This may be against my motto, but I'm planning to install a 15% pulley. After searching every word string combination I could muster, I still don't have the information I'm trying to find. So, my question is which pulley do you guys/gals prefer? Is there a specific functional design detail that makes a certain unit stand out? Are there models which should be flat out avoided, and why?

I know this could be a rather subjective topic, but opinions and feedback are always a good place to start. Thanks!

 

I think the one that stands out the most right now is the Alta V2. The reason is the collar is the same for the 15 and 17 thus allowing an easy upgrade in the future.

As for preference, I use the MINI-Madness and love it. I have installed 10 of so pulleys and all have their nuances, so the choice is really yours.

 

There is no favorite. Every brand can be found in this community. Suggest going with the brand that your local installer sells. There are some subtle differences - 6 bolt, 4 bolt, 3 bolt and they all work.

Just make sure its round and you should be okay.

PS - I run the helix 6 bolt.

 

My Alta Version 1 has been great for the past 20,000 miles. If I was going to do one today it would be the Alta Version 2 for all the reasons daflake gave.

 

My local installer will be me. I'm mainly wondering if any have a tendancy toward lesser belt grip/slippage, or ar more prone to belt breakage or pulley to shaft slippage as compared with others.

daflake, could you detail nuances to any level? I do like the interchageability of the ALTA V2, though I find it unlikely that I'll go steeper than 15%, you never know. Any "nuances" that you know of with this model that should be considered?

I really like the look and features of the V2, but one thing bothers me. The ALTA literature makes a claim that they don't use thread locker to prevent a "false torque" situation, and use lock washers instead. The common knowledge in the mechanical engineering world is that lock washers are essentially useless, and most often used where application of thread locker is too messy or too expensive to apply properly (requiring component preparation, etc). They give some sense of security, but it is unfounded. A properly designed and pre-torqued fastener shouldn't loosen, and in the instances where it would due to cyclic loading, vibrations, etc, a l/w is useless (and a threadlocker works marvelously). I can go into much more detail if required, but that claim holds zero water. I can only assume they are referring to a dry, or baked on pre applied thread locker causing a false torque situation, as a point-of-application fluid locker will act as a lubricant. In either case appropriate adjustment should be made to installation torque as compared with a standard non-lubricated thread specification. Having looked at various aftermarket offerings and literature, I appreciate the work they put into their designs, but this point, however minor, leaves me a little uncomfortable with their true engineering expertise.

 

And after you have the hub all other size pulleys are available for $80.00 ea.

Alta isn't the first or the only one to offer that feature.

 

If the V2 bothers you, just go with one of the other vendors. As stated, they all pretty much do the same thing, and if you don't plan on swapping, that is an un-needed feature for you.
IMO most of the differentiation in designs is an exercise in marketing rather than engineering: Four/six/three bolt, Webb has a hole drilled for 'lighter weight and tolerance checking', M7 has 'cooling holes'. I feel the same WRT the threadlocker claims. Then again, I'm no engineer.
FWIW I've got the Alta V2.

 

I've got the Helix 15%. Initially I was going for the alta v1 but a well known installer suggested the Helix instead (he sells both). The main difference between both was 4-bolts (alta) vs. 6-bolts (helix). As norm said, the Helix hub is also interchangeable.

I remember when I was deciding about installing a pulley (2 years ago) and at that time there where still 1 piece aftermarket reduction pulleys available, where you would have to heat the pulley to install it (ala stock/JCW). I don't remember seeing those anymore (I think GTT still has one, not sure), most now are two piece which are much easier to install. I would personally avoid the one-piece if you plan to install it yourself. I don't know anything bout the alta v2, so can't comment on it.

A word of advise: prepare yourself. After the pulley install, the modding becomes a very slippery slope:impatient

 

I obviously think ours is the best, but for a reason or eight.

Here is a link to our pulley info.

For what it is worth, I can upgrade the pulley only after the hub has been installed to any size desired (though I don't recommend going smaller than 15% and won't warranty smaller sizes) for the same cost as the others.

Also, our pulley is the only one out there with a Motorsports Warranty - check it out here.

Hope that helps!
Randy

 

Eric,

The V2 doesn't bother me, just a stickler for details I find contrary to the truth. Actually, I really like deisgn - from what I can see of it.

I haven't had time to really dig into the differences yet, but if the fasteners are used to secure the pulley to the hub, then there is certainly an implication to the amount of shear stress seen by each fastener, and a possible mass difference with different number used from one design to the next. They may use different grade or size fasteners to account for their individual designs, and some way be simply over engineered (to use a term incorrectly). "When in doubt build it stout", as they say.

To me, the critical criteria, in no particular order are:
- trueness (runout, cylindricity, etc)
- balance
- belt grip - properly designed and machined grooves
- grips shaft securely

Features (as opposed to requirements) could be:
- weight (or lack of it)
- ease of installation
- cooling capability
- aesthetics

I'm hoping most vendors have the critical criteria under control, and this is really the meat of my question, though notable differences in features would be the selling point if all are on equal ground with respect to requirements.

 

Sure, for the V2 one PITA portion is the location of one of the hex botls on the sleeve. It hides behind the SC lip making it hard to tighten and torque.

As for the thread lock, you can put some on anyway. It really won't affect torque to much unless you wait 30 min before torquing.

M7 - Very tight fitting (required tapping the sleeve onto the shaft).

MINI Madness - No real complaints to be honest.

Helix - Also no real complaints on install.

I like many others don't really recommend more than 15%. I think there is enough data out there to support that there are no real gains from it.

 

Danke Shon. Good points to keep in mind.

 

Thanks Randy.

I try to come at each decision with an open mind, and arm myself with as much pertinent knowledge as I can dig up. That said, I usually find your posts and your website to be quite informative, and typically agree with your ascertations. Thanks for posting.

 

Thanks for the call Randy..cant wait till Tuesday on your Pulley Install

Cheers

Cody

 

the Alta is also aluminum which means less rotational mass, which i am guessing is a good thing, but im happy with my ss Helix

 

webb,webb,webb. how to's are impecable and if requested you get a puller for a dollar . to be returned of course. it is a do-it-yourself mod.

 

helix, my local guys and a great product

 

After a few problems with sliping belt on 15% alta I was change it to KMT 19% and I am satisfied with it. No problems anymore.
And it's more more cheaper then others!

 

Do any of the aftermarket pullies look similar to the stock pulley, or enough so that a service advisor wouldn't readily notice it and throw a red flag when doing regular maintenance or warranty work on the car? Obviously avoid the red anodized pullies... :D Not knowing what the stock pulley looks like myself, can someone compare it to the aftermarket units that are out there and determine which one looks most like stock?

 

I have the Madness pulley. I like it because it's black like the stock pulley and has 6 bolts. But really any of them will work well.

 

Madness pulley here as well, for similar reasons.

Plus, I don't accept the "common knowledge" that going to a 17% or 19% is an upgrade...

Been there and done that.

 

Will be installing my KMT 15% pulley in the 19th.

Can't beat $67 shipped.

 

^ yep me too!!!

 

 

^^ Thanks!
Although it looks like they don't make it available for purchase other than having it installed at their shop: And while I don't mind making a bit of a drive to a performance shop, heading across the Atlantic to England is a bit beyond my means.