I had Exic Savage at Helix install one of his 17% pulleys in my 05 MCSC on Monday. Only problem was the weather was so crappy that I had to take it easy on 1-95 N that night, and then the rest of the week was in NYC so Metro North Trains no MINI, until today...

OH MY G*D!!! The DSC was on in 1st, 2nd and sometimes in 3rd!!!! Car was pulling strong in all gears including 6th. No Sh!+, this plus the addition of the whine out of the CAI just transforms the car... Yes that was me me merging onto the NY State Thruway out of Mahwah, passing 4 cars like they were standing still (2 lane merge) and that was me sweeping out of the end of I 287 onto I-95 and just smoking that Audi...

Anyway back to middle age reality... But seriously anybody in the mid-Atlantic that doesn't seek out Eric... Not only did he do quality work at a reasonable price, he added bits that weren't his for far less time than he actually spent, "Because it was only the second one he had installed and he didn't have the routine down". He did not charge for the installation of a CAI that was remarkably like his (but wasn't), "Because we take that piece out to put the pulley in anyway." and he talked me out of buying one of his upper strut bar, "Beacause all you need on a Cabrio is M7's Strut tower reinforcement plates if you have their USS (which I do)".

Great guy, great experience, GREAT MOD!!

 

Personally, a s/c reduction pulley (and in particular, a 17% pulley) should be the first modification done to the engine. I don't know if there is a better bang for the buck engine mod. Hope you put on a Goodyear Gatorback s/c drive belt - the sound alone is worth 20 extra hp and ft/lbs.

 

Mistro,
Glad to hear you got this done. Sounds like a great way to spend some $$. I'm planning on the 15% myself hopefully very very soon, just can't bring myself to find the middle ground with the 17%, I guess I'm 2% more conservative then you!

Bump for some good service!

How's that Borla sounding?

 

I just bought the 17% pulley, helix CAI and milltek catback exh. system from eric at helix. Installed pulley and Cai on day 1 and the exh. the next day. Can definitely feel more torque and I love the sound of the exhaust. Exactly what I was looking for. Had a couple of questions along the way, called helix and always got a friendly answer. Would recommend them to anyone and would buy from them again. Enjoy!

 

I also started my Mini modding at Helix with a Pulley, CAI and GIAC and was 300% satisfied. Eric's a great guy and the products I purchased from him since my initial vist (springs, rear sway, brake lines, brake caliper bushings...) have all been top notch.

Having worked on cars for 20 years now I would also say that Eric's advice to me has always been consistant with my experience.

 

Eric did my 15% too and I have seriously been thinking about going back for the GIAC, who likes the GIAC? I have an intake and exhaust as well that I put on myself.

 

I did the 17 first, and later did the injectors and GIAC. The seventeen was a greater increase than the software, but the drivability was way improved, and the top end pulled harder.

Go for it