underdrive pulley worth it? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

djxrated81 · 01-19-2012, 08:37 AM

SLP's underdrive pulley is it worth getting, do You need anything else to go with it etc...

Parag · 01-19-2012, 10:32 AM

A bitch to install, and chance of dead battery. Not recommended by me

djxrated81 · 01-19-2012, 10:34 AM

K thanks

SSDan · 01-19-2012, 11:21 AM

I have this same question and could use some more input. In two weeks I'm having a cam and bolt-on package done. So, I will pay no extra labor for the pulley install since the OEM pulley has to come off anyway. I hear pros about this pullyey such as it's cheap HP (5 - 8 HP for $200 -250). And the risks of a dead battery are oversated since a cammed car will have a higher idle speed anyway and that offsets the lower accessory rpms from the UD pulley. I dunno? I live in SC and the heat is tough on batteries anyway plus I certainly don't want any A/C performance issues. Folks who have a UD pulley on a cammed car - what has been your experience? Would you do it again or not and why? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Falundir · 01-19-2012, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parag

A bitch to install, and chance of dead battery. Not recommended by me

I have the exact opposite experience. 15 minutes to install, and my voltage levels are only .5 less. I don't run any heavy stereo equipment however, just stock radio. If you plan on running power hungry electronics you will need to also install a capacitor.

You will gain between 10-15hp on average for the UDP, so just figure the $/hp ratio and see if it makes financial sense for where you are at in your mod list.

Falundir · 01-19-2012, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSDan

I have this same question and could use some more input. In two weeks I'm having a cam and bolt-on package done. So, I will pay no extra labor for the pulley install since the OEM pulley has to come off anyway. I hear pros about this pullyey such as it's cheap HP (5 - 8 HP for $200 -250). And the risks of a dead battery are oversated since a cammed car will have a higher idle speed anyway and that offsets the lower accessory rpms from the UD pulley. I dunno? I live in SC and the heat is tough on batteries anyway plus I certainly don't want any A/C performance issues. Folks who have a UD pulley on a cammed car - what has been your experience? Would you do it again or not and why? Any feedback would be appreciated.

You bring up a good point that I didn't think of in my previous posts. My idle is at 950 with my cam, and I only see a 0.5 drop in voltage, which is very trivial. I haven't noticed any issues with accessories. The added benefit is your accessories last longer as well since the belt is turning them less.

navyblueSS · 01-19-2012, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parag

A bitch to install, and chance of dead battery. Not recommended by me

I have 2 cars with an underdrive pulley and neither one have voltage issues. The install is not bad either as long as you have the right tools for the job.

newmoon · 01-19-2012, 01:03 PM

Putting one on mine very soon. 5-10 rwhp is what I am hoping for.

mikeSS · 01-19-2012, 02:19 PM

i am really into the little things to add HP so i didn't add one.

Smirnoff · 01-19-2012, 02:23 PM

Increased my tire pressure for another 5HP.....very easy!

xXSilencerXx · 01-19-2012, 02:46 PM

Not worth it IMO, I have better places to spend the money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smirnoff

Increased my tire pressure for another 5HP.....very easy!

SUX2BU · 01-19-2012, 02:55 PM

I have one on every car I have owned. Definitely worth it. Made my 98 SS go 11.0 @ 122 with just bolt ons. Made my 11 Vert go 12.3 @ 113 with just bolt ons and I am also running a tiny 15 lb battery with no voltage issues.

PAUL SS · 01-19-2012, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parag

A bitch to install, and chance of dead battery. Not recommended by me

I wouldn't think keeping the battery charged would be an issue unless you aren't moving and just idleing a lot.

AG383 · 01-19-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSDan

I have this same question and could use some more input. In two weeks I'm having a cam and bolt-on package done. So, I will pay no extra labor for the pulley install since the OEM pulley has to come off anyway. I hear pros about this pullyey such as it's cheap HP (5 - 8 HP for $200 -250). And the risks of a dead battery are oversated since a cammed car will have a higher idle speed anyway and that offsets the lower accessory rpms from the UD pulley. I dunno? I live in SC and the heat is tough on batteries anyway plus I certainly don't want any A/C performance issues. Folks who have a UD pulley on a cammed car - what has been your experience? Would you do it again or not and why? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Since you are doing a cam swap, it is a no-brainer. Do it. Your cam install will necessitate a idle increase which will negate the voltage drop at idle. I did not notice any effect on my AC.

Black1SS · 01-19-2012, 06:49 PM

Do you still see the same benefits of HP without the cam. I ordered LT with HFs and CAI. Thanks

dshep214 · 01-19-2012, 08:10 PM

I was told by my locale gm performance shop that it isn't worth it. Keep in mind they were doing headers and cam install on my car at the time. They said it puts to much strain on other parts just for a few hp. That's what I was told.

Comrando · 01-19-2012, 09:05 PM

When I was a punk underdrive pullies were installed when final drives were upped so the accessories would spin at stock speed when the car was moving.

Pro Stock John · 06-12-2012, 12:25 PM

Bump.... What is the charging like after the UD pulley, my stock charging is 14-14.4 volts. L99.

SSDan · 06-12-2012, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pro Stock John

Bump.... What is the charging like after the UD pulley, my stock charging is 14-14.4 volts. L99.

i went ahead with the UD pulley as part of my cam install. So far and over 2000 miles later - it is a total non-issue. All accessories run like stock. Guage readings are all normal except for oil pressure which is higher than stock because of the Melling pump.

Birm · 06-12-2012, 02:14 PM

It's worth it as long as you have no intentions of supercharging or running a large aftermarket stereo system. Other then that, is a cost effective way to free up roughly 10-12 rwhp.

Pro Stock John · 06-12-2012, 02:22 PM

So charging near 14 volts? I'm comfortable with the power gain, I've had them before, I just wanted to see if it will have charging issues before I can tune it.

SSDan · 06-12-2012, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pro Stock John

So charging near 14 volts?

Well, you made me go look. It must be me. Everyone always get these exact readings off the console guages ( like 28 psi oil pressure, or 225 degrees oil temp or 14.5 volts). My guages are not that exact or maybe my eyes are not that good. My volt meter reads at or just above the only mark between 12 and 19 which is what it was stock before the UD pulley. I guess that mark is 14.

I think you will be fine. I've had no problems.

GaBoy25 · 06-12-2012, 02:41 PM

Bo White · 06-12-2012, 02:43 PM

I dont recommend a pulley on a stock engine or a very mild cam that idles low like stock. Once you get to an idle past 800rpm then the negatives about a pulley almost go away.

Pro Stock John · 06-12-2012, 02:54 PM

SSDan, you can see the charging volts in that center display, just have to toggle through the options... Oil Life, Coolant Temp, etc. My stock 2010 L99 is 14.4 driving and hasn't gone lower than 14 at idle.

01-19-2012, 08:37 AM	#1
djxrated81 Drives: 2011 camaro SS/RS Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 405	underdrive pulley worth it? SLP's underdrive pulley is it worth getting, do You need anything else to go with it etc... __________________ 2011 2SS/RS Airaid cai, ARH HF cats X pipe, SLP LM1, 160stat,RX Catch can, Tuned @ Tune Time Performance, side marker black outs, decepticon bowtie emblems, stealth turn sig. bulbs,Hyper White DTRL Painted GFX, Havoc Spoiler

01-19-2012, 10:34 AM	#3
djxrated81 Drives: 2011 camaro SS/RS Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 405	K thanks __________________ 2011 2SS/RS Airaid cai, ARH HF cats X pipe, SLP LM1, 160stat,RX Catch can, Tuned @ Tune Time Performance, side marker black outs, decepticon bowtie emblems, stealth turn sig. bulbs,Hyper White DTRL Painted GFX, Havoc Spoiler

01-19-2012, 01:03 PM	#8
newmoon Drives: 2012 5.0 Mustang, Brembo Track Pack Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NC Posts: 1,262	Putting one on mine very soon. 5-10 rwhp is what I am hoping for. __________________ 2012 Ford Mustang 5.0. Brembo, 3:73s Sold 2012 Challenger 392 auto 12:40s 112 stock Sold 2010 1SS, LS3, Cammed, LTs, NT05R,12:20s Sold Last edited by newmoon; 01-19-2012 at 02:31 PM.

01-19-2012, 02:23 PM	#10
Smirnoff Drives: Camaro SS Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Motorcity Dragway Posts: 701	Pass Increased my tire pressure for another 5HP.....very easy! __________________ No china cheap bolt-on's, buffet, or yubiwaza here.....

01-19-2012, 02:55 PM	#12
SUX2BU Quit being a pu$$y Drives: FAST Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Sachse TX (DFW) Posts: 5,467 View My Garage	I have one on every car I have owned. Definitely worth it. Made my 98 SS go 11.0 @ 122 with just bolt ons. Made my 11 Vert go 12.3 @ 113 with just bolt ons and I am also running a tiny 15 lb battery with no voltage issues. __________________ <----- Click HERE to see ALL of my mods/write ups

01-19-2012, 10:32 AM	#2
Parag Drives: 2010 camaro 2SS LS3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Denver Posts: 1,338	A bitch to install, and chance of dead battery. Not recommended by me

01-19-2012, 11:21 AM	#4
SSDan Drives: 2010 SS LS3 VR Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Leesville, SC Posts: 678 View My Garage	I have this same question and could use some more input. In two weeks I'm having a cam and bolt-on package done. So, I will pay no extra labor for the pulley install since the OEM pulley has to come off anyway. I hear pros about this pullyey such as it's cheap HP (5 - 8 HP for $200 -250). And the risks of a dead battery are oversated since a cammed car will have a higher idle speed anyway and that offsets the lower accessory rpms from the UD pulley. I dunno? I live in SC and the heat is tough on batteries anyway plus I certainly don't want any A/C performance issues. Folks who have a UD pulley on a cammed car - what has been your experience? Would you do it again or not and why? Any feedback would be appreciated.

01-19-2012, 02:19 PM	#9
mikeSS Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: MI Posts: 7,290	i am really into the little things to add HP so i didn't add one.

01-19-2012, 06:49 PM	#15
Black1SS Drives: 2010 Camaro 1SS/RS 6 Speed Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: SC Posts: 428	Do you still see the same benefits of HP without the cam. I ordered LT with HFs and CAI. Thanks

01-19-2012, 08:10 PM	#16
dshep214 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2ssRS Ls3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Cabot, AR Posts: 1,242	I was told by my locale gm performance shop that it isn't worth it. Keep in mind they were doing headers and cam install on my car at the time. They said it puts to much strain on other parts just for a few hp. That's what I was told. __________________

01-19-2012, 09:05 PM	#17
Comrando SScalator Drives: '11 CGM LS3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 4,680 View My Garage	When I was a punk underdrive pullies were installed when final drives were upped so the accessories would spin at stock speed when the car was moving. __________________ Give me fuel. Give me fire. Give me that which I desire.

06-12-2012, 12:25 PM	#18
Pro Stock John Drives: 2010 SS / 1951 Mercury Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,215	Bump.... What is the charging like after the UD pulley, my stock charging is 14-14.4 volts. L99. __________________ 2010 Camaro SS \| LT's Cats UD CAI Tune DR \|12.37@112 1951 Mercury \| Chopped \| SBC 1998 Formula \| 348 TH400 88mm \| 9.40@145 sold 2000 Camaro \| 348 TH400 150 NOS \| 10.0@134 sold ~All installs and tuning by Speed Inc.

06-12-2012, 02:14 PM	#20
Birm Drives: FSP Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pinellas Park, FL Posts: 2,645	It's worth it as long as you have no intentions of supercharging or running a large aftermarket stereo system. Other then that, is a cost effective way to free up roughly 10-12 rwhp. __________________ Cammed, Slammed and Blown to Perfection http://www.floridaspeedandpower.com/

06-12-2012, 02:22 PM	#21
Pro Stock John Drives: 2010 SS / 1951 Mercury Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,215	So charging near 14 volts? I'm comfortable with the power gain, I've had them before, I just wanted to see if it will have charging issues before I can tune it. __________________ 2010 Camaro SS \| LT's Cats UD CAI Tune DR \|12.37@112 1951 Mercury \| Chopped \| SBC 1998 Formula \| 348 TH400 88mm \| 9.40@145 sold 2000 Camaro \| 348 TH400 150 NOS \| 10.0@134 sold ~All installs and tuning by Speed Inc.

06-12-2012, 02:43 PM	#24
Bo White Drives: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tuscaloosa County Alabama Posts: 1,114	I dont recommend a pulley on a stock engine or a very mild cam that idles low like stock. Once you get to an idle past 800rpm then the negatives about a pulley almost go away. __________________ 2009 PBM G8 GXP M6 #196 of 1829 JBA LT headers Spectre intake

06-12-2012, 02:54 PM	#25
Pro Stock John Drives: 2010 SS / 1951 Mercury Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,215	SSDan, you can see the charging volts in that center display, just have to toggle through the options... Oil Life, Coolant Temp, etc. My stock 2010 L99 is 14.4 driving and hasn't gone lower than 14 at idle. __________________ 2010 Camaro SS \| LT's Cats UD CAI Tune DR \|12.37@112 1951 Mercury \| Chopped \| SBC 1998 Formula \| 348 TH400 88mm \| 9.40@145 sold 2000 Camaro \| 348 TH400 150 NOS \| 10.0@134 sold ~All installs and tuning by Speed Inc.

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