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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!!
Take your chrome alternator back and buy the correct one. This: "An OVERRUNNING ALTERNATOR DECOUPLER™ pulley 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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.