Aftermarket Racing Pulleys bad?

[flip240]

I dunno if this has been discussed in any detail but there was a bunch of reviews at the website (240sx.org) about the Unorthodox Racing pulley. This could be due to the fact that the harmonic balancer for the KA crank is built into the factory pulley, and UR failed to incorporate a similar design into their pulleys (for the 240SX). I just bought an ASP one but it is solid like the stock one and unlike the Ur pulley which has cutouts throughout. Anybody have any ideas? Is there any truth to this?? Thanks!

- Phil -95 240SX SE /w 4 lugs!

[240SXer]

I was thinking about getting an ASP. I've always heard they were just as good as the UR one. Maybe the UR one did that just so it would look better? I don't see why it would need cutouts if it's a perfect circle, it should be balanced by design.

David.

[doctorj240]

The ASP pulley has worked pretty well. I didn't really notice any difference for about a week but then I went and raced. I definitely saw the difference then. He used to beat me by about 3 lengths. After the pulley he only got me by 1.5 lengths. Not too bad I guess. Just make sure your belts are on right. Mine weren't and I snapped the AC belt. So I just pulled it. I don't think the UR pulley is going to be that much better than the ASP. The full UR kit may give about 3 more hp from underdriving the accessories but thats about it.

[cory2081]

Is there really an harmonic balancing in the stock crank pulley?? I dont think that there is. According to the Nissan parts book, it only refers to it as a pulley. Domestics have the pulley and harmonic balancer seperate. Harmonic balancers are usually 2 different metals seperated by a thin layer of rubber. I see nothing of the sort on the KA. I don't think it has any form of a harmonic balancer. Some disagree, but, look at the stock pulley, it's just a piece of steel......no harmonic balancing is done!! Therefore, myths about aftermarket pulleys damaging your engine are just myths.

[stutt944]

how does the 2.4L stay as balanced as it does? my 2.5L has balance shafts, and you have to keep a close eye on them.

[MOTOP]

The ASP pulley has worked pretty well. I didn't really notice any difference for about a week but then I went and raced. I definitely saw the difference then. He used to beat me by about 3 lengths. After the pulley he only got me by 1.5 lengths. Not too bad I guess. Just make sure your belts are on right. Mine weren't and I snapped the AC belt. So I just pulled it. I don't think the UR pulley is going to be that much better than the ASP. The full UR kit may give about 3 more hp from underdriving the accessories but thats about it.

When I was buying ASP pulley from RPMOUTLET I had an option to buy a set of smaller pulleys for accesories for like $80. Totalling the whole thing to $190 with shipping, which is the good price just for the UR pulley itself.

[cory2081]

it's possible that all the balancing was designed into the crank. It is a straight up 4, so there arent any opposing forces as in a V type engine. But, you'd think it would have a harmonic dampener.

[89240sx]

there is no harmonic balancer, but there is a dampener for shock from I believe the extras like A/C etc..

[cory2081]

where is this dampener?? inside the crank pulley?? if it is in there, it isnt for the accessories, it's for the engine itself. if it does have a dampener, this UD pulley may not be a good idea at all b/c it has none!!

[89240sx]

I dont think it would cause a problem to have it on there without that dampener... and I thought the dampener was a rubber piece but I will have to go to my fsm to look at it again.