Gain significant HP gain with the Aftermarket MINI Supercharger Pulley

Manufactured between 2001 and 2006, the first-generation MINI Cooper S is equipped with a supercharger. Early Cooper S superchargers provide more oxygen to the motor and, as a result, more fuel. This increase in oxygen and fuel distribution to the Cooper S motor results in higher power output. However, more power can be gained with MINI aftermarket components such as the smaller supercharged pulleys.

Aftermarket pulleys typically come in three different styles: 15%, 17% and 19%. What do these percentages mean? They simply refer to the difference in size between aftermarket and stock pulleys. For example, a 15% pulley is 15% smaller than the standard pulley on the MINI. The smaller the pulley, the smaller the belt. And the smaller the belt, the faster the supercharged turbine will spin. The faster the turbine spins, the more oxygen is supplied to the motor, which produces higher output. What does this correspond to? More torque and horsepower.

The R53 MINI Cooper S is expected to yield about 15 HP of gain after installing a 15% pulley. (Remember that the pulley percentage does not correspond to the HP gain. This is just a coincidence.) 17% is expected to boost 20 HP and 19% is expected to boost 25 HP. .. All HP gains depend on the state of the MINI and previously added performance parts.

Given the cost of the aftermarket pulley ($ 100- $ 150) and the amount of additional HP earned, this is one of the most cost-effective upgrades in the R53 MINI aftermarket. MINI performance parts such as bulky intercoolers and exhausts are costly and do not provide the HP boosts of performance pulleys. In essence, a 2-pound pulley adds 15-25 HP, and a variety of heavier and more expensive performance parts have lower HP gain. This is why many enthusiasts are quick to make aftermarket pulley installation the first MINI upgrade.

But which pulley should I buy? 15%, 17% or 19%?

Looking at the HP gain produced by each pulley, it seems best to use 19% for maximum HP gain. However, 19% pulleys are the least practical. 19% provides maximum boost, but also causes maximum wear inside the vehicle. 19% are good for short circuit races and time trials, while 15% are good for endurance, long races and a thirst for everyday power. With this in mind, 17% is a compromise between the two. Increases HP by more than 15%, but wears slightly faster inside. Overall, 15% is the most recommended pulley for everyday drivers on the R53 MINI Cooper S, who demand significant power gains.