DC Power Loss with Underdrive Pulleys

[Mr. Anderson]

Guys,

I have recently requested info on my battery going dead and had various repsonses. I have done everything from replacing my alternator, replacing my battery, replacing the positive and negative wires and still my lights go dim and my A/C drops down more then normal. This is even with disconnecting the power cable coming from my battery to my stereo. I am convinced that it is the underdrive pulley not spinning the alternator fast enough while at idle. Has anyone else here came across with a simliar problem or heard of underdrive pulleys doing this? I looked in my manual and it says to change the pulley all you need is to stick a screwdriver in the flywheel and loosen the nut. Then just to make sure your timing is set correctly again. Can anyone give me some tips if you messed with changing your pulley? Let me know....

Thanks

[phoenixitc]

I had this very experience using underdrive pulleys on my modified 88 Firebird. My car would run out of juice if I sat in traffic too long. I had to go back to stock pulleys to correct the problem. I'm considering going to aftermarket pulleys from Unorthodox once I hear stories from others who have used the new set that includes an overdriven alternator pulley that compensates for the underdrives pump and crank pulleys.

[Mr. Anderson]

Originally Posted by phoenixitc

I had this very experience using underdrive pulleys on my modified 88 Firebird. My car would run out of juice if I sat in traffic too long. I had to go back to stock pulleys to correct the problem. I'm considering going to aftermarket pulleys from Unorthodox once I hear stories from others who have used the new set that includes an overdriven alternator pulley that compensates for the underdrives pump and crank pulleys.

Phoenix... thanks... just the type of feedback I was looking for. Looks like somethings can't be beat by OEM. Let me ask you this... which is kind of heard to explain since you can't see it. My original pulley has a chip taking out of the inner "side" where it looks like the mechanic broke off trying to pry it off the crankshaft. It doesn't look like the belt would rub against it or anything, do you think it would be alright?

[phoenixitc]

I would only be worried from an impact on the shaft's perspective. When spinning at a high rate of speed, will the chip cause premature wearing of the shaft.

BTW... you were considering 225/45 'stead of 215/45. Check this out:
http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCal...?action=submit

[Mr. Anderson]

I don't see how it would... it's on the outer "lip" of the pulley. I'm gonna call a couple junkyards tomorrow and see what they have. Nice site on the tires.... I did notice that the 225 only has a .18 difference in sidewall heigth. That's not worth the risk... I wanted more sidewall for a nicer ride.. but I don't know if they'll rub.. these supposedly won't (225/15).... so I'll go with those I think. Nice site... good lookin!