Whats my next step??

[Tynz]

I just recently bought a 02 cooper S and I am wondering what is my next step for performance. I a have looked into Pulley's, Intake, Exhaust and Sway Bars, but not sure what I should do first. Any suggestions would be very helpful....


Thanks

[MINIAC]

Biggest bang for the buck is a pulley

[Tynz]

Since my car is an 02 with 38K miles, would it be smarter to first get new exhaust and work from there??

[Root Ginger]

Depends what you're looking for. As Miniac says; the best performance gain for your money is a pulley.

The exhaust will add a little and a bit more noise or maybe consider an induction kit if you want a bit more supercharger noise.

[Tynz]

Is there a certain pulley system you would recommend???

[Root Ginger]

If you were in the UK I'd recommend GT Tuning. However you appear to be in the US so I think Alta or M7 are probably your best bet.

Alta do a 15% reduction pulley that would be a good starting point and M7 do a 16%.

[Tynz]

I've seen a 17 and 19% reduction by Alta. It makes sense to pick 19% reduction right??

[Root Ginger]

No, 19% is going to require more work to the rest of your car. The trouble is it's not a simple matter of creating more boost. With the S/C working harder you generate more heat.

A lot of people consider the 19% to be too small as it generates so much heat that the benefits of extra boost are wiped out over say a 17%

With a 15% pulley you'll need no other mods to make it work. The standard ECU settings are fine with this pulley. If you went 17% you'd probably need a remap also. With 19% you'd need a remap and a new intercooler at the least.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tynz (original)

I've seen a 17 and 19% reduction by Alta. It makes sense to pick 19% reduction right??

Dpends on what type of driving you do ...

A 19% pulley is not recommended if you spend a lot of time in the high RPM range. A 19% pulley requires a smaller belt and these need changing more often. While a 19% pulley doesn't need an ECU remap, most people go with larger (380cc) injectors and an ECU remap to take full advantage of this set up. Check out Helix Minisports if you go this route.

[Tynz]

Should I get a new belt if I get the 15% reduction Pulley from Alta or Mini-Madness?

[minimad17]

deff got to be a pulley!!!

[DaFlake]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tynz (original)

Should I get a new belt if I get the 15% reduction Pulley from Alta or Mini-Madness?

You are in the states so I would recommend that you contact Don Hollingshead (DMH Motorsports DMH Motorsports) and speak with him. He won't lead you wrong.

15% pulley is a good start with a new belt (same size). I wouldn't go any lower than 17% as you will have to do other work right away. The stock engine just isn't ready for it to be honest.

The reason for a new belt is that you might was well replace it while you have it off.