Okay i've read this forum like mad and there seems to be a lot of mixed answers about underdriving the 2200 SFI..
I've seen many complete sets for other cars. My boss is a camaro performance junkie and
he claims that you need a complete set of pulleys for reasons of safety and performance.
Is this true at all?
I've heard there's a lightened crank pulley by RSM:
http://www.rsmracing.com/cav2200.htm
And also an AEM alternator pulley ( says it's for *all* cavaliers..?? ):
http://www.turbotechracing.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=463&idproduct=140
Would it be wise to run both of these pulleys on a 2200? or is lowering the alternator
output dangerous because it's such a low power engine? ( i don't have a custom stereo
nor plan to have one so that's not an issue. )
Also i hear the jtuners kit is crap.. is it only because it lacks a belt?
Any feedback is appreciated. I am really torn here.
Sadly, no more..
The RSM pulley is a stock sized pulley, so it won't effect your charging system and any type of power output (electrically). It's lighter so it will rotate faster basically.
The AEM Alternator pulley does fit all 3rd Gen J-bodies. This is also stock sized...it's just lighter and not smaller (smaller diameter wise). This won't effect your alternator negatively.
So to answer your question, yes, it would be wise to run this setup. I personally wouldn't have a smaller alternator pulley (messing with your alternator charging seems risky to me).
The setup you listed is just fine and you can still use the same belt you have now since nothing is smaller (underdriven).
I don't know too much about the J-tuners one...other people like Phlatcav would know better than me.
If you have more questions, just ask.
www.kronosperformance.com / 732-742-8837
Thanks for the reply! ( that was quick!! )
Hmm. Yeah now you're making me rethink the alternator pulley. I've noticed my 2200 car seems to need what little electrical power it can get.. but i would trade some flickering dash lights and a broken AC ( i never use it ) for a few horsepower. I'd like to hear from anyone who's tried a lightened alternator pulley on a fairly healthy 2200.
Also i see on a lot of websites that the pulley weight reduction makes *way* more of a difference than changing the size of the pulleys. I imagine the difference between underdriven and lighter vs. lighter for our 4 bangers would mean 1 horsepower or something .. there must be a reason they don't bother making them.
Sadly, no more..
David Silva wrote:Thanks for the reply! ( that was quick!! )
Hmm. Yeah now you're making me rethink the alternator pulley. I've noticed my 2200 car seems to need what little electrical power it can get.. but i would trade some flickering dash lights and a broken AC ( i never use it ) for a few horsepower. I'd like to hear from anyone who's tried a lightened alternator pulley on a fairly healthy 2200.
Also i see on a lot of websites that the pulley weight reduction makes *way* more of a difference than changing the size of the pulleys. I imagine the difference between underdriven and lighter vs. lighter for our 4 bangers would mean 1 horsepower or something .. there must be a reason they don't bother making them.
Yeah, a lightened alternator pulley wouldn't hurt 1 bit. I wish I had enough money right now and I would buy one to install while we are doing the turbo install next week.
Just like you said, the difference is going to be small between underdrive vs. oem diamter sized pulley...the weightloss is the main factor. Just remember, if you go underdrive, you'd have to change your belt (which would cost like $15-18 at a local parts store, just get the part # from the company you buy the pulley from).
www.kronosperformance.com / 732-742-8837
I have the RSM lightened pulley with a custom water pump pulley and alt pulley. A machinist buddy made them for me for about $100. The are stock size, powder coated black but are lighter.
As if you could make them any lighter?
I say go with the RSM pulley
I was a retard, and now I'm permanently banned.
El Fuego ( the unstable ) wrote:I have the RSM lightened pulley with a custom water pump pulley and alt pulley. A machinist buddy made them for me for about $100. The are stock size, powder coated black but are lighter.
As if you could make them any lighter?
pis of this water pump pulley?
David Silva wrote:Also i see on a lot of websites that the pulley weight reduction makes *way* more of a difference than changing the size of the pulleys.
Not necessarily true. The effect of using an underdrive crank pulley is similar to the effect of using a pulley that is just lighter.
1) less material (smaller diameter) = less weight
2) the smaller diameter also means the mass is concentrated closer to the axis of rotation, meaning it robs less of the power produced by the engine to rotate them
3) plus, of course, less power needed to rotate the accesories (since they are turning slower than before)
If you made an underdrive pulley with engineering comparable to the RSM pulley...well...it would rock.
And no, the Jtuners pulley set does not come with a belt, and you can't buy one that will fit. You have to buy one that is the correct length, and then cut off one of the ribs.
fortune cookie say:
better a delay than a disaster.
El fuego - i take it you're running a 2200 then? and this alternator pulley of yours is fabricated by your machinst, not an AEM right?
Anyhow, the rsm crank pulley is on it's way.. screw the jtuners one, i'm not going to go cutting belts as i am still new to the modification game. It's a shame they had to set it up like they did. ah well. thanks for the input, dudes.
Sadly, no more..
Rsm makes a light weight alt pulley for the ecotec, But as all 3rd gen alt pulleys are the same you can use the RSM eco one on the 2200...I did,
