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Checking out the Alta 15% reduction pulley... Really thinking this should be my first performance mod. I see 75% of users here have some type of reduction pulley. The question is, how hard is this? Do I need the special belt tools? How long, and what skill level would be required for this job? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Yeah I run a wmw 15% pulley and love it complete night and day! I bought the belt removal tool, you will need it, I called way before purchasing the pulley and brought up the Internet saying you need an upgraded intercooler and what not but mine runs amazing and is so happy with her new pulley. I'm a mechanic by trade and have a healthy set of tools and an impact, buy one from harbor freight if you don't have one its a life saver $50 electrical 1/2 in impact great. Took me about 3 hours, was also helping a buddy put his Subaru motor back in. Pulley puller, belt removal tool and sockets you're good to go. If you're near northwest Florida and bring some beer i help you and just my tools.
Check out modmini on YouTube I referenced his Video over a thousand times doing mine it's not a hard job and seams a little intimidating but super worth it and not a bad job.
The next mod you should do is for handling, by far the best bang for the buck all around, is for the suspension. Replace the RSB with an adjustable either 19 or 22MM and include a set of KONI FSD struts. You won't believe the difference, truly go-cart.
Make 100% sure how u have the tools....and a jack, a 2x4, the mini SPECFIC pulley puller...
And ask yourself the honest question... Do I want to diy this...at the risk of getting the car turned into a basketcase and needing a tow, or having a mechanic visit....
The newer the car, the simpler the job....once a car gets older, and bolts rusts, and stuff sticks, be sure you know the tricks and techniques to unstick them or fix things if they break....just being 100% honest... The mini can fight back...the rotor "hat" bolts on mine took me two afternoons of fighting since they were seized.....me, I paid to have my pulley put on...think it was under $200 in my case...took the guy 40:minutes with the air tools and it was done. Was cheap enough, I didn't give it a second thought....they did the plugs and the new belt, and all was good....best of all, I had started a new friendship with the shop owner, a fellow mini owner....some things I would diy, some I would pay too do...just be honest...if you haven't done an oil change, and have never worked on a car, it might be best to work up more slowly to a diy.
Remember, diy guides only tell you the basics IF EVERYTHING GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN ....in repairs and upgrades, it rarely does and that is the danger....
So many folks get a diy u-tube guide, and get in far too deep...next thing you know, their car is a steaming pile of crap,running badly, asking for advise on forums, cause you reused a single use gadget 4 hrs it an 8 hr job cause the car had to be drivable the next day.....
Checking out the Alta 15% reduction pulley... Really thinking this should be my first performance mod. I see 75% of users here have some type of reduction pulley. The question is, how hard is this? Do I need the special belt tools? How long, and what skill level would be required for this job? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys!
Yes a pulley is always the best bang for the buck first mod. I'd recommend our WMW 15% pulley as it is all stainless so it all expands at the same rate and won't seize together like the alta aluminum/steel pulley. Also ours is balanced better since it has equal seperation on the mounting screws. http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-pulley-package.html
Yes you have to have the specific MINI pulley puller to get it off, trying to do it with something else most the time will end in needing a new supercharger as you can easily damage it. http://www.waymotorworks.com/pulley-puller.html
If you have the right tools for the job it will make the process much easier for you. We have a great tech article on our site that can help you with step by step instructions and also tells you what tools you'd want for the job. Best advice is, use the right tool for the job. We're actually offering a special on Madness pulleys next week if you're interested: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg2.htm#item6. Goes for the pulley puller tool as well.
It is not an easy job because of the space and need to jack up engine for access to pulley. I did it myself without any problems on a relatively new R53. There are many posts of people having trouble getting the old pulley off (it is pressed on very tight on the supercharger shaft). Sometimes people have trouble getting the new pulley aligned properly.
You will need to rent or buy a Mini specific pulley removal tool (might be able to rent from whoever you buy the pulley from). You need to buy a belt removal tool. You will also need a new belt (shorter) and one range colder spark plugs. You can find full kits from vendors.
I suggest you buy a good quality pulley from a vendor who will loan/rent you the pulley puller tool.
Many Mini specific repair shops (not the dealer) perform the pulley swap at very reasonable prices because they can do them relatively quickly.
