Is the 5% alternator pulley really necessary?I see where a lot of you guys install 15,16,17,19% underdrive s/c pulleys along with std,2,3 and 4% crank pulleys,but very little mention of alternator pulleys. I know that Alta and Craven both make them,just don't hear much about their use.

Thanks,
Bill

 

Theres reason for that.

 

nascar_mini: The "reason" for that is simply not everyone knows about the need, and some people don't see the benefit. If you are using a + sized crank pulley (like the 2-4% you list) then the alternator is turning to quickly. As a result you increase the parasitic drag and lose some potential HP gain. Plus this causes undue stress on the alternator. The simple and inexpensive pulley (We all it the ALTA-Nator™ ;-) lowers the speed of the alternator back down to the correct speed. Cheap insurance as well as cheap HP and TRQ. Throttle response is also improved as well.

If we can help in anyway further PLEASE let us know. Good luck with your project!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

So, when does the ALTA-Conditioning compressor pulley come out?

 

not-so-rednwhitecooper: Wish we could do that tomorrow! The clutch on the compressor makes it unfeasible at this time. Sorry for the inconvenience ;-) Thanks again for the poke!

 

Yeah yeah I know, i'm just messin with ya.

 

No problem! My reply was only for the folks that might have missed the joke! Thanks again for adding levity to the forums. Sometimes people can take things here far to seriously. Thanks again!

 

Thanks Adam, i knew what the purpose is,to get the alternator back to proper speed,its just that i read about everyone bolting on the s/c and crank pulley and never hear about the alternator pulley being changed and the ''Alta nator'' pulley is advertised on NAM'S home page a lot.BTW 2% crank and 5% Altanator pulleys are my next mod to go with my 15% s/c pulley,i have now.

Thanks Again,
Bill

 

Bill, there is also another reason they are not used much, they are not the easiest to install. Was told virtually the whole front of the car needs to be removed to get to the alternator. Was also told a good time to do it is when you want to replace all your hoses and belts. Thats when I will get mine installed. I may be wrong, what do you think Alta?

 

Well, i got the 15%s/c pulley from Craven and they have a combo package,if you buy both the crank and alternator pulleys together its $199.00.So i'm kind of leaning that way.

 

I am not Alta, but did installed the Alta-nator myself. It is best to do it when you are working on the AGS or some other mod that involves the radiator.

If you had to do it on its own, it would not take that long to do it. Put the car on ramps - front. Pulling the bumper cover (15 min). Removing the screws that hold the Radiator in place (10 Min). You keep the radiator and all the hoses in place, but just pull them all back about 8 to 10 inches back. This can be done without any damage. You unwire the alternator (disconnect the battery first and leave the back lid open), after having pulled the tensioner to get the belt loose, from the bottom of the car. Just remove the little plastic cover under the front of the engine, behind the bumper (2 screws). That is the only thing on its way to get access to the Alternator from the bottom. Four screws hold the alternator in place, work them from the top and bottom. Pull the alternator from the top, be patient and use gloves. Take it to shop like Pep-Boys to let them use the impact gun to remove the pulley and put the other on (free in my case). Put it all together. It can be done in about 2 to 3 hours from start to finish.

Bomboasy

 

Bomboasy, thanks for the info, guess I was told wrong. May try it my self, Thanks, Jim

 

For those who want to install this, it's not that hard to do. If you can install a 15% pulley by yourself, the lower pulley and the alternator pulley are easy.
Once you have the passenger wheel off and have the wheel liner out, reach in with a socket attached with a 1/2 swivel and a extension on that, to the alternator. Now take a impact wrench, and it comes off it a couple of seconds. Now just put some Loctite on the threads start the nut and spin it down tight with the impact gun.
I have done this for a few friends in the PSMINI club, and they were also surprised that I didn't have to take the front of the car apart. Saves quite a bit of time.....

 

MCS03 (or any other knowledgable person)
When removing the Alternator Pulley this way, do you leave the belt ON to hold the pulley ?

 

MCS03,

I have to agree with you. If I had an impact wrench, I could had done this at the time Khuevo was changing the Crank Pulley in my car. I posted a DYI for that installation, but did not change the Alternator pulley at that time.

Bomboasy

 

COR BLMY: Leaving the belt on will certainly help. Also, an ideal situation would be to use an old belt to hold the pulley. Wrap it around, then using vice grips snug the belt to the pulley, then hold the vice grips as a handle, then use the impact to remove it. Prevents any wear and tear on your "good" belt.

Hope that helps. Thanks again!