I posted this on the MCSa 15% pulley thread in Beneath the Bonnet, but got no response so I thought I'd post here.

Are there any differences between the '05 automatic and manuals as far as installing the pulley? I've heard it is possible to only undo the passenger side engine mount on the manuals if you have the right pulley removal tool, but can it be done on an auto? The engine on the auto is closer to the passenger side, so I'm wondering if it is possible. I'm also looking for that deluxe pulley removal tool if anyone can help me out with a good deal.[IMG]images/smilies/thumb-up.gif[/IMG]

 

I watched it being done last weekend at Steve's Auto Clinic. In his words it is more of a PITA as you can not lift the motor as high to have access to the pulley as you ca nwith a manual. It can be done , but you have less room to work with. That is the only thing he said about it.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

you need to remove the bracket, not just the bolt, but over all it's the same. you will also have to remove the power steering fan air intake, but it is only a few quick nuts. a bit less room, but not bad. a deluxe pulley removal tool is a must for any install. hope this helps.

 

It does take a bit longer. Our local performance shop charges $20 more for doing it on an auto.

/gary

 

Thanks guys.

 

So weezer2282 are you going to do the install your self? Which one are you putting in?

 

Weezer...my first post...for you.

I had an Alta 15% reduction pulley installed on my '05 MCSa less than 24 hours ago, so can't really comment on performance improvement, etc., but can state at this pulley party it took techs about 20 - 30 minutes longer to do my MCSa than the 3 pulley installs before mine, which were all manual trans. More work required underneath the vehicle playing with motor and transmission mounts, I believe, but basically the same.

On one on the NAM/forum boards one poster said you had to remove the entire front bumper assembly to access the pulley on the MCSa -- that certainly was NOT the case with mine. Good luck !!

Speed

 

No..but you have to remove the passenger wheel well to install a crank pulley.

 

Randy Webb did a pulley install this weekend on a MCSa in Norfolk. The automatics are much more difficult to install. If I recall, he had the wheel well shroud removed to help move things along... in fact, asked the client if he wanted to go ahead and have him do the crank pulley since essentially all the same work had to be done to access the crank... might as well do it while you're in there right? Keep in mind, this is ONLY on the Auto... no need for all that mess on a manual.

Anyhow Weezer... good luck with doing the job yourself.. time and patience will get you through.

 

I had mine done by Randy this past weekend. It's about an extra hour of labor. You have to unbolt all the motor mounts, jack up and slide the motor over (using 2 jacks) to accomodate the install. This entails removing the power steering fan and duct and fusebox. Also, the passenger side wheel well and entire motor mount must be removed, as space is tight, so you might as well do the crank pulley at the same time. Randy said he may have a how-to for this somewhere on his site. Good luck, you will definitely feel the new power. I also got the Webb HDI and Miltek at the same time as the pulley, and now I'm dangerous.

 

Wicked dangerous HomerJ...no doubts about that anymore.

Thanks for adding in the extra info... I wasn't there much for the technical issues regarding the MCSa pulley install... but it was clearly much more extensive. The best part of your story is you didn't even have to get your hands dirty! Thanks for coming out!!

 

I am absolutely envious of you, HomerJ!!

 

First you get the pulley, then you get the power, then you get the weemen.

As is my understanding

 

first you get the SUGAR! (ahhh...another fan!)

The auto install does seem a bit harder. I'll have to break my self in by doing mine first, the wife's second!

thank you for the great tips!

-jac

 

What puller was used in the installs at the pulley parties? The older one or the newer deluxe pulley? Would the deluxe puller make it any easier? I'm going with a 17% and am not planning on doing it myself...or at least not hoping to have to do it alone. I'm hoping khuevo will help me out a little.This thread should be a lot of help too.