I have been thinking about buying underdrive pulleys for quite a while but wasn't sure if they would provide a noticeable performance gain (as all the ads say). I have also heard people mention that they could harm your engine.

I guess my question is simple: Are they worth the money?

Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

I believe they are. You will most likely see a 1-2 tenth imprvement. I would skip the alternator pulley though and just go with the crank pulley.

 

I like to think that every little bit helps - so in my mind, even if there is only a small gain, it is worth it. Especially since pulleys require only minimal effort to swap.

March makes their "power and amp" series of pulleys. The set features an underdrive crank pulley, and a smaller alternator pulley that spins the alternator faster. I've had a set on my car for a long long time. I'm pleased with them.

I also run an electric water pump - every little thing helps

 

Jed, how did you route the belt out of curiousity? I have been wanting to go with an electric water pump as well. Which one did you go with?

 

It's a Meziere. Works great on a daily driven car. Not the best pic but its the only one I have available at the moment. I had to get a shorter belt, but that was it.

 

http://www.meziere.com/racing/electric/wp101.htm

 

how do the pulleys go on? Is it just some bolts that I could do in my driveway, or is it more complicated?

 

Bolts. You can do it in your driveway, usually. Sometimes the bolts are pretty tight. It helps to leave the belt on, to prevent the pulleys from spinning as you try to remove the bolts. The four bolts that hold the crank pulley on are usually no problem.

The alternator pulley nut is the hardest to get loose. The best way is to use an impact gun, or bring your alternator to a shop and have them swap the pulleys for you. If you don't have one, leave the belt on, and use a large wrench on the nut. Smack the wrench with a hammer to break the nut free. Not as effective but eventually it should work. Of course, the impact gun works better.....

 

thanks, I just got my pulleys today and I'm going to try to put them on probably tomorrow. I'll probably just do it in the pep boys parking lot, that way I can take the alt in for a free pulley swap, and play with the right belt size. Is it possible to get the crank pulley from the top of the car?

 

I purchase a march pulley set out of summit. Came witha crank, water pump, and alternator pulley. But the alternator pulley is to think to put on, there isnt enough to put the lock washer and nut back on. I got my crank pulley off from the top. I tried to get them off with a wrench but it just turned the engine over. Impact works the best.

 

i think its worth it but i would get other things on the list if you got em because it seems cheaper but when after you a buy a new belt ( i needed an inch shorter i believe) you could get a shift kit and corvette servo instead. depends what you all have on your list it turned out to be nice upgrade for me tho.