P&D has just finished the design and mock-up of a new product, made entirely in-house:

a new, much stronger moveable arm (CNC machined 7075);
built in adjustments to maintain correct tension with reduction pulleys;
trued tensioner and idler pulley (re-worked stock units);
a new support mount for the idler;
re-worked fastener details and tension release strip;
tension release tool included.

As we re-use/re-work a few stock parts, there will be a core charge or we can build from new stock parts.

The intention is to eliminate loosening bolts, cracking arms, un-true running pulleys, and provide a substantial idler mount.

available in two weeks through Helix. (final price still tbd )

 

most excellent!

 

I had the good fortune to discuss this with *JOHN* from concept, through its prototype stages, as well as the various manufacturing steps needed to bring it to market. While I have not seen it, the picture in my head is of a design that is quite unique and favorable for increased *GOODNESS*. I am not at liberty to share more details, and I will keep that promise...

I'm quite excited about this product as it will be notably different than the others on the market, and not just for the sake of being different. Some cool thought went into it...

Folks are asking questions, and wanting details for which the creator does not yet want to fully divulge. In keeping with that, and also feeling compelled to respond to inquiring minds, one finds himself tip-toeing with words of validation, yet lacking of content.

True, I can keep totally quiet, but I'm too excited and need to vent somewhere!

 

my colleagues heard me laugh on that one!!!

Look forward to seeing it John.

 

Glad you appreciated my good-humored jab.

 

Life has its share of stressors... A fellow MINI enthusiast, and a guy whose taught me a few things, can poke all the fun he likes. I think it helps that I passed an exam for work this morning. In a damn good mood now .

 

in another vein, me, a normally high spirited guy, had the rare opportunity of getting justifiably pissed off yesterday, so I savored it and made the most out of it

 

do you want to talk about it? it's your thread...

 

This sounds very exciting and promising. Theoretically speaking, would this upgrade make it less likely that a pulley belt would break during extended runs at high revs? And would it, say, make it more feasible for those who might track their cars to go from the 15% to a 19% pulley without fear of snapping belts or otherwise overtaxing the assembly?

 

It sounds to me that even the 19% isn't the limit...

 

the stock system provides less tensioner pressure with smaller pulleys and has a weak spot where a few have broken. this new unit would address the tension issue for any size pulley and beef up the wimpy arm. while we are at it, it seems like the other odd bits might as well get fixed...like the hokey idler mount, the stamped pulley "centering" washers, an easy to use tension release tool, etc.

 

This sounds very good John. Is the access needed for replacement comparable to that of doing a pulley change, or is more clearance needed for this procedure?

 

same as a pulley change; a couple of the bolts holding the fixed plate are tough to reach

 

A "how to" would be great on doing the installation.
Thanks

 

I for one would go with this. Does the new assembly have a greater range of belt length (due to stretching for instance) tolerance? I understand the durability advantages. A "how-to" would help me understand things better.

Vince

 

WOW this is great news!

 

Excellent! As it gets closer, let us know a firm release date and pricing. Also, install pricing from Helix wouldn't hurt.

Thanks!!

 

I agree on the Helix thought

 

i 3rd it!

 

I want to run my mcs on the track, but I just installed a 19% couple of months ago. Will this new tensioner help with belt breakage from 19% pullies?thanks,

bbt4

 

I've been slammed at work, so I'm behind. the radial distance between the stock pulley and the 19% is about .30" What this means is the tensioner pulley has to extend its spring that much more, reducing the force of the wheel on the belt. Even if you install a shorter belt, this will be the case. the new unit will restore stock spring pressure for reduction pulleys.

As far as abnormal belt wear: the tighter wrap of the 19% is simply going to be harder on the belt. If your belt is too long, it gets worse. Trued pulleys and a better supported idler are factors as well.

The tensioner arm is being strengthened by a factor of four (stronger cross section and higher tensile strength material) since there have been a few cases of breakage reported. there will probably be another trick or two...

 

jlm, any news on the availability of this product? Is it available yet?

 

Hey Greatgro, this sounds so good I might even go for a 20% reduction pulley - just a friendly jab.

Well I'm happy, nice jlm! So greatgro, you get to needle me back when I install a 19%. Never say never.

Ciao,

Michael

 

jlm,

I am once again removing my OEM pulley to put on another pulley...I guess this makes my 4th pull...
Is this gizmo ready?

 

I mocked up a prototype but want to take it further so I am getting another block tomorrow (finally) so I can set up the entire belt pulley and tensioner system in the shop on the motor. I'll check ity out with stock and up to 19% pulleys to make sure it alll works. should be a couple of weeks. (I do have to make a living now and then, damn it!)