This is topic Are underdrive pullies worth it? in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by The Nick (Member # 2244) on :
 
I've been thinking about getting a set of pullies but I don't know if it is worth the money.

This is my current set up:

'88 LX HB 5.0 (speed density)
Trick Flow TW Heads
Trick Flow Stage 1 cam
Trick Flow Street Heat intake
BBK 70mm TB and EGR

I did some research on old posts and saw that some people have problems with the batter/alternator.

Also, I need to spend some money first on an adjustable f/p regulator and guage, and then convert the car to mass air. After that, I don't know. Would pullies be a good buy and how much power should they free up?
 

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Posted by st5150 (Member # 51) on :
 
They're a great bang for the buck mod. They'll free up an easy 8-12 rwhp. If you have charging problems, upgrade to a 3G alternator. Many cars do not have a charging problem with pullies though.
 

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Posted by Quick 88LX (Member # 1950) on :
 
I have pullies on my beast and a 3g alternator and she runs smooth as silk. No charging problems here.
 

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Posted by The Nick (Member # 2244) on :
 
If you guys don't mind me asking, which brand did you go with? March, FRPP, BBK? I've heard good things about March pullies, I'm just looking for more info.

EDIT:

It looks like the FRPP set comes with the belt, which could save some hassle. Are the March pullies that much better though?

[ March 13, 2003, 05:03 PM: Message edited by: The Nick ]
 

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Posted by 91sleeper (Member # 779) on :
 
Pullies made a big differnce in my car. I have the BBK underdrives and I havent had any problems with them at all. I just have the crank and water pump pulleys on though.
 

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Posted by st5150 (Member # 51) on :
 
80,000 happy miles on my Auto Specailties pullies
 

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Posted by Sicc98GT (Member # 1862) on :
 
If you leave the altanator pulley off do you still see good gain in hp?
 

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Posted by st5150 (Member # 51) on :
 
The alternator pulley thing is an internet yth that just won't die. Its been YEARS since underdrive pully kits were sold with a larger diameter alternator pullies. These days, the alternator pullies in the kit are exactly the same diameter as your existing pulley. You only install it so the colors of all your pullies match and your engine bay looks pretty
 

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Posted by Sicc98GT (Member # 1862) on :
 
Thanx for the info
 

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Posted by Cobra5.0Jeep (Member # 1482) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by st5150:
The alternator pulley thing is an internet yth that just won't die. Its been YEARS since underdrive pully kits were sold with a larger diameter alternator pullies. These days, the alternator pullies in the kit are exactly the same diameter as your existing pulley. You only install it so the colors of all your pullies match and your engine bay looks pretty

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i think mine is bigger, but i took my pulleys off cause it did hell with my alternator and i hated seeing the volts drop when i'd come to a stop.
 

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Posted by PseudoCobra (Member # 1689) on :
 
As much as you know and I value your knowledge you're wrong on that one Sawson. I just got my pullies during this past christmas and the Alt. pulley is definately bigger. Mine are FRPP. and yes if you do put the stock alternator pulley your alternator won't spin so slow anymore and it will go back to making it's top charge at a stop. Trust me here, I just did it. Go ahead and say I'm an idiot but I know this one for a fact. Pullies were definately worth the money though, I felt a sweet improvement when I stomped on the gas.
 

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Posted by st5150 (Member # 51) on :
 
I was talking about fox body 5.O's like the poster has Pulley makers realized the 5.O's weak factory alternator couldn't be underdriven anymore and quit shipping a larger underdrive pulley for them.
 

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Posted by Quick 88LX (Member # 1950) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by st5150:
The alternator pulley thing is an internet yth that just won't die. Its been YEARS since underdrive pully kits were sold with a larger diameter alternator pullies. These days, the alternator pullies in the kit are exactly the same diameter as your existing pulley. You only install it so the colors of all your pullies match and your engine bay looks pretty

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quote:

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Originally posted by st5150:
I was talking about fox body 5.O's like the poster has Pulley makers realized the 5.O's weak factory alternator couldn't be underdriven anymore and quit shipping a larger underdrive pulley for them.

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i got a big one for my Jeep's 5.0 when i got my BBK Underdrive pulleys. How much are 3G alternators? i wanna put my pulleys back on and i need a new alternator it wasn't charging on the freeway coming home today Damn regulator.
 

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Posted by shade-tree (Member # 298) on :
 
I bought an underdrive set (aluminum, who knows what brand),my '93 fox has a factory 3G alternator and the 'underdrive' alternator pulley is *exactly* the same size.
 

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Posted by Quick 88LX (Member # 1950) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by shade-tree:
I bought an underdrive set (aluminum, who knows what brand),my '93 fox has a factory 3G alternator and the 'underdrive' alternator pulley is *exactly* the same size.

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quote:

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Originally posted by st5150:
quick88 and cobrajeep- read my last post on this topic, I was talking about the alternator the orginal poster has... a stock '88 GT alternator, again I was not talking about factory 3G cars, but rather factory '87-93 5.O alternators.

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my alternator sucks what a disappointment. I can't even find my stock alternator in the garage i took too much car parts in there
 

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Posted by Quick 88LX (Member # 1950) on :
 
I believe that 3g sells three different types of alternators that have different amps for each. I could be wrong but I think they are 80,140, and 160 high output (like for huge stereos) I am not sure on the numbers so don't quote me. But cobrajeep: they have some NICE alternators that your setup would work perfectly with.
 

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Posted by Cobra5.0Jeep (Member # 1482) on :
 
i think i'd go with a 160. where can i get one? local autoparts place? or thru summit?
 

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Posted by shade-tree (Member # 298) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Quick 88LX:
That is odd, mine was from 3g and it wasn't. Did yours come from an SN-95 car such as a 96+ 4.6? If so, they already have the underdrive pulley on it

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like any fox police car, my coupe came with a 3G alternator...
 

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Posted by 91sleeper (Member # 779) on :
 
I need to get a new 3g alternator and paint it black and put that on my car so I can put my alternator underdrive pulley back on.
 

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Posted by 87mustang (Member # 2496) on :
 
THE NICK - i have a used set i will sell u 4 $40 if u want!
 

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Posted by The Nick (Member # 2244) on :
 
Which make are they?
 

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Posted by Quick 88LX (Member # 1950) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by shade-tree:
like any fox police car, my coupe came with a 3G alternator...

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AH HA! See, I knew something was funny with your car!!! J/K

[ March 14, 2003, 03:23 PM: Message edited by: Quick 88LX ]
 

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Posted by 87mustang (Member # 2496) on :
 
tell u the truth i dont know i bought them off a friend and i never put them on(he went with crome ones) this r differnt from my pullys so i know there not stock. sorry but tell me if u r intrested!
 

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