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Alternator pulley question

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Old May 2, 2020 | 05:02 PM
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Default Alternator pulley question

I tried to search for a definitive answer but never got a satisfactory one.I have a new alternator for my 2008 automatic.It doesn't have the decoupler on it but my factory one does.Have any of you eliminated the decoupler on an automatic without issues?I want to use the new one because it is chrome but I don't want to have problems.I thought the pullies may swap over but after searching it seems the shafts are different.Any info is appreciated!!
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Old May 3, 2020 | 06:58 AM
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Take your chrome alternator back and buy the correct one. This: "An OVERRUNNING ALTERNATOR DECOUPLERpulley helps "synchronize" the belt drive system for improved engine efficiency, reduced Noise/Vibration/Harshness (NVH) and increased component life. When an engine accelerates, the alternator's mass creates resistance against the belt.
Automatic flywheels have much less mass than stick flywheels and the increase mass helps dampen the engines harmonics, NVH
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Old May 3, 2020 | 07:50 AM
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After my stock alternator with the factory decoupler failed one day at the track, I replaced it with a Mechman billet alternator with a regular pulley and I’ve not experienced any problems with it. I spin my motor to just under 7,000rpm on every shift and I have a 10% overdrive balancer.
I don’t see the need for a decoupler in a high performance vehicle and GM must’ve built hundreds of thousands of automatic vehicles over the years without that contraption.
My recommendation would be to take the chrome alternator back and buy a Mechman. The best guy to get that from would be Bret Bradbury aka blownbluez06 on these forums.
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Old May 3, 2020 | 11:40 AM
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I appreciate the responses but I am unable to return it and have no desire to.One article says it is needed,next one says it isn't.If you haven't had any issues with yours that is real info.That is what I was wanting,first-hand experience.I will just install it and hope for the best.
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Old May 3, 2020 | 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by jamieo
I appreciate the responses but I am unable to return it and have no desire to.One article says it is needed,next one says it isn't.If you haven't had any issues with yours that is real info.That is what I was wanting,first-hand experience.I will just install it and hope for the best.
Well, if you can’t return it and a decoupler can’t work on it, just install it and see how it goes. I can tell you that it doesn’t need it.
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Old Aug 20, 2021 | 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by jamieo
I appreciate the responses but I am unable to return it and have no desire to.One article says it is needed,next one says it isn't.If you haven't had any issues with yours that is real info.That is what I was wanting,first-hand experience.I will just install it and hope for the best.
I’m facing the same situation as you did. I bought a 250a without a decoupler for my A6 06 about 6 months ago and haven’t swapped it on yet. Curious how you made out to see it I should go through with the install. Also purchased a Big 3 wire set to handle the extra amperage. Let me know please.
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Old Aug 21, 2021 | 06:51 PM
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Originally Posted by NYC6
I’m facing the same situation as you did. I bought a 250a without a decoupler for my A6 06 about 6 months ago and haven’t swapped it on yet. Curious how you made out to see it I should go through with the install. Also purchased a Big 3 wire set to handle the extra amperage. Let me know please.
Over a year with it and no problems at all.After looking while at several car shows I am not the only one doing it.Have noticed several autos without the decoupler.
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Old Aug 21, 2021 | 07:20 PM
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I too have a Mechman 170 amp billet with regular pulley and it works great. Would not go back, for me no need to. Been on car some two years now and works great.
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Old Aug 22, 2021 | 04:09 AM
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Originally Posted by jamieo
Over a year with it and no problems at all.After looking while at several car shows I am not the only one doing it.Have noticed several autos without the decoupler.
thanks, that’s reassuring. Once I get a Prospeed fan unit it’ll go on.
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