TECH QUESTION: Are there any side effects or contraindications associated with the undersized pulley systems(March, etc.), claiming to increase horsepower? I've heard everything from batteries not charging to overheating. My question to our "panel of experts": Are these pulleys worth the hassle?

JR

|UPDATED|8/26/2004 11:58:18 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

I have the March Pulley System on my 78. No problems what so ever. More power without a doubt. Good luck!

The only time you would have a problem is during extended long periods of very low engine RPM. Idling for a long time, slow traffic jambs etc.

One the engine rpm is raised above a fast idle, the alt, water pump, etc are turning at a fairly normal speed and will perform fine.

If you are driving in and out of downtown Cleveland at rush hour, it's a bad choice. For most driving conditions it works out well. And it does free up some power.

Thanks for your input, guys. The pulleys are going on my engine upgrades list.

JR

jredding said: TECH QUESTION: Are there any side effects or contraindications associated with the undersized pulley systems(March, etc.), claiming to increase horsepower?

it wont free up as much power as changing to electric water pump...

I asked this question a while back.. Ive used electric pumps on race cars.. no street cars.. anyone know of a streetable electric pump..

Ben you are correct. I don't know of a good electric for the street. There may be one.

I you lose the power steering and A/C you will gain some more HP. The air pump, if quipped will rob some as well. But you may need to be concerned with emissions if you remove the air pump.

|UPDATED|8/26/2004 8:50:47 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

kstyer said: Ben you are correct. I don't know of a good electric for the street. There may be one. If you lose the power steering...

well I have no air.. and im considering manual steeering when i change to rack and pinion.. When I built land yachts I always like the manual steering better. anyone used manual R&P in your vette ?? or anyone know of an electric steering pump ??

as for street electric pump..
im doing some looking...

proform makes a street pump but only for SB

weiand nas no street pump

moroso doesnt say yes or no about theirs

meziere makes one and it better be gold plated for that price.

CVR makes one for street but it looks cheesy

CSR makes one but doesnt mention street

here is an article that advises both elctric and underdrive

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/53738/index2.html

and apparently there are electric power steering pumps..

but they are steep..

how much pressure does a PS pump provide??

from the looks of all these elctric PS pumps.. they all look like electric fuel pumps..

I wonder what the difference is ?

A power steering can easily develop 400 lbs. In extream cases it can exceed that.
There are electric power steering pumps in some production cars now.