I just picked up my MCS (M/T) last week and bought an Alta 17% pulley. After reading many threads, it seems most people have the 15% pulley.

Sould I exchange mine for the 15 just to be safe? I would only redline a couple of times a week and don't want to be stranded due to belt problems.

-Concerned new Mini owner.

 

it'll be fine. As long as you run a shorter belt.

Have fun

 

I redline allot more than 2 to 3 times a week and I'm fine. Definatly get a new belt. You might also consider cooling options. Bigger intercooler, bigger hood scoop. Maybe an oil cooler.

 

you'll also find that you don't need to redline anymore

 

Thanks for the reply. I did get the shorter belt from Alta. Luckily they had mentioned that. I did spend a couple of days researching pulleys on this forum and started to get concerned when I seldom "saw" anyone w/17s. Most have the 15%. I have done pulley swaps on my other cars but this is my first SC'd car.

I really apreciate all the input I can get as I only want to do the "proven safe" mods.

P.S. - I also am considering an Alta CAI and by Spring an Alta InterCooler.

 

the 15% is the proven mod. I just wanted a 17% for that particular reason. no-one has it

I also have the alta CAI. But i'd personally go with a DFIC over an alta IC

 

I got the Way Motor Works 17% pulley and love it! Definitely have to get a smaller belt but that's no problem.

 

IMO, it shouldn't ever be below 5k! LOL If you haven't already, consider picking up one range cooler plugs, i.e. Denso IK22 or NGK BKR7EIX.

 

If you're concerned, you could always go with the M7 16% Pulley, seems like that's a good neutral ground . On the same topic, does anyone know if a new belt is needed with a 16% pulley application? That's probably what i'm going with, but there seems to be little information reguarding stock belt or smaller. Thanks!

 

Just get a 15%!! Its solid and proven...and how much difference could the 1% make horsepower wise? Getting a 15% and driving the crap out of it knowing that you don't have to worry sounds good to me.

 

Won't do much of anything, I just like being different! :-P. Actually the general concensus is that moving to anything more than 15% just generates more heat and that augments any potential HP bonuses.

 

Nope, I'm using the stock belt with mine, no slipping and no problems. LOVE IT! However...if your belt is old (the dealership replaced mine for free before I ran out of warrenty, so it was a brand new belt) I would recommend getting a new one, like a Goodyear Gatorback. And for that....there's a NAPA part # around NAM somewhere.

-Cody

 

Redlining your MINI with 17% reduction shouldn't be a problem, at least on your engine (someone correct me if wrong, but the MCS has forged pistons). However your transmission/clutch are taking a lot worse beating when you are shifting at that high of rpms, and will most likely experience a problem first.

I am about to try out 17% reduction w/50-75 shot of nitrous w/ factory clutch...guess how long that setup will last ....

 

The 17% pulley is just as proven as the 15% pulley. It needs a smaller belt but nothing else has to be different. Anyone saying the 15 is better or more reliable or more whatever is blowing smoke out their...

 

if i were installing any pulley, i'd put a shorter goodyear gatorback in anyway.

 

17% is pretty much proven to be reliable as the 15s..
oh and plus, 17% W I L L leave 15% behind from the dig.. there is 'difference'...

 

A LOT of us have 15% pulley PLUS a 2% crank pulley !!! works wonders for me ...LOL

 

Or, if you like me, and you dont give a damn you could go 19+3