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Underdrive Pulley

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Old Nov 15, 2001 | 11:26 AM
  #1  
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Default Underdrive Pulley

Can someone please explain the drawbacks of installing an underdrive pulley (minus 10% on AC / minus25% All other)?

Also, is the 9HP average gain advertised accurate?
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Old Nov 15, 2001 | 11:32 AM
  #2  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (Hex29A)

The only draw back I can see, is if you want to remove it and reinstall the stock pully. Example, if you are selling and wanting to buy another C5 and wanting to transfer you bolt ons. Otherwise I think you noted everthing good and bad in your post.
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Old Nov 15, 2001 | 11:35 AM
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (Shinobi's97)

I've had no problems with the underdrive, and yeah, i think the gains are accurate. All my accessories work just as well now as before.
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Old Nov 15, 2001 | 02:14 PM
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (Shinobi's97)

The only draw back I can see, is if you want to remove it and reinstall the stock pully. Example, if you are selling and wanting to buy another C5 and wanting to transfer you bolt ons. Otherwise I think you noted everthing good and bad in your post.
O.K. I'll buy that there is a down side to the UDP. I didn't mark my stock pulley when I removed it and now I would also have to balance it. It would be a PITA to put back to stock...which I would if I sold my car.

My alt puts out a consistant 13.9-14.6 volts, A/C is fine, and no P/S issues...even at low speeds.
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Old Nov 15, 2001 | 08:57 PM
  #5  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (Hex29A)

1. Cost $250

2. Instl $350

3. Need to carry (2) extra belts on a road trip!
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Old Nov 15, 2001 | 09:42 PM
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (wallstAL)

1. Cost $250 2. Instl $350 3. Need to carry (2) extra belts on a road trip!
Hey AL, why the extra two belts? Do they break alot? :confused:

BP
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Old Nov 15, 2001 | 09:54 PM
  #7  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (Hex29A)

Thanks for all your replies.

I didn’t expect the voltage to drop; any voltage drop should be within the voltage regulators correction range. I believe that the current will drop (AMPS). I was afraid that it would manifest at idle in the fooling ways:

1. Battery not charging good if the car is driven at slow city speeds
2. Dashboard and other lights will dim on/off when the hazard lights are on or when the engine is revved up

I have no idea what will happen to the AC compressor if it is underpowered by 10%.

My main concern is with the water pump, and any other engine components, and what 25% less power means.

wallstALs comment about a $250 price and $350 installation fee, for a total price tag of about $600 for 9HP, is valid. Not sure if $67/HP is on the expensive side.

Any other thoughts?



[Modified by Hex29A, 8:55 PM 11/15/2001]
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Old Nov 15, 2001 | 10:00 PM
  #8  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (Hex29A)

My install was $140 for just the pulley.

They use standard belts. I don't have my sizes here, but they aren't some special length.
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Old Nov 15, 2001 | 10:34 PM
  #9  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (wallstAL)

Why do you need two pulleys to carry with you? Thanks.
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Old Nov 15, 2001 | 10:35 PM
  #10  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (NetJunkie)

The belts are different:
Gates Micro-V K060775(1980mm) - K040410(1060mm)

...but, why do you need to carry a spare set for a road trip. If this is your philosophy why not carry spares if you don't have an ud pulley? They're avaliable at a parts store like the others.

This mod is underrated imo. When you're a bolt-on only kinda guy, like me, there are only so many options for added power. Seems like a no brainer from this perspective.
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Old Nov 16, 2001 | 09:45 AM
  #11  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (C5Cemo)

Does the reduction in rotating power have long term adverse affects on parts such as the water pump, etc? Thanks.
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Old Nov 16, 2001 | 10:13 AM
  #12  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (C5Noir)

All of the accesories work as good as before except the water pump. It likes to hover at 2-2200 RPM to get the same effects as being stopped. When at a stoplight the engine will gain 5-10 degrees. All of this info is direct data from my car.

I don't think there will be any long term effects. It'll just change the one thing. Gotta give to receive.
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Old Nov 16, 2001 | 11:24 AM
  #13  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (C5Cemo)

Thanks for the clarification, C5Cemo!
Later. :seeya
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Old Nov 16, 2001 | 11:28 AM
  #14  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (NetJunkie)

My install was $140 for just the pulley.

They use standard belts. I don't have my sizes here, but they aren't some special length.
My install was about $180 and pulley was about $200. Vendor sent wrong belt so I had to go to the local NAPA and get the right one.

Belt issue is no different that stock belts. $400 for 8-10 rwhp. $800 for cat back exhaust, $400 for ram air kit. $2k for 32 bolt on rwhp.



[Modified by Gary2KC5, 9:31 AM 11/16/2001]
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Old Nov 16, 2001 | 01:17 PM
  #15  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley

You really don't need to carry extra belts. It a habit I have from the old days when part were hard to find crossing the desert.
Since belts are so cheap, just extra insurance and convience. A shade tree mechanic in a small town might want to jack you up. That was before cell phones and computers.

For some unknown reason, you had to be towed to the dealer, he would probably have to go out and get belts.

Ah, never mind!
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Old Nov 16, 2001 | 09:05 PM
  #16  
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Default Re: Underdrive Pulley (Hex29A)

I put on underdrive pulleys on my '89 Mustang.
Had to replace the battery, regulator, and alternator after
about 50,000 miles. The lower output from the
alternator causes extra charging and discharging
of the battery, especially at night with the radio
blasting.
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