if instead of getting the alta 15% pulley to just get the Helix 15% AND 19% (pulley without hub) for about 20 bucks more than the alta 15% pulley, and have the ability to swap them whenever i so desire?

After reading some more threads and seeing how it works, i was unaware that one could swap pulleys if they use a common hub so easily. (once the factory pulley is removed).

so i would get the helix 15% supercharger pulley for $100 and the helix 19% pulley without hub for $80 for a grand total of $180 for essentially two pullies. the alta 15% alone is listed as $160 on most sites, but i like the option to switch between two pulleys whenever i want/need to. (for instance if i get new software that doesn't support 19% pulley, etc.)

what is the consensus on this? why doesn't everyone do this? am i figuring something wrong?

thanks!

-ABT-

 

I think your $ approach may only apply to the heat shrink-interference hub, and various aluminum pulleys from Helix. Should you want that, or already have that in 15%, go for it. There is a feeling that the heat shrink method is too much effort or too risky, so if you go for taper fit instead, the Helix taper fit will allow different pulleys on the same hub. The design intent for both style of pulley was interchangeablility. Andy changed his 15% to a 19% in about 1/2 hour, no jacking; he is using the heat-shrink version.

 

The taper bore interchangeable pulley is the way to go. A lot of people had the Alta pulley because it was the only taper bore out there and the interchangeable pully system hadn't quite materialized. Now that it has, it is really the way to go, especially if you want to switch back and forth. No question about it.

 

thanks for the replies!

on the helix website where they have pullies listed, they don't specify whether the pullies are the heat-on or taper bore... is there a way to tell which is which? (they have about 8 pullies listed.) i am new to learning the lingo..

is it as easy to swap taper-bore pullies as the heat-on type? if the heat-on type are sharing hubs as well, don't you only have to apply heat for the initial installation? after the hub goes on how do the pullies stay on? bolts, right?

if there is a FAQ about the different types of pullies out there and how they install (over each other), please point me there... i've seen pulley FAQ's, but usually they are all about the same type of pulley...

thanks a million!
-ABT-

 

The taper and heat on pulleys are basically the same except for the initial installation. Either one has the ability to swap pullies by unbolting it from the hub. To make things easier, you can get a belt tensioner tool to release the belt tension, but it can also be done with a long prybar.

 

i need help putting on a new belt, anybody got some help?

 

Once you put on the 19% you will never bother with the 15% again. What might make sense is to have a stock one for the next buyer or if you want to run stock SCCA class.

 

I had the 15% and then switched to the 19%. I have the 15% sitting in my glovebox in case I ever want to return to "normal". But I don't think I ever will. Actually, I was keeping the 15% in case the summer temps were too hot but it doesn't look like it'll be a problem.

 

^^^^ thats EXACTLY why i wanted to get both... i live in south texas, and it gets hot here in the summer... i would swap out the pullies seasonally. i know i wouldn't have to, but i am conservative.

so can anyone answer my questions about the helix pullies listed on the page? are they taper bore or heat-on?

and is the consensus that the taper-bore are the better ones?

cheers
-ABT-

 

The "Clamp-on style" listed on Helix site is the Taper bore non heat on pulley's. Rest are "Heat on" type.