PerfectPower and Euroquipe are two shops that I saw listed in searches... But, I'm fond of doing my own mods (more care, able to doublecheck everything, learn more about my car, satisfaction of doing it yourself, save some money, etc...). I've installed headers on my Firehawk and my old GTO, downpipe on my old WRX, done a few brake jobs, and feel pretty comfortable with doing mild wrenching ( but I have left the heads and cam and clutch installs to the local shops).

However the pulley install appears to be one that a number of Mini owners have opted to have a shop or someone like Randy Webb fly in to do for a modfest (from the searches I did).

Is this due to the complexity or the fear of screwing something up?
Not wanting to buy the pulley and tensioner tools?
Do the shops do it cheap enough that it's worth it?

I'll probably be ready to buy one in the upcoming months and would like to do the install myself (when it's not so freaking hot in my garage!), or preferably with the help/guidance of another who has done it themselves, or even with someone else who is mechanically inclined and wants to assist or do their car as well.

So if anyone can provide some guidance, advice, suggestions etc.. on doing this, going to a shop, or getting access to the tools, feel free to contribute to this thread! Thanks!

 

I had my pulley done by Randy Webb the last time he was in town... 3am install! For me it would have been too much to do this myself. Randy was super careful, which means it would have been nerve racking if I were to attempt it myself. I certainly learned a lot watching the install and would suggest having someone who has experience to help or do the install. Since I did not have the proper tools or experience, this made sense for me. But if you have the tools, and a helping hand, this certainly could be a dyi project. In fact, there was one person at the last pulley party that tackled it himself and did a great job, with Randy's guidance.

good luck

 

i had mine done by RandyW as well. it doens't appear to be a
hard install, but with no previous experience and it being one of the
key components of the motor, i just had a pro do it for me.

Euroquip sounds like a nice shop to work with. they even have a
pict of andy's MCS with my old TK5's on their homepage.

 

I have the pulley remover and belt tensioner if you want to do it yourself, I'll lend them to you

 

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! Phannarith, thank you for the offer to lend out the key tools! I'll send you a PM next month or so when I'm ready to do the install.

 

yeah yeah, old thread. At least Im using the search before opening a new thread.

Who's this Randy Webb guy and how do I find him? Im really just looking for a garage to drop this off at and have it done right. Im a DIY'er, but Im short on time these days and don't want to put this mod off past 75k miles on my R53. Any suggestions in the Chicago (or western Illinois / SW Wisconsin / NE Iowa)? Hey, I might even get that one-ball I've been thinking about.. Who knows?

 

PS: Anyone know what a pulley/CAI will cut the 0-60 time to?

 

No idea. When I put on my 17% and Mini Madness CAI, my *** dyno felt around 10-20 WHP. I felt more of a gain from those two power mods than from my unichip + canned tune and my DIY exhaust. It definitely woke the car up.

I have no experience with other shops' service, but I have been to TheEuroShop in Lake County, and was impressed with how friendly and informative the staff was, especially Glenn (the owner) and a-banned-individual-whose-name-I-dare-not-speak-for-fear-of-retribution. I autocross with the guy, and he's always pretty helpful. Does alot of rallycross events, too.

I don't trust any shop but my own, but the guys at EuroShop were very honest and didn't try to sell me on anything.

 

Thats where I was thinking, but they're pretty far north of Chicago. I stopped by a few years ago, and they are incredibly knowledgeable. There was a tad up "up selling".. They said I needed a new exhaust, suspension.. and a few other expensive components. 3 years later, Im doing just fine without those recommended repairs. I'm sure they were just being thorough.. I think I'll stop by for a pulley before this winter. Any idea what they charge? Maybe a one-ball while Im there.

 

I don't remember off hand, but the labor rates were pretty reasonable.

 

I've got the pulley removal tool and the belt tool if you want to DIY.... Or you can bring it up to Hubbard Woods Motors, and I can do it for you.

If you want the 0ne-ball exhaust, i can help you out with that as well...

847-446-0711

 

*******a-banned-individual-whose-name-I-dare-not-speak-for-fear-of-retribution. I autocross with the guy, and he's always pretty helpful. Does alot of rallycross events, too. *******


I know this guy very well.... And yes, he is very good at auto-crossing!!

 

Come see US ;-) we will take good care of you.

 

I've got the pulley puller and belt tensioner tool as well, I'm going to be doing my 15% in my garage this weekend... after that, you're welcome to borrow the tools

 

I wonder why you are doing the pully... could it be my fault? :-)

 

Got the WMW 15%, tensioner stop, bushings, JCW plugs, Screamin D coil, and wires installed this weekend. Took about 3 hours. Overall, not too difficult.. honestly toughest part was probably tensioner stop bushings and dealing with that tight space to get it reinstalled. Let me know if you need some pointers as you do your own.

Oh.. and make sure you've got an E12 external torx socket (passenger side motor mount bottom bolt) before you start the job.... I was running around to hardware stores trying to find one because I didn't have one in my toolbox

 

E12... you should have called. :-)