After all these years there are several pulley manufacturers, models and combinations out there...So,

1) What pulley set up do you use? (brand / size)
2) why did you choose it
3) Do you like it? (is it everything you dreamed?)
4) Would you choose the same again?
5) other comments....

enquiring minds want to know......

 

1.) Alta/15%
2.) Didn't... got it as a gift from a friend who bought it locally
3.) hmmm... not sure about everything I dreamed, but I couldn't fathom not having it
4.) Sure... had no problems and it seems to be one of the more popular pulleys
5.) None that I can think of

GotMINI

 

1. Alta V2 15%
2. Popularity and the engineering design allows future upgrades much easier.
3. I had some initial problems that I have been able to fix and truly enjoy the improved S/C roar!!
4. Absolutely!!
5. From my search through the NAM forums, I'm guessing that I'm the ONLY one ever to have had that much damage from a failed S/C belt. Regardless, $20 to $30 is cheap for a little piece of mind.

Cheers!!

 

1) Alta / 15%
2) it is a decent one
3) Yes/no. It is, but alone it does less than the full potential.
4) Most Likely
5) Why are you considering a pulley? Who is going to install it? What other modifications are on your car? Do not pay $1,700 for a pulley.

 

1. Alta - 15%
2. Got it 2nd hand, unused (cheap)
3. Yes - It goes round and round
4. At the same price, yes...
5. A pulley is a pulley...as long as it goes round and round

 

Wow 100% Alta...hmmm
"a pulley is a pulley"...not sure engineers would agree with that...
Grooves, 2 piece design, shoulder height, roundness/trueness, material...a lot to consider....
P-Bear...ease of future upgrades? please elaborate!

Hollis...I'm decided on a pulley...just don't know which one. Why? same reason as everyone else...to get more sooner, and enhance the grin factor.
As for mods "on" the car...currently just cosmetic, however I am collecting parts to transform the performance aspects over the winter months. I will be doing suspension, brake system and powertrain. Bolt-on only...no machine work.
I will do most of the work but the specialty stuff will be sent to professionals.

I have purchased engine/transaxle inserts, JCW CAI, steel braided brake line, suspension bushing inserts and a rear ARB so far. Still doing research on more pieces....

 

OK, I understand that a 15% pulley change gives you better acceleration and maybe a bit more HP. But how does it affect gas mileage? If MPG goes down I wont' do it. Any comments from those that have it installed?

 

I have the JCW pulley, which is supposed to be close to 15% depending on who you talk to. My gas mileage is about as good and other S drivers that I have talked to. I think, like anything else, it depends on how heavy you are on the gas. My gas mileage has suffered since the CAI, the supercharger just sounds to good!!

 

I have the Alta v2.0 15% reduction pulley and JCW CAI and I have not noticed a drop in fuel mileage unless Im in my spirited driving mood. Just around town I average 25-26mpg and on the hwy 37-38mpg.

Spirited driving mood--22-23mpg and 35-36mpg hwy.

IF you decide to get the pulley installed, I think you will drop in fuel mileage b/c you just will not be able to keep your foot off of the accelerator pedal.

 

It is true that it depends on who you ask :
- someone who hasn't measured the pulleys: around 15%
- someone who has: around 11%

 

Does anyone have experience with the Dinan pulley?
Surffox,mean green and black cooper s machine

 

How about the Way motor werks pulley?

I don't think a reduction pulley gets you MORE power...it just comes sooner...

....And who gives a damn about fuel economy in the same sentence with performance mods? That is NOT what this thread is about. If you want economy get a cooper....if you want performance don't whine about fuel economy!

I don't mean to rag on those that have dual use Minis and drive like everyone else on the way to work etc....and let it hang out at the A/X or track on the weekends...but you KNOW if you press the long skinny pedal more....it uses more fuel.

By choosing an R53 you have made your decision...you can "make the best" of it....but don't pretend you care about fuel economy.

Oh, and making the best of a MCS is far, far better than making the best of a "Mustang" (for example) or other traditional performance vehicles.....

So suck it up and get out your wallet.....and keep smiling!

 

I'd go with a 6-bolt hub like the Helix design. I know the original Altas were 4-bolt, not sure about the V2.

I've had both a 15% and 19%, and the lower rpm torque of the 19% makes it more fun as a daily driver. Ultimate Hp probably doesn't change much either way. But, if you go 19% I'd seriously think about 380 injectors and a tune. I was somewhat lean (pre-tune) with 380s and the 19%. A lot of people claim the 19% just makes "heat" not power, compared to the 15%. I think my dyno results refute that - over 200 ft-lb torque from about 3500-5300 rpm.

 

Sure it does. It gets you more power sooner and later...unless you reduce your redline...

 

Now this is the kind of post I was lookig for! Good info! thanks.

Sean.