other expensive parts like those listed above.

If Alta had any common sense they’d put the remaining stock of these in the scrap metal bin.

 

The ALTA will work best w/ stretch fit belts like many of the newer cars(ie Subarus & Fords). They've eliminated the need for tensioners. Throwback & better! That will address varying tension conditions Way talked about.
Trouble is finding Stretch Fit of our stock & reduced pulley sizes. Perhaps ALTA & Way could stock those stretch belts for us? Or at least point out the right product codes & vendors carrying them?
With that combo, I'd go back to using the ALTA adjustable stop.