2005 mini cooper s R53 automatic

I am thinking of putting a 15% alta pulley on my MCSa and was having a few thoughts

I have a mini madness CAI and a ALTA r53 cat back exhaust and it is nice to drive

SO

1.. will i get the same benefit fitting a 15% pulley to my automatic as the manual does

2.. how will it perform if just driven in D mode not using the paddle shifts

3.. How much harder is it to DIY fit the pulley vs the manual engine I know its harder but what extra do you have to do vs the manual engine

4.. has there been any noted problems with fitting the 15% pulley to the auto after ie 10,000km

5.. Should I leave it as is with CAI and the cat back exhaust ???


Thanks
c w

 

I would suggestion New Plugs (one step colder) and a fresh belt if you are going to do the Pulley, most of the places sell in a kit.

I would also get the idler pulley looked over before you order parts, cause if it is close to needed replacement, I would do it also as it adds very little to the labor since the belt has to come off anyway.

 

Almost forgot also check the Crank Pulley at the same time, and if budget permits (I know that I am getting way over the most likely amount budgeted) but if you can the ATI is a great piece, and if you feel so inclined you get the 2% under-drive size and end up with a 17% pulley.

I did the ATI, but got the regular size.

 

I will buy the ALTA 15% pulley and the ALTA pulley removal tool so I can do the job myself

Just wanted to know what extra is involved when fitting the pulley to a automatic engine VS manual engine

have colder NGK plugs and a smaller gates belt ready if I fit the 15% pulley

ps..first post re edit

 

Or you can buy the Mini Madness tool I have for sale for $80 shipped and save money and then send it back to Mini Madness for $60 store credit.....

 

The motor DOES sit about an inch or so further to the side in an auto...but the engine STILL gets jacked up...so it just makes things a bit tighter....
But you should still be able to get a low profile puller on the pulley...heck think half of all S's seem to have pulleys....auto's or not....so it has been done many times.
A pulley is the best thing you can do for a mini IMO...brings the boost in at a lower rpm....makes driving more fun. Heck, most of the performance gain from the gen1 JCW WAS from the pulley that came pre-installed......but to justify the $5000+ gain, they tossed in an exhaust and a very mildly ported head (exhaust side only).....early pre 2005 jcw's did 200 HP to the crank, later did 210 with the airbox and bigger injectors....(All had a slightly more aggressive factory tune).
The pulley is the cheapest, most fun way to add some power...
One tip....drain and fill your auto tranny...more power means you will be pushing it harder...and no matter what mini says, auto tranny fluid is life limited....especially in hot climates and higher hp applications....both apply here!!

 

I've got a 17% s/charger with a 2% c/shaft and several other mods with no problems. I have 40K . Mind is also an 05 MCSa.

 

Thanks good info... ZippyNH

looks like I might have to get my 15% pulley under way

My mini cooper s has only 50,000km on it so transmission should be in good order as it shifts nice and smooth (I was going to change the trans fluid at 80,000km)

ps..JoeGravelle I am in Australia so buying the minimadness pulley tool and shipping to Australia is to much $$$$$ I can buy the Alta pulley tool in Australia for $110.00 AU delivered but if you are in AUS and want to sell me your tool for $80.00 delivered that would be nice

Nice one...CHECKERS ...sound like you got that mini going strong (have you had any problems with the auto transmission)

Good info keep it coming

Cheers
c w

 

Up to this time none working just fine.

 

I did the pulley myself easy 2hrs in my work shop (Note...I will do it for others in my area NSW south coast Australia with warranty and for a good price)
I went a 17% Alta pulley
Gates k060532 belt
One step colder plugs NGK - BKR7EQUP

I had my hart set on a 15% pulley but in the back of my mind I would have always wondered what a 17% would be like so that's why the change to a 17%


Thanks all

 

I've read that if you do AutoX the 15% is a better than a 16 or 17 since the 15 keeps it in a sweeter spot. I have a 15% and sort of wish I had gone with a 17. But my 2% crank pulley was destroyed and the 15% was already on my parts shelf.

 

its %100 worth it the 15% pulley is my favorite mod to date!!!!

 

100% worth it 17% pulley all the way

ps..one thing the 17 pulley did for the mcsa was bring the gear shift points up about 250rpm each gear now its has a nicer shift into the power sweet spot

cheers

 

The best bang for the buck mod on an R53 there is.