Toyota Yaris Forums - Ultimate Yaris Enthusiast Site
 

 


 
Go Back   Toyota Yaris Forums - Ultimate Yaris Enthusiast Site > Technical Forums > Performance Modifications
  The Tire Rack

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-30-2012, 09:41 PM   #1
jpmck03
 
jpmck03's Avatar
 
Drives: 2018 Volkswagen GTI
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 893
Smile The MI LW Pulley "Not a Big 'Car Guy'" Review

Intro
This is my review of the new MicroImage Light Weight Crank Pulley, which is in the same vein as my previous review of the MI SSK. Long story short, I'm still a "noob" when it comes to cars and mods, but I'm learning.
__________________________________________________
The Install
For this install I decided to go over to my buddy's house and borrow both him and his more extensive selection of tools from his garage. It was also a big help having someone else there to lend a hand and to hold things in place when need be. I'm sure that I could have easily done this install by myself, and I'm far from mechanically inclined.

Compared to my last install (the MI SSK last year) this one is very straight forward and you've got a lot of room to move around and get tools to where you need them. I mean all there is to do is:
  1. jack up the car and remove the passenger-side wheel,
  2. remove the plastic wheel liner,
  3. loosen two alternator bolts and move the alternator,
  4. take the belt off of the crank pulley,
  5. remove and replace the crank pulley, and
  6. put everything back together in reverse order.
The best part about it: I managed to pull off the whole install with just hand tools!
__________________________________________________
The Ride Back
I had read that that first rev you take after installing it will be awesome, and let me tell you it is. Personally, I think that you can definitely tell that some power has been freed up for the engine to transfer to the wheels instead of that heavy OEM pulley (on a side note, the difference in weight between the OEM pulley and the MI pulley is night and day!).

Acceleration seems to be improved a bit, and it feels like a pretty decent power increase for being such a simple bolt on mod. Floored it, and it seemed like the engine had a little bit more to give when getting up to speed. Another thing I noticed was that the revs seemed to "float" a little bit while shifting, instead of dropping like they did before, which I definitely like!

Also on my ride back home I kept it at my usual steady 65 on the interstate and saw that I could maintain that speed at around 2800-2900 RPM instead of 3000-3100 RPM. Hopefully this translates to a couple extra miles per gallon on my commute to work/school!
__________________________________________________
Overall
Overall, I'd have to say that this is one of the "must have" mods for anyone that's starting out with modding the Yaris, or is moving from cosmetic mods to ones under the hood. The install is relatively easy, and the payoff in performance (according to my posterior dynamometer) is pretty noticeable.


9/10 Driving Smiley Guys!
__________________
my {(retired) ride} - {mi ssk: review, diy} - {mi lw cp: review, diy} - {foglight install} - {painted emblem: experiment, diy}


jpmck03 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2012, 10:55 PM   #2
cali yaris
ULTIMATE
 
cali yaris's Avatar
 
Drives: 07 Yaris Turbo
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Canoga Park, CA
Posts: 14,859
Send a message via AIM to cali yaris
Thanks, wow 9/10 that's good.

We should post the torque spec for the crank pulley bolt, but I can't recall it off the top of my head. It's VERY tight, maybe 96 ft/lbs?
__________________
Micro Image forums, online store and shop are now closed. It was a great eight year run, but it was time to focus on other things. I'm still selling parts on eBay under micro*image seller ID and customers can still make requests for anything specific.
cali yaris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2012, 11:06 PM   #3
jpmck03
 
jpmck03's Avatar
 
Drives: 2018 Volkswagen GTI
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 893
Quote:
Originally Posted by cali yaris View Post
Thanks, wow 9/10 that's good.

We should post the torque spec for the crank pulley bolt, but I can't recall it off the top of my head. It's VERY tight, maybe 96 ft/lbs?
Install was easier than the SSK. Now that install was a tight squeeze! This was a walk in the park in comparison.

I'm 99% sure that it's 96 ft-lbs. Right now it's on "as tight as we could get the damn thing without breaking our arms" ft-lbs. Going to get my last "cover my ass" oil change at a shop this week as the 3 year warranty on the car is about to end, so I'll have them check it while it's on the lift.
__________________
my {(retired) ride} - {mi ssk: review, diy} - {mi lw cp: review, diy} - {foglight install} - {painted emblem: experiment, diy}


jpmck03 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2012, 11:41 PM   #4
Golddeenoh
Takes corners too fast!
 
Golddeenoh's Avatar
 
Drives: Absolute Red 2009 Yaris HB
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 830
I think when I was looking it up I found that the bolt was listed at 95ft-lbs. Mine seemed to be way lower than that when I took it off, but when I put it on I went somewhere just north of 90ft-lbs before the rope i had tied between the control arm and the pulley broke. but if you find something else that says the bolt should be something else please post it
__________________
mods:15''Drag DR21 w/Nitto NeoGen 205/50R15, Tanabe DF210 lowering springs 1.6/1.8, TRD Rear Sway Bar, Tanabe Front Sway Bar, Micro Image Short Throw Shift Kit (both in and under), 8.64lbs flywheel, F1 Stage 4 Clutch, AEM Cold Air Intake (Red), Megan Racing Header, DC Sports Axle Back Exhaust, Micro Image Crank Pulley, NST lite Alternator Pulley, ARP Manifold Stud Kit,Tanabe Front Strut Tower Brace, ScanGuage II, Micro Image Silicone Radiator Hose Kit (Red), NRG Carbon Fiber Shift Knob (round), 2009-2011 Toyota Yaris Liftback Foglight kit, NRG Grounding Kit (Red), Hella Horns(Red),CF Hood
Golddeenoh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2012, 11:59 PM   #5
jpmck03
 
jpmck03's Avatar
 
Drives: 2018 Volkswagen GTI
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 893
^ Ha, we used 550 cord looped between the pulley and the control arm too! Mine also seemed like it was a lot less than what it should have been. One decent tug on the breaker bar and it broke free.
__________________
my {(retired) ride} - {mi ssk: review, diy} - {mi lw cp: review, diy} - {foglight install} - {painted emblem: experiment, diy}


jpmck03 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-01-2012, 02:04 PM   #6
auxmike
 
auxmike's Avatar
 
Drives: 2008 HB, A/T, Power W/L/M
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: LI, New Yawk
Posts: 2,063
Wow, I thought it was really hard to break that bolt free, interesting.....
How much is the pully and what's it made of?
__________________

Never take eyes off opponent - Bruce Lee
auxmike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-01-2012, 02:09 PM   #7
jpmck03
 
jpmck03's Avatar
 
Drives: 2018 Volkswagen GTI
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 893
Quote:
Originally Posted by auxmike View Post
Wow, I thought it was really hard to break that bolt free, interesting.....
Either I'm very strong (which I'm not) or I got lucky and it came off easily (I think that's closer to the truth).

Quote:
Originally Posted by auxmike View Post
... How much is the pully and what's it made of?
Right now it's on sale for $139 over on MicroImage. Don't know how long that price is good for... maybe Garm'll chime in and let you know.

It's made out of aluminum and the OEM one is made of steel.
__________________
my {(retired) ride} - {mi ssk: review, diy} - {mi lw cp: review, diy} - {foglight install} - {painted emblem: experiment, diy}


jpmck03 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2012, 09:52 AM   #8
matthewai
 
matthewai's Avatar
 
Drives: it is kinda stock
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: united states
Posts: 1,258
hey do you think this would be a good mod for a/t or does it make more of a difference on m/t ?
__________________
matthewai is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2012, 11:41 AM   #9
jpmck03
 
jpmck03's Avatar
 
Drives: 2018 Volkswagen GTI
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 893
Quote:
Originally Posted by matthewai View Post
hey do you think this would be a good mod for a/t or does it make more of a difference on m/t ?
I think it doesn't make a difference, as the transmission isn't really mated to the crank pulley or any of the accessory pulleys.

Should be good on an auto as well.
__________________
my {(retired) ride} - {mi ssk: review, diy} - {mi lw cp: review, diy} - {foglight install} - {painted emblem: experiment, diy}


jpmck03 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2012, 11:45 AM   #10
cali yaris
ULTIMATE
 
cali yaris's Avatar
 
Drives: 07 Yaris Turbo
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Canoga Park, CA
Posts: 14,859
Send a message via AIM to cali yaris
We are currently still running the "introductory" price of $139 shipped:

http://shop.microimageonline.com/MI-...LWCP-Yaris.htm
__________________
Micro Image forums, online store and shop are now closed. It was a great eight year run, but it was time to focus on other things. I'm still selling parts on eBay under micro*image seller ID and customers can still make requests for anything specific.
cali yaris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2012, 05:35 PM   #11
why?
Only Happy When it Rains
 
why?'s Avatar
 
Drives: Yaris LB
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: harnett county NC
Posts: 4,097
it is a good mod for everyone. No reason for the stock one to be so bloated. Light weight one makes the car feel better.
__________________
Colin Chapman disciple
why? is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2012, 06:15 PM   #12
jpmck03
 
jpmck03's Avatar
 
Drives: 2018 Volkswagen GTI
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 893
I've found out that it's really noticeable on those hills where you're going, "Ah, this hill sucks, it's lugging in 2nd gear, but I'm going to fast for 1st..."

Definitely a nice boost in power when you need it the most.
__________________
my {(retired) ride} - {mi ssk: review, diy} - {mi lw cp: review, diy} - {foglight install} - {painted emblem: experiment, diy}


jpmck03 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2012, 06:57 AM   #13
Crazy Butcher
 
Drives: Yaris 2008
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: EmptyHell(mtl)
Posts: 43
I cant wait to receive mine, im anxious to see what It'll do.
Crazy Butcher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 03:02 AM   #14
drunix
 
Drives: 2010 Yaris 3D LB
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Astoria, Oregon
Posts: 12
My MI pulley installed

It took about 90 minutes to install, started at 10pm and was out for a test drive before midnight. The drive was 5 minutes (low fuel warning blinking ominously), mostly to see if anything was going to fall off.

According to my kitchen scale the MI pulley is 12 ounces and according to my bathroom scale the stock Toyota pulley is about 48 ounces.

I will be driving 250 miles on Friday, hilly coastal roads. I will write another note on impressions when I get back. I think this is a good comparison test as I did the same drive last Sunday.

I am still not used to working under a car that's not constantly filthy. My MGA gave itself continuous rust inhibiting undercoat treatments.

Brian
Attached Images
File Type: jpg MI_Pulley.JPG (94.6 KB, 287 views)
drunix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 11:31 AM   #15
Golddeenoh
Takes corners too fast!
 
Golddeenoh's Avatar
 
Drives: Absolute Red 2009 Yaris HB
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 830
did you torque it down to 95ft-lbs, that is the factory suggested torque for the pulley bolt
__________________
mods:15''Drag DR21 w/Nitto NeoGen 205/50R15, Tanabe DF210 lowering springs 1.6/1.8, TRD Rear Sway Bar, Tanabe Front Sway Bar, Micro Image Short Throw Shift Kit (both in and under), 8.64lbs flywheel, F1 Stage 4 Clutch, AEM Cold Air Intake (Red), Megan Racing Header, DC Sports Axle Back Exhaust, Micro Image Crank Pulley, NST lite Alternator Pulley, ARP Manifold Stud Kit,Tanabe Front Strut Tower Brace, ScanGuage II, Micro Image Silicone Radiator Hose Kit (Red), NRG Carbon Fiber Shift Knob (round), 2009-2011 Toyota Yaris Liftback Foglight kit, NRG Grounding Kit (Red), Hella Horns(Red),CF Hood
Golddeenoh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 12:01 PM   #16
cali yaris
ULTIMATE
 
cali yaris's Avatar
 
Drives: 07 Yaris Turbo
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Canoga Park, CA
Posts: 14,859
Send a message via AIM to cali yaris
thanks for the post, looking forward to your review. good point about the MGB, I have a Datsun Roadster that was like that until I fixed the "last" leak.
__________________
Micro Image forums, online store and shop are now closed. It was a great eight year run, but it was time to focus on other things. I'm still selling parts on eBay under micro*image seller ID and customers can still make requests for anything specific.
cali yaris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 10:36 PM   #17
drunix
 
Drives: 2010 Yaris 3D LB
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Astoria, Oregon
Posts: 12
Torque

Yes. I have a 1/2 drive torque wrench.

I used the rope to the control arm trick mentioned earlier in this thread to break it loose. That did not work for taking it up to 95 ft-lbs for installation, the rope is too stretchy to get a reading on the wrench.

To keep the engine from turning I stuck a socket extension through one of the holes in the pulley, braced it against the block and held it with the other hand.

As other people mentioned, I don't think it was torqued up that high originally; I'd guess the factory installed it with about 50-60 ft-lbs.

This is the first car I have owned with an automatic, I am used to simply putting it in gear and blocking the wheels to keep the engine from turning.

It's a pretty part, too bad no one will ever see it.
drunix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 10:42 PM   #18
auxmike
 
auxmike's Avatar
 
Drives: 2008 HB, A/T, Power W/L/M
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: LI, New Yawk
Posts: 2,063
Can the MI pulley handle road salt like we see lots of in the NE?
__________________

Never take eyes off opponent - Bruce Lee
auxmike is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
crank pulley, diy, light weight, microimage, review


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Yaris In Forza 3 whooppee777 Off-topic / Other Cars / Everything else Discussions 61 04-03-2010 04:36 PM
big older car vs little newer car xed General Yaris / Vitz Discussion 9 09-16-2007 04:35 AM
New car shopping - long post littlecarlove General Yaris / Vitz Discussion 19 11-01-2006 10:58 PM


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:41 PM.




YarisWorld
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.