A World of MINI Cooper Lovers

Pulleys, CAIs, etc. What 2 Do???

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OK ... I've decided. I'm gonna 'spruce' Scoopie up a little. Here's my list:

1) Install a set of xenon halo projector lights (got 'em already; gonna get 'em installed this wkend, weather permitting).

2) Thinking about a 17% pulley and CAI (whatever that is--I just read on NAM that it's a must, sooooo) ...

3) Get a rear sway bar--I understand it'll make her sturdier on the twisties ... y'all let me know if that's right, OK?

Just figured since this is the bestest car I've ever owned, I oughter see what it's like 2 'mod' her a little. Just a tad--not goin' overboard 4 sure. Never done anything like this 4 any of my other cars b4, and Scoopie is such a joy!

For the small amount I'm contemplating, I hope it won't alter her 'personality' 2 much. What do y'all think?

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Permalink Reply by Scavenger on March 31, 2010 at 1:25am: I really don't. It's been a long time since I was involved in that stuff. The only places around here (besides Dealerships) that I can think of are Mach V and Helix.

VioletDC said:
Thanks, Scavenger. I've been checking out the tuning special every1's getting (well, a lot of folks), and it's 2 expensive 4 me right now. Would u have an idea of what it would cost to install the pulley?

Scavenger said:
I also think the 15% pulley is a good place to start. An ECU tune can make a difference too, even without a heap of mods.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by VioletDC on March 31, 2010 at 6:51am: I didn't realize Helix was local; has any1 here had them do anything 2 their MINIs? Mach V seems 2 be the 'favorite', from what I've read. :hmm:

Scavenger said:
I really don't. It's been a long time since I was involved in that stuff. The only places around here (besides Dealerships) that I can think of are Mach V and Helix.

VioletDC said:
Thanks, Scavenger. I've been checking out the tuning special every1's getting (well, a lot of folks), and it's 2 expensive 4 me right now. Would u have an idea of what it would cost to install the pulley?

Scavenger said:
I also think the 15% pulley is a good place to start. An ECU tune can make a difference too, even without a heap of mods.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by JustJAY on March 31, 2010 at 9:49am: VioletDC said:
I didn't realize Helix was local; has any1 here had them do anything 2 their MINIs? Mach V seems 2 be the 'favorite', from what I've read.

Scavenger said:
I really don't. It's been a long time since I was involved in that stuff. The only places around here (besides Dealerships) that I can think of are Mach V and Helix.

VioletDC said:
Thanks, Scavenger. I've been checking out the tuning special every1's getting (well, a lot of folks), and it's 2 expensive 4 me right now. Would u have an idea of what it would cost to install the pulley?

Scavenger said:
I also think the 15% pulley is a good place to start. An ECU tune can make a difference too, even without a heap of mods.

Well, Helix is local for people who live in PA since they are in Philly :D Go to Mach V. Helix is a last resort in my book since it will be a long trip, especially for you.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by JustJAY on March 31, 2010 at 9:52am: Also, whomever said you may need a smaller belt for a 15% pulley, well you DO NEED a smaller belt. The pulley is SMALLER than stock, which in turn adds slack to the belt and makes the belt slip. The blet tensioner only moves so much and cannot compensate for the extra room. I know from experience.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by VioletDC on March 31, 2010 at 10:09am: Oh, OK; MiniMania offers the pulley & belt 2gether, so I may go ahead & get theirs and then have MV install it. M7's pulley doesn't include a belt (at least it's not mentioned on the product info site), so that's y I've decided 2 go w/MM. Girlfriend is tryna save some $$, OK???? 8-)

No 1der I haven't heard anything about Helix in the area ... lol! Mach V has gotten rave reviews, and they're pretty hands-on from what I've read so far from/about them. Plus, Sterling is a nice road trip for me, and I'm planning 2 go 2 their Spring Fling event, so I can check 'em out live & in person. :)

JustJAY said:
Also, whomever said you may need a smaller belt for a 15% pulley, well you DO NEED a smaller belt. The pulley is SMALLER than stock, which in turn adds slack to the belt and makes the belt slip. The blet tensioner only moves so much and cannot compensate for the extra room. I know from experience.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by JustJAY on March 31, 2010 at 10:35pm: No dealership will install aftermarket parts.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by VioletDC on March 31, 2010 at 11:06pm: I kinda got that idea when I called Passport about installing my lights--got no answer 2 my voicemail! LOL Oh, well ... np ... I'm just glad MV is close by and knows what they're doin'.

JustJAY said:
No dealership will install aftermarket parts.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by VioletDC on May 15, 2010 at 11:13pm: Well ... I finally ordered a pulley kit (pulley, tensioner stop, JCW plugs & belt) from WMW, and a set of strut plates (in purple!) ... can't w8 'til everything gets here! Now just getting that pulley installed ... *passing the hat 4 donations* ... :P

Man, I'ma start playing the lottery more often! 8-); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by VioletDC on June 30, 2010 at 6:37pm: Scoopie got her pulley 2day! :D I love her new sound!!!

I made the appt. w/Mach V 4 9:30 this am, after a 39-hour stint on the job ... should be sleeping now, but can't seem 2 do it while the sun's shining so beautifully out here. She got purple strut plates, and they're sooo purrty! Driving along all the ruts, chasms, and craters in the area made the mounts mushroom (again), so they fixed that, 2. I could tell she felt sturdier on the drive home (I495), which made me feel more secure. Now 2 install her CF interior bits ... I'll get 2 that over the wkend. 8-); ▶ Reply to This