Hey everybody,

Sorry if this has been covered before, but I couldn't find anything with a quick search.

I'm currently replacing the belt tensioner assembly and crank pulley damper on my 2003 R53 Cooper S and I was wondering if anybody has experience using an aftermarket lightweight undamped crankshaft pulley and if they could possibly give some feedback as to reliability or just any feedback in general. I'm a little worried about premature main/rod bearing failure with the lightweight pulley over the damped one.

Is it really necessary to keep the crank pulley damped? If so, then I'll just go ahead and order an ATI damper instead, but the reduced rotating mass and better throttle response are enticing. The fact that a lightweight Alta 0% pulley is $225 cheaper is just a plus to be honest.

Thanks in advance!

 

not sure how you didn't find anything, its been talked about a lot


very little evidence of failure of crank bearings


vs


it was designed to have one and it will lower the life of the motor


cant say either, really surprised you didn't find anything tho. LW crank pulleys are much cheaper =)


most of it comes down to people not wanting to take the risk

 

Hi Broh!
SniperDetailing.

I have the 2% Cravenspeed Crankshaft Pulley.
N' I Liket Because The RPM'S Are Faster N'
The Idle Is So Smooth.
No Problems......

N' Yes Everyone Say About You Bearing Get Damage....

But I Do My Search N' I Don't Find Anybody Saing He's Bearing Get Damage Because The LightWeight Pulley.

Also I Have At Friend Have The M7 Pulley Crank 4%
N' Is Running Fine!

So Yes I Recommend To Installed!

 

Ask Way, he has opened not just a few engines & has seen more wear on those w/ lightened undampened pulleys. Your car, your call. I was tempted, but my R53 is a keeper so wisdom won....ATI Super Damper went in.

 

+1
Same here!! I agree 100%.

 

+2
Undamped pulleys aren't even worth their weight in scrap metal IMHO.

 

This always seems to be a topic when discussing crank pulleys. I have taken apart engines that have had the lightweight pulleys and the bearings always show 5 times the wear they should have. There are other issues that come with the lightweight pulleys. But the bearing damage alone is enough to not go lightweight.
Also when you install the ATI Damper you will notice your car will idle smoother because it balances better than the stock one does. I use an ATI on both my street car and my race car and can't recommend it anymore.

 

I picked up an ATI pulley from Way and am extremely pleased with the installation and also results. Smooth idle, slick performance and the knowledge that the engine will not be taxed excessively.

 

Another vote for ATI dampened. I got it from Way and the NVH from adding stiffer upper & lower engine mounts and the trans mount is mostly gone. Everything runs much smoother than before.