different Pulleys.... which are good or bad?

[asnrefugee]

There are different kinds of pulleys.
There are pulleys that use factory belts.
and there are pulleys that use aftermarket belts.
Will any these throw off my timing and mess up my accessories.
or will i gain HP with no penalties?

[shorthand]

HP gains are smallish, espically for the amount people want to charge for these.

Resizing won't mess up your timing. There are basically three pulleys you can replace:

- Crankshaft pulley - basically the same idea as a lightweight flywheel - this is purely a racing application, though, as the added vibration from losing the counterweight will shake things too much and can cause long term engine damage.

- Alternator pulley - just ends up lowering the voltage in your car. The electrical system will use a certain amount of power somewhat independently of the voltage, so its really not worth it. It can cause electrical system problems also.

- Power steering pulley - OK you can make a difference here, probably about a HP or so (1%). Maybe 2.

Running non-standard sized belts is no big deal.

The problem is that the manufacturers charge an arm and a leg for these things. I'm wondering if you can't find a large pulley somewhere that will mate to the existing spindle on the P/S pump and just make your own.

[Spinalfury]

I just ordered an unothodox racing crank pulley and it says its within like .001 of an inch so i dont think they would make any more vibration than a stock one. i hope not anyways cus i had to buy one thats the only reason i would pay 200 bucks for one since when my crank pulley key went out it wallowed out my crank pulley so i had to buy a new crank pulley bolt and key sux huh. but anyways they say you make some power off of it so what the hell i hope mine comes in soon so i can throw it on and drive my civic again. id rather have spent the money on a header that was what i was going to buy but oh well hopefully ill see improvement ill let you guys know when it goes on (d15b7) automatic.

[asnrefugee]

Do those pulleys come with belts?
And tell me how it turns out when u install them.

[Spinalfury]

i dont think it comes with belts i just got the crank pulley but hey i dont really know yet it should be in monday ill keep you guys informed.