Several different types of lightened crank pulleys have been out for some time now- most are about a pound or so in weight, and can be had at 0%, 2% and 3% reductions (maybe more?). Various vendors "in the know" have stated that the MCS engine does not require a harmonic damper, and its removal will not lead to engine failure. These guys can quote inside sources if they want, but nothing beats the rigors of daily use as a test of endurance. Can we get a poll from those using them about their experiences regarding reliability? How long have you had the pulley in place? Any engine failures/problems? Installation failures? Excessive wear? Other problems?

 

I've had mine on my MCS JCW for 4 months now and no ill effects at all, just a whole lot of extra boost and butt dyno says YAHOO!

So, no problems at all, and don't expect any.

 

13 months at 2% ALTA .... No problems

 

6 weeks on M7 2%. Significant performce gain - maybe a very slight vibration off idle but NO problem. I have now a very red line track day on it with no issues. Still recomended.
Wes

 

Problems schmoblems....stop worrying and live

 

I think mine has been on for 8-10 mo and no problems

 

Hey Jeane called...and the world is revolving once again

 

4%, numerous track and autocrosses. A-OK

 

Getting tempted again....

I can't get this outta my head now...

"Problems schmoblems....stop worrying and live "

 

Something my buddy past to me regarding the dangers of crank pulley.... I'm still tempted though.... but i guess this is a good read...

http://www.miniclubmalaysia.com/index.php?topic=5.0

 

OK so the article seems to indicate that over time engine failure may occur, So who has one and has gone 20,000 or 50,000 or 75,000 miles. Don't really want to hear from you guys with 4000 miles on one...

 

20k no problems.

appreciate don't hate

 

I went through this same discussion several years ago in the Miata club. The Steve Dinan article shown in Bster's link was also circulated around the Miata community. I talked to Norman Garrett, one of the original Miata engineers, and he said the same thing that Dinan's article stated, which was that a non-dampened pulley will eventually cause problems. In several Miatas, the undampened pulleys caused teeth to break on the oil pump. No need to elaborate on how bad that situation is.

The question I have is this: Does the factory MINI pulley have a rubber part in it, possibly sandwiched between steel plates? If so, it's there for the reasons stated in Dinan's article, and a light weight pulley is not going to do the same job of dampening.

Now for the disclaimers: As far as I know, all of the cars that had catastrophic oil pump failures were turbocharged. The theory was that the undampened vibrations and crankshaft flex was amplified in the high performance cars. I don't know of any normally aspirated or supercharged cars that had a catastrophic failure. Another theory in the Miata community was that the belt-driven supercharger acted as a damper itself and reduced the damaging harmonics.

To be safe, I removed my Unorthodox Racing pulley from my Miata, plugged the hole in the bottom, and transformed it into the world's most expensive billet aluminum peanut dish. Then again, I tend to be a bit on the conservative side...

 

The question I have is this: Does the factory MINI pulley have a rubber part in it, possibly sandwiched between steel plates? If so, it's there for the reasons stated in Dinan's article, and a light weight pulley is not going to do the same job of dampening.

So does anybody who's done one of these know, if the factory mini part has a rubber part in it?

 

I read the Dinan article, too. But that article seems to apply to BMW's M50 engine family, which are straight sixes. I can imagine that the engine vibrations from such a long crank may lead to problems, but it doesn't create an apples to apples comparison to the tritec. According to DetroitTuned's website:

"We know the design team that developed the Tritec engine in the MINI, and discussed with them the design of the stock harmonic damper. It turns out, the engine doesn't need one! This flies in the face of "traditional" wisdom, however the harmonics and materials used in the MINI engine means the stock harmonic damper is just added weight!"

So, how 'bout it? Can some of the vendors comment?

 

Jeff Perrin has already spoken about this subject and assures everyone that this is a none issue with the Mini...I think I recall Randy Webb agreeing with Jeff's asessment in WMS's forum...

 

Actually an inline six is, by it's nature, the most harmonically stable engine configuration.
Our little 4 banger is a bit worse in comparison.

 

I though a 5 was even better, but a four is definetly not the smoothest. Our crank is realy short and stout though and stroke is not to bad.
Wes

 

You know I'd forgotten all about 5 cyls. Weren't around much when I played with engines.

Then again a rotary engine has them all beat

 

Audi and Chevrolet have 5 cylinders in various models.

 

Don't forget Volvo - T5 anyone

 

My 5 cylinder MB 300D wasn't a paragon of smoothness- it sure could have used a heavier damper...and some horsepower...and a cleaner exhaust...

 

My Wife has a T5 - Great engine and well kept secret (sleeper). I had 5cyl Audis all the way back to when thry were actualy light (Coupe GT's).
Wes

 

And the Vigor

 

Guys, let's start a thread called great 5 cyl engines we have loved...

Then if someone that has a Lightened Crank Pulley installed for let's say 50,000 miles could comment on how their engine is performing, well that would be appreciated!