Would you attempt to install it yourself, or take it to a shop.


I am a bit worried to do it myself

 

I just had one installed in my XF last week.. No way in hell i would have tried to do it myself, but i dont even do my own oil-changes.

It's supposed to be a "easy" 2-hour job if you have the tools, but my local mechanic ended up spending a few hours trying to extract the stock pulley. Says the new one went on "like butter".

 

That's my fear as well. Bungling up the extraction. I don't know how good the instructions are....anybody know? I have all the tools to do it except the puller. I'd wanna puke if I hosed it up so I couldn't get any pulley on there. I'm not known for my delicate work, a bit on the ham fisted side I must admit (i.e. I'd get pissed off and break something).

That being said, I'll probably give it a go since my inherent cheapness overrides my common sense. Even though if I break it, it wouldn't be cheaper.

 

I asked my mechanic to save the stock pulley for me, so he tried using a puller. he finally gave up after a few hours of fighting it, and ended up cutting the sucker off - and just as i requested, he handed me the mangled mess of what was once my stock pulley.

I read the instructions that came with mine from Mina - seemed pretty clear, and actually not much to it.

 

Feel free to check them out:

Phoenix Coachworks Devon | Fitting Superchargers

 

I don't trust myself to file it down properly.

 

I had one mechanic cut off the steel stock pulley then push on the 1.5 lb aluminum Mina pulley. Another mechanic had to mangle the Mina pulley then grind down the s/c snout using the Phoenix Coach Works dummy pulley (borrowed from "Mafioso") prior to pushing on the 3 lb. Eurotoys pulley. Dudes...unless you are a skilled mechanic who knows how to grind, don't do this yourself! Ask Mafioso if you can borrow the dummy pulley, you'll make your skilled mechanic smile. Perform a hard re-set after the install. Drive her in "Normal" trans. mode for 300 miles then hard in "Sport" mode...the much noticeable increase in low-end torque will creat a smile cheek to cheek....

 

It's not that bad to do yourself. If your not confident grinding the SC right I would say just buck the cash and have it done. By the time you rent the puller shipping etc... It's only a hundred bucks or so extra to just have it done. I am on mobil and can't see much info, Michael where are you located?

 

My mechanic got the old pulley off intact but it was ROUGH. The entire shroud had to come out. No room.

 

I'm about 5 hours away from you in Bowling Green.

 

Cool it's a bit far then. I worked with a local shop that has built a tool that indexes off the Sc and can perfectly machine the snout to the exact specs and dosnt require anything more then lifting the motor slightly, takes about an hour to 1 1/2 and 100-150$ all done and they use a puller so no cutting and heating the snout. Thought it may be an option if you were close.

 

I did a write up in 3/3/11 on how to do it and what you need. It was under mina pulley done themselves. Hope this helps. Paul

 

That still might be worth it.

Thanks!

 

If you decide to do that let me know. I would be happy to help you set it up and pick you up and bring you to lunch while they work on it!

 

Mike, qwikcat is giving you an offer one cannot refuse. It's so much better on the nerves having a pro doing the 3 lb pulley install. Go for it.

 

I am not so recluctant to try the install as I am about my 03 with 80k miles being strong enough to stay healthy. My Lotus was factory TC with 7 lbs as is her mazdapseed Miata now sees 11 lbs. How much boost is factory standard and the 3 lbs of additional boost gives what results on the dyno?
Phil in Tenn

 

Jag claims an already formidable 13 lbs. boost for a stock STR. Add 2.5 to 3 lbs. = 15 to 16 lbs. boost. The first 30 minutes of driving is a hoot but gradually degrades from there, as the s/c cooling circuit cannot keep up with the chore of dissipating heat. Driving primarily in a cool climate, use of a "Chiller Killer" or a methyl-alcohol injection, or a more efficient s/c is required in order for the ECU to not pull back the timing, etc.

 

Oh ya I think I am going to take him up on it! Better than some mechanic I don't even know attempting it!

 

Do it...do it Mike.

 

Why does this come to mind when you say that?