I want to verify that the timing chain tensioner is NOT the serpentine belt tensioner, reason why i ask is because the site referenced below states: "A supercharger reduction pulley will require a shorter timing belt (sold separately)" which makes no sense to me since these cars have a timing chain and not a belt AND the timing belt is separate from the serpentine belt. I just want to double check that the serpentine belt tensioner is entirely separate from the timing chain tensioner. Im asking this because im going to be doing a 15% pulley install soon and dont want to destroy the motor. Thanks in advance.

http://www.jscspeed.com/catalog/Alta..._Pullies_22596

 

You are correct....that post/page is all messed up...
Timing chain is internal.... Usually good for life of the motor...tensioner on it...usually..but not always...but easy change.
Serpitine belt/supercharger belt is a $25 item...15 minutes to change...the serptine tensioner is about $100-250 depending on the source (and true oem vs "gray market")... Less space to work, but usually good for 75,000 miles...like most cars with them....they do tend to wear out...but nothing crazy like some posts lead you to believe.

 

what you need is a new belt. depending on what reduction pulley you get you will need a smaller belt for the greater reduction in pulley size.

 

P.S.
I would suggest you buy your parts from somebody who knows the difference between a timing chain and a serpitine belt..there are some great vendors here that make this site possible....and that hop in from time to time with advise!!
Sometimes answering you questions and providing support is important....

 

Oh definitely. Thanks for confirming, this is my first non *** car so it's going to be a bit of a learning curve but nothing impossible.

So just to verify removing the serpentine tensioner will have absolutely no effect on the timing.

Thanks for the info bud.

 

Correct....
No need to remove it unless you are replacing it....when doing the belt or a pulley, you just compress it...then lock it in place with a pin of some type...a spare Allen wrench works well...loop the belt... Then put tension on it...pull the pin...
The "tool" to fo this is best, but a socket as a fulcrum, and a prybar works with a second set of hands in a pinch....
The pulley does REQUIRE a special tool to remove it (folks still can cut it off, but risky, dirty and time consuming)...a universal WILL NOT WORK......it will just deform and fail...

 

Yes it is an error in their site as you need a shorter drive belt with the new pulley. Like Zippy said they are not a MINI specific co. so they are not going to be able to direct you to all the proper parts and effective combinations.

We offer a pulley package that includes the pulley, belt, and proper spark plugs. That way you have what you need to keep the car reliable.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-pulley-package.html

 

Waymotorworks I was actually looking to buy that in addition to a new tensioner/arm assembly. I figure while everything else Is out I might as well replace that too.

Thanks for all the info fellas