Hey guys, sorry in advance for the thread. But I have tried to read up on some of these different pulleys and I dont think that I have grasped the concept yet. I mean, I get the part where it makes the s/c spin fasted, which forces more air in, but I guess that I dont know the differences between different manufacturers. I will be commuting roughly around 30-40 miles a day, mostly freeway, but I am looking for that added performance without having to flash my ecu.

So basically I am trying to see what pulley to buy. I really like the m7 16%, but should I go with something smaller or stay with a 15%?

Thanks in advance.

 

FWIW:

the JCW package uses a 14.X% smaller pulley than stock.

The most popular aftermarket size is the 15%. Pretty much agreed on by everyone as a safe upgrade with no other mods. You can use the stock sized belt. There are quite a few on the market, I chose the Helix 15%. I was also considering the Alta and webb. I like the 6 bolts, and Helix is local.

M7 offeres a 16%. Similar deal as above, just a tick smaller

Next smaller is the 17%. Offered by Alta, Helix, others. From what I have read here, requires a smaller belt that stock.

Smallest offered is the 19%. Needs smaller than stock belt. Some concern about the tight radius that the belt must travel around (breakage), plus the redline of the SC. Some camps state that it is fine, others say too fast, too much heat. Many say good for the street, not so much for the track. Makes torque come on faster. Many people also get new ECU software and larger injectors.

I was on the fence for a while, wanted the low-end grunt of the 19%, but really did not want to ever worry about anything, including getting smaller sized belts, etc. In the big picture, not really too much of an issue, but i had a DIY turbo miata, and it was always a pain to get parts. The 15% pulley is very close to what MINI/JCW thinks is safe, and should offer a decent gain with little headaches.

Pleanty more info and opinions on it! enjoy!

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I think that I am going to go with the M7 16% pulley. For the price, it seems like its pretty competitive. Also, the reputation of M7's parts and not having to go to a smaller belt make sense to me.

Any other opinions are welcomed.

Thanks!

 

i got a webb 15% say 5000 mls. ago very good. no need to do a flash but if you do GIAC is awsome!!!(webb will send a puller for an additional 1$ ; yup one dollar. to lend. also some perfectly acurate directions).

 

I also went with the Webb 15%. Planning on getting it installed as soon as this weekend, but if not definitely by the next. Just need to get past break in!

 

evilmini22,
You mentioned "I guess that I dont know the differences between different manufacturers"
On the differences on the the sizes regarding manfuctures:
Many people mention the different sizes offered from different manufacturers. We offer +5%, 0%, 15%, 17%, and 19%. This is the common sizes everyone offeres except one person. The in between size is a little more boost than a 15% but a little less than a 17%. This 1% difference either way isn't very noticable. Even 15% to 17% is only about 5-7WHP. Witht that said the 17% is very well proven, and doens't need software (not to say you can't gain something from that). The belt isn't needed for 15%, but the LCW size belt works great on the 17%. Either way $15 for a belt shouldn't sway you one way or another.

One the differences on construction:
Up until last week, there were 2 basic designs. Press on pulleys, and Taper fit pulleys. The Classic ALTA pulley is made of 303 Stainless Steel, and is 2 pieces which have a taper fit that when bolted together grabs onto the supercharger shaft. This inovative design has been used by all the other manufacturers. With so many people copying this design in slightly changing forms, it was time for us to step it up. Version 2.0 is the new version! This pulley is lighter, has a new innovative hub design, grooves in the pulley to help "Bite" on the belt, and new improved looks.

Along with this we are offering free pulley puller for your installation when you buy the pulley. More detailed info on the pulley will be seen on our new site, when it launches in a few days.

 

Thanks for the info Jeff. That just made my decision even more clouded! I know that there are so many reputable manufacturers, and there is even more good product out there. The free pulley puller sounds pretty good, except that I wont even be doing the installation. I have some guys in my Porsche service dept. doing it for me as a favor.

I would be interested in seeing what this new design is...

 

Evil,
I would recommend if you get a pulley from someone who offers the use of a puller, take it... Unless your Porsche guys are MINI buffs and have their own, they can use the one provided to you to do the job properly, otherwise they will struggle and potentially damage your supercharger.
--Dan

 

Good info but it raises a few questions about your version 2

The pulley is lighter . Can weight saved with such a small rotational mass be noticed ? Are there any before and after numbers available.

New innovative hub design. The " old " style seemed to be working quite well. What was wrong with it that the new type is able to overcome.

Grooves in the pulley to help " bite " the belt raises a red flag for me . Will the " bite " cause any premature wear. Have you tested any of these for any extended amount of milage?

As fo new improved looks, well its a pulley LOL .

Thanks in advance for your answers and I am looking forward to the new site for more info as well.

 

ALTA 17% or M7 16%. I wanted to stay safe, but still have a kick in the pants feel. After MUCH reading time, I went with M7. Either way, the 16 or 17% pulley is what I would do. They have been proven over and over again with thousands of miles not to break, so I'm not concered.

And if you need a puller/tensioner tool, post up in the Market Place to see if anyone will lend you one. One person (Steve) was kind enough to lend me his tools so I could install mine. Awesome guy!

Overall: You can't go wrong with either, though I WOULD stay with ALTA, M7, or Helix as those seem to be the MOST proven and used products.

-Cody

 

Thanks for the heads-up. I have shown my guys the engine compartment and they say that if they can work in the engine compartment of a Porsche, no compartment is too small.

On a side note, are all s/c pulley pullers the same? Because in our service dept., we service cars that have s/cs. So if they have a puller for say, a Jaguar supercharger pulley, would that work for a MINI? Or are the 2 different tools?

 

I went with a 19% for the main reason that I have owned 2 different MCS's and on the first I went with a 15% and it was great power but not what I was looking for so this time I shot for the 19 and bottom end power is AWESOME! I heard all the dos and donts, I did nothing other than change the pulley and belt and it has been awesome, I am sure which ever you chhose you will love.

 

There are two tools that I know of for the MINI. One is the deluxe, and I don't know what the other is called. I'm sure any puller would work, but you could end up damaging the original pulley (I don't know if you care about that or not). The best tool to use is the Deluxe Puller. It's circular and fits right on the pulley, making it easier to get it, and you won't have to lift the engine as much. You will also need a tensioner tool.



-Cody

 

you do still have to raise the engine . right? so look at the how =tos top of the forums there may be one there for your guys to use.

 

Is a picture of version 2.0 on your web site?
What is it made out of?

 

Wondering if they will sale the pulley seperately from the kit.

 

I think it would be very expensive... because it would have a supercharger attached to it

I'm just guessing, but I bet they won't sell it separately. They're just not into promoting the replace-your-pulley-for-more-power-for-nearly-no-money approach.

 

Hmm.. I'm just wondering, since the only different between 05-06 supercharger and JCW's 02-04 supercharger is the pulley. If we could just swap only the pulley, then we would still keep the warranty (if they don't know).
Any input?

By the way, anyone with JCW kit that swap out the JCW stock pulley would like to sell the pulley?

 

Ah.. I got this from the search:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ght=jcw+pulley

But still want to know if it is do-able?

 

if this is the way you go, you have still messed with the factory parts, which i would guess would void the warrantee.

Plus, the procedure that is described above (heating, putting it on until "flush") would be a real PITA. Plus, not sure if I want to go hitting the nose of my SC with an impact wrench to put something on.

If you are that worried about the warrantee, Get the JCW kit, deal with Dinan, webb or others who will warrantee thier work, or wait until the warrantee is up. Sorry, not really any other way around it.

 

OMG alta is goin to update there site!!!

 

I know there are other threads regarding mods and warranties, but FWIW I test drove a car this weekend that had the dealer installed "SX 220" package. The package included a 15% pulley (forgot to ask what brand), a minimania CAI, borla header & catback, and ECU programming (forgot the brand). After further conversation the salesman indicated that I could bring in any pulley brand and have it installed and not void the original warranty. Sooo, you may not be "limited" to a JCW pulley if your dealer is willing to co-operate.

 

wth, borla made headers for minis?

 

sprp85 - After doing a search on Borla, I was probably mistaken on the brand, but according to the salesman, the car did have a header. My mistake.

 

Since you're in DC metro area, may I ask which dealer you go to.
I live in MD but more than happy to go there.

Thank you.