At $20, it seems like a no-brainer to avoid slippage, but does anyone see any reason why I should *NOT* put the JCW belt on with the Alta pulley?

 

If the belt that comes with the JCW kit is the same length as the "factory" one, then use it. The 15% pulley can use the stock belt. Depending on your mileage you can probably use the one that's on there, being a 2005.

 

I was under the impression that the JCW was a bit shorter to account for the smaller pulley on the JCW kit - that's why I was thinking it might match up to the 15% Alta pulley a bit better.

Off topic - did you receive the goods yet Joaquin?

 

i've got the 15 pulley and simply put on a new OEM belt. while the original belt looked fine (car had 14m miles) I did this as a play it safe policy.

 

Does the belt also perform timing function? And is the MCS engine an interference engine?

You piqued my interest when you said "play it safe".

 

I have no clue - I just thought I would start off new pulley = new belt and if I had problems (i.e. pulley install) I would be able to know that the belt condition was due to the pulley and not the previous 14m. I kept the old belt as a back-up. I've had no problems and had the belt checked after 3M.

I have a question for you - why the 15 pulley? I was under the impression that the JCW kit used a 15 pulley (or close to it) but what do I know?


Bahamabart

 

I don't have the JCW engine setup, just the JCW suspension.

So far the only engine related mod I have is a Milltek exhaust. Alta 15% pulley and possibly CAI to come.

 

The belt does no timing. It just runs the SC and the accessories. Since I have had a slipping belt squeal with the stock belt and pulley, I am going to use a shorter belt when I do the 15% pulley.

Steve

 

I just had the 15% Alta pulley put on, and you just adjust the tensioner a bit. - - m

 

There is a thread on here somewhere that discusses the pulley sizes, but not sure about the JCW one. I know the supercharger is "blueprinted" to spin faster than the stock one does. Bahamabart did the same thing I did about changing the belt, seeing as your down there, with it off, why not put on a new one? I used the stock belt as well and have no slippage or squealing. If you go with a shorter belt, make sure that the tensioner has room to move. The belt on your car Mark is probably still fairly new depending on the mileage, so if it doesn't get damaged somehow during the pulley install you will be able to reuse it.
BTW, i should have the goods tomorrow.

 

mburchill36, what kind of adjustment was made to your tensioner?
Mine is spring loaded, and will automatically take up the slack as the belt stretches.

 

I ran the stock belt with the 15% pulley for about 35 thousand miles with no slipage, or extra wear. Since I now have over 77 thousand miles on the car I went ahead and replaced the belt with the JCW. I wouldn't worry about changing it early, just whenever you would normally change the belt.

Nik