Hi, folks. I have my 2004 MC40 torn down for a supercharger service. At the moment, it's completely stock but I do plan, in addition to some regular FESM-style maintenance, to replace the SC pulley/belt with a 15% aftermarket version. My question: Which aftermarket pulley works best, and/or causes less maintenance issues, etc.? Or, is there a difference like ease of mounting, fit, etc.? Opinions?

 

Some background...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...o-install.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ini-mania.html

I generally recommend Way or Craven parts - very good machining quality with these guys. Make sure you also get a puller.

 

HaltCatchFire, thanks for the input and the post links - very informative. I did notice several folks saying that a standard pulley puller won't work. I'm thinking that's because most everyone changes the pulley while it's still on the car. Since I'm removing the supercharger for oil service, I'm thinking I would not need a special puller. Anyone have thoughts or experience on this?

On another note, I was removing the AC coil and the T27 Torx screw holding it to the compressor twisted completely off. Anyone have a recommendation for a good screw extraction tool?

 

I have a WAY 17% and it had been great. If you aren't rev happy and don't track... I'd do the 17.

 

Basically there's little to grab onto with the snout in the way and it's on hella tight. While you can probably get a bearing puller to hook on the flanges, from what I hear they'll just break or bend when you crank it. You can rent one from several online vendors for about $20 or just resell one, they're in constant demand.

 

We have done over 600 pulleys and over the years we made small changes which developed into our WMW pulley to make it the best it could be. It is a wheel so hard to reinvent, but we did the things we could to make it better. 1. it's all stainless so no rust, and thermal expansion with the steel supercharger shaft go together. 2 extra holes in it to save weight 3 center hole to not only save weight, but allow you to look in and make sure it's on all the way during install. 4 lips on front and back of grooves to hold belt and make belt install easier.
Go with our 15% and like others you'll never look back
https://www.waymotorworks.com/15-sup...ulley-wmw.html

But since you are just starting the upgrade I would do our kit which includes the correct shorter belt, and colder heat range plugs to keep it reliable and the most efficient.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-pulley-package.html

 

I bought your 15% pulley along with the 2% crank pulley, I'm waiting on some other parts before I get started, but I'm curious what percentage pulley does the dealer installed JCW kit come with when it's installed? I don't know if I'm just swapping the same size pulley or I'm getting an upgrade on the super charger pulley

 

WMW, thanks for your input. Your kit appears to have the most upside and I'll be ordering soon. However, I'm just not interested in spending $70 for a puller for a one-time installation. Do you have rental options? Or, does some MINI owner in the D/FW area who might see this post have one they could either loan or rent? Thanks to everyone for the information. It's been very helpful.

 

I have a way puller that I used one time about 2 months ago. It made it very easy to pull. PM me if you want to buy it. You can just sell it once you use it.