I am hoping to get a reduced supercharger pulley in the near future but I am having some deliberation over whether to go for a 15% or 17% reduction.

I have heard that 15% is going to be the 'safest' and more reliable option.

I was just wondering what the drawbacks are with the 17%. So far I understand that it will create more heat (thinking of uprating the IC at some point anyhow) but what I want to know is there anything which will need replacing more often other than the s/charger belt.

I suppose I would say power isn't really an option, but saying that it is in the back of my mind how much difference 2% could make...

Help me make my mind up... Discuss!

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I heart DERV!
///M Sport has landed...

The 17 will spin the SC faster so will give slightly more boost than a 15... As the SC is working harder its lifetime will be reduced slightly (apparently). I've had my reduced belt changed on mine after about 8 mths as it was slipping so you'll have that to change every now and again anyway... (It's not that expensive to change)... Go with your gut instinct...

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His:
BMW Mini Cooper S Black and blue all over
Seat Leon FR 2.0FSI Turbo

Hers:
Fiat 500 White and Kitty all over

It depends what you want from your mini. If its a quicker Cooper S your after then go for a 15% but if you want just that little bit extra then go for the 17%. Both 15% and 17% are very reliable options, mines had a 17% ratio on for 40,000 miles and not once has it failed and believe me my mini gets hurt occasionally, especially when a scooby or the likes are around!

Dont be scared by the myths that are around cos thats all they are! When you consider american tuning companies are now reaching silly power with a mini engine i dont think youve got much to worry about by reducing a pulley wheel by 2.8% over standard!

Go for the 17% as your considering an intercooler etc. 15% and 17% are both the same price fitted from Modnmini so also a 17% is a better bargin and we all know you girlies like a bargin when you see one!

Would you recommend doing the intercooler at the same time?

I'd say yes on a 17 or above... 15s can cope quite well without... (Unless you live at the redline) I ran a 15 with a standard IC for ages before upgrading...

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His:
BMW Mini Cooper S Black and blue all over
Seat Leon FR 2.0FSI Turbo

Hers:
Fiat 500 White and Kitty all over

LOL!!!

I am leaning towards the option of the 17% at this immediate moment. I expect to change the belt periodically but my concern was that I could be replacing major parts more frequently with the 17%! I have to be honest, my car rarely touches on the red line apart from when I have done the 1/4 mile!

Whilst I am not on a crusade to make the worlds fastest MINI it does cross my mind how many extra horseys I could get out of my car for no difference in price!

__________________
I heart DERV!
///M Sport has landed...

I'd go for a 15% SC pulley and a 2/3% crank pulley thus giving you a 17/18% reduction. I'm running 18% and it makes a hell of a difference then just an SC pulley on it's own.

I went for 16% as I live my life in the redline, it was safer IMO

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GP 0016

17% gets my vote; slightly more torque lower down the rev range i.e. where you notice it

Had my 17% fitted for 2 years with no issues (I change the belt yearly)

17 with a GRS. end of.