Pulleys and what they do....
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Pulleys and what they do....
hey guys...Im a super noobie when it comes to mechanics. I understand some, but what I dont understand is pullies. How does changing pullies like so many of you do (especially the L owners) make any difference in performnce? how much do pullies cost? What kind of performance gains are expected froma pulley swap?
Thanks!
-Bob
Thanks!
-Bob
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
well the L's are supercharged, so swapping out for a smaller lower pully makes the supercharger spin faster, giving more boost. us naturally asperated guys cant to that mod
the underdrive pullys, (i believe) reduve the amount of power given to the a/c freeing up more power for driving. please correct me if i'm wrong
the underdrive pullys, (i believe) reduve the amount of power given to the a/c freeing up more power for driving. please correct me if i'm wrong
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: MADISON, WI
Bob
In general, the pulleys you speak of are under drive pulleys. In plain English the under drive pulleys spin the engine accessories slower than the stock pulleys (alternator, ac, etc.). The reason for swapping the stock pulleys for the under drive ones is simply this: the power saved by "under driving" the engine accessories can then be used for driving the truck. The nice feature of the pulleys is that they provide increased power at all throttle positions.
Some folks also remove the stock engine cooling fan and replace it with one or more electric cooling fans; thus, also reducing the parasitic drag on the engine even more.
Now Lightning (supercharged engines) would never run underdrive pulleys as they would slow the rate at which the supercharger turns reducing power. Lightning owners can and do use a type of "over drive" pulley system to increase boost. I am not a Lightning owner, and am no expert on pulley modifications for Lightnings.
I have a '98 with a 4.6. I installed ASP (2 pulley) underdrive pulleys. They use the original length serpentine belt, and replace the stock crank and waterpump pulleys. I have also installed Derale dual 16" electric fans, replacing the original stock fan. The Derale setup actually produces more cfm (cubic feet per minute) the the stock fan. My fans are wired to also run when the AC is on. This is a real bonus when sitting in traffic as cab temp is cooler since Derale fans are moving more air thru the AC condensor.
I will not talk about horsepower gains as there are those who will be quick to argue with whatever numbers given. I will say this, and really no one can argue with it: installing ASP under drive pulleys and Derale electric fans will produce "seat of the pants" power gains (you will feel the difference). These mods will also obviously produce increased throttle response. These mods will also increase fuel economy provided you don't drive the truck harder than before.
Forum rules prohibit discussing price, but it shouldn't be too difficult to check out ASP pulleys and Derale electric fan kits yourself. If you want an actual recommendation drop your email address, and I can give you specific information.
Hopefully this partially answers your question.
In general, the pulleys you speak of are under drive pulleys. In plain English the under drive pulleys spin the engine accessories slower than the stock pulleys (alternator, ac, etc.). The reason for swapping the stock pulleys for the under drive ones is simply this: the power saved by "under driving" the engine accessories can then be used for driving the truck. The nice feature of the pulleys is that they provide increased power at all throttle positions.
Some folks also remove the stock engine cooling fan and replace it with one or more electric cooling fans; thus, also reducing the parasitic drag on the engine even more.
Now Lightning (supercharged engines) would never run underdrive pulleys as they would slow the rate at which the supercharger turns reducing power. Lightning owners can and do use a type of "over drive" pulley system to increase boost. I am not a Lightning owner, and am no expert on pulley modifications for Lightnings.
I have a '98 with a 4.6. I installed ASP (2 pulley) underdrive pulleys. They use the original length serpentine belt, and replace the stock crank and waterpump pulleys. I have also installed Derale dual 16" electric fans, replacing the original stock fan. The Derale setup actually produces more cfm (cubic feet per minute) the the stock fan. My fans are wired to also run when the AC is on. This is a real bonus when sitting in traffic as cab temp is cooler since Derale fans are moving more air thru the AC condensor.
I will not talk about horsepower gains as there are those who will be quick to argue with whatever numbers given. I will say this, and really no one can argue with it: installing ASP under drive pulleys and Derale electric fans will produce "seat of the pants" power gains (you will feel the difference). These mods will also obviously produce increased throttle response. These mods will also increase fuel economy provided you don't drive the truck harder than before.
Forum rules prohibit discussing price, but it shouldn't be too difficult to check out ASP pulleys and Derale electric fan kits yourself. If you want an actual recommendation drop your email address, and I can give you specific information.
Hopefully this partially answers your question.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: MADISON, WI
Goober
First, get a second job to pay for truck mods.
I. Air Force 1 intake system
Magnaflow exhaust
Superchip
II. ASP Pulleys
Derale 16" fans
Ignition Upgrade:
Denso Plugs
Accel Super Stock wires
Accel / MSD coil packs
III. JBA coated headers
Mass air sensor
24# injectors
How far do you want to go?
If you forsee $4k for a supercharger, then skip under drive pulleys. Items under III will require custom programing of the Superchip. This can be at any time. The only real decision to make initially is whether or not to buy a 'flip' chip (two program). If you plan to get real serious about horsepower and your truck, a two program Superchip is worth considering.
I, myself, have regular Superchip and everything under I and II. That makes a nice setup that gets me around town and competes rather nicely with the Chevys.
First, get a second job to pay for truck mods.
I. Air Force 1 intake system
Magnaflow exhaust
Superchip
II. ASP Pulleys
Derale 16" fans
Ignition Upgrade:
Denso Plugs
Accel Super Stock wires
Accel / MSD coil packs
III. JBA coated headers
Mass air sensor
24# injectors
How far do you want to go?
If you forsee $4k for a supercharger, then skip under drive pulleys. Items under III will require custom programing of the Superchip. This can be at any time. The only real decision to make initially is whether or not to buy a 'flip' chip (two program). If you plan to get real serious about horsepower and your truck, a two program Superchip is worth considering.
I, myself, have regular Superchip and everything under I and II. That makes a nice setup that gets me around town and competes rather nicely with the Chevys.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Belfair, WA
Originally posted by Peddler1000
Bob
In general, the pulleys you speak of are under drive pulleys. In plain English the under drive pulleys spin the engine accessories slower than the stock pulleys (alternator, ac, etc.). The reason for swapping the stock pulleys for the under drive ones is simply this: the power saved by "under driving" the engine accessories can then be used for driving the truck. The nice feature of the pulleys is that they provide increased power at all throttle positions.
Some folks also remove the stock engine cooling fan and replace it with one or more electric cooling fans; thus, also reducing the parasitic drag on the engine even more.
Now Lightning (supercharged engines) would never run underdrive pulleys as they would slow the rate at which the supercharger turns reducing power. Lightning owners can and do use a type of "over drive" pulley system to increase boost. I am not a Lightning owner, and am no expert on pulley modifications for Lightnings.
I have a '98 with a 4.6. I installed ASP (2 pulley) underdrive pulleys. They use the original length serpentine belt, and replace the stock crank and waterpump pulleys. I have also installed Derale dual 16" electric fans, replacing the original stock fan. The Derale setup actually produces more cfm (cubic feet per minute) the the stock fan. My fans are wired to also run when the AC is on. This is a real bonus when sitting in traffic as cab temp is cooler since Derale fans are moving more air thru the AC condensor.
I will not talk about horsepower gains as there are those who will be quick to argue with whatever numbers given. I will say this, and really no one can argue with it: installing ASP under drive pulleys and Derale electric fans will produce "seat of the pants" power gains (you will feel the difference). These mods will also obviously produce increased throttle response. These mods will also increase fuel economy provided you don't drive the truck harder than before.
Forum rules prohibit discussing price, but it shouldn't be too difficult to check out ASP pulleys and Derale electric fan kits yourself. If you want an actual recommendation drop your email address, and I can give you specific information.
Hopefully this partially answers your question.
Bob
In general, the pulleys you speak of are under drive pulleys. In plain English the under drive pulleys spin the engine accessories slower than the stock pulleys (alternator, ac, etc.). The reason for swapping the stock pulleys for the under drive ones is simply this: the power saved by "under driving" the engine accessories can then be used for driving the truck. The nice feature of the pulleys is that they provide increased power at all throttle positions.
Some folks also remove the stock engine cooling fan and replace it with one or more electric cooling fans; thus, also reducing the parasitic drag on the engine even more.
Now Lightning (supercharged engines) would never run underdrive pulleys as they would slow the rate at which the supercharger turns reducing power. Lightning owners can and do use a type of "over drive" pulley system to increase boost. I am not a Lightning owner, and am no expert on pulley modifications for Lightnings.
I have a '98 with a 4.6. I installed ASP (2 pulley) underdrive pulleys. They use the original length serpentine belt, and replace the stock crank and waterpump pulleys. I have also installed Derale dual 16" electric fans, replacing the original stock fan. The Derale setup actually produces more cfm (cubic feet per minute) the the stock fan. My fans are wired to also run when the AC is on. This is a real bonus when sitting in traffic as cab temp is cooler since Derale fans are moving more air thru the AC condensor.
I will not talk about horsepower gains as there are those who will be quick to argue with whatever numbers given. I will say this, and really no one can argue with it: installing ASP under drive pulleys and Derale electric fans will produce "seat of the pants" power gains (you will feel the difference). These mods will also obviously produce increased throttle response. These mods will also increase fuel economy provided you don't drive the truck harder than before.
Forum rules prohibit discussing price, but it shouldn't be too difficult to check out ASP pulleys and Derale electric fan kits yourself. If you want an actual recommendation drop your email address, and I can give you specific information.
Hopefully this partially answers your question.
Thanks,
Al
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: MADISON, WI
Al
The Derale fan kit I have can be ordered by calling 540-862-9515. There is no website ordering at the present time. Call, ask for Mike, and have him explain why his kit is the best value for the dollar. I would add that he has over 20 pages of detailed instructions. I am very happy with the fans and am considering ordering another set for my wife's truck.
The Derale fan kit I have can be ordered by calling 540-862-9515. There is no website ordering at the present time. Call, ask for Mike, and have him explain why his kit is the best value for the dollar. I would add that he has over 20 pages of detailed instructions. I am very happy with the fans and am considering ordering another set for my wife's truck.