Alright, I know this question as probably annoying but i just don't know which one to go with. I've done some searching around and I still haven't found my answer. I've read that when approaching 17% and above you can encounter pinging in your engine and possibly other things too. Seeing as how my MCS has almost 70,000 miles, should I be more worried about going any higher than 15%? Also, how much of a difference does the 17% give you over the 15%? Thanks guys for any input.

 

The stock supercharger spins faster than optimal with a pulley smaller than a 15%, just generating heat. I've heard of people switching from a 17 or 19 to a 15 and making more power.

Nothing will happen going with a 17 or 19 pulley. It'll just be less than optimal.

 

I have 17% helix pulley and I drive my car everyday I have an 06 a/35k miles and nonproblrms yet! knock on wood!

 

How do yuo use the Mini, below 5k rpm most of the time driving back and forth to work or running errand, or do you zing it out all the time?

Do you Auto-X or do track days?

What other complimentary mods do you have?

See it's more then just do I go 15 or 17 or 19. It depends on what your intentions are and what supporting mods you have.

The idea is to identify your needs and budget, then create a plan of action that is best suited for those needs.

 

As of now, I've only installed an alta CAI and done the one ball mod. But I've only had the car for about a month... oh yeah, and I put 17x7 flat black Konig feathers on it too . It's my daily driver and I don't plan on taking it to the track. well... maybe once or twice after I've done a little more to it. I plan on putting a lightweight crank pulley on it but keeping it stock size. Possibly an after market IC too. Then a tune later on down the road. My driving habits are getting worse (faster) since I used to have a jeep wrangler (slow). But that's part of having the car right!? My main concern is that I will reduce the pulley more than I need to for the the millage on the car and for my love for the car and how much I want it to last FOREVER.

 

Nothing lasts forever, except taxes...

From what you state if it was my Mini I'd go with a 15%. It will offer some power with the mods you currently have. While there is no proof a 17% shortens engine life aside from a few folks that had issues that probably not related, the gains from going to 17% are few. With an eye towards longevity I'd stick with 15%. It seems to be a very good compromise for a multitude of driving tasks.

But thats just my opinion.

 

Alright. You've helped me make my decision. I'm going with the 15%. The only thing that was pushing me towards the 17% was the MINI devil on my shoulder yelling horse power in my ear... he's my new best friend. Thanks!

 

#1 to the Gnatster! Depending on the year, 05" and up MCS's were equiped with a lighter crank pulley, thus going with a aftermarket will only yield about a pound and a half over the stock one and not have a balancer...Just my 2pennies.

 

Yeah, its an 03 it has the heavier crank pulley... I've already thought about getting on 05 or newer crank pulley instead of going with an undampened aftermarket pulley.

 

That's the way I'd go..