Baronet1

I am on the fence about which pulley size to go with. I've searched and read so many threads, but still not sure what to go with.

The 180 seems like a monster in the cooler weather (I live in a state with 6-7 months of weather that's under 50-60 degrees), and especially in the winter months. However, in the few summer months sounds like it turns into a dog because of heat.

Would an EC HE, Bosch 010 be sufficient for cooling for those winter months? Are upgraded injectors needed for this increase in boost?

The 172 or 168 seem like the perfect blend of not excessive heat and easier to controlled.


I want to know direct experiences from people with these pulleys, especially the 180, how the car is in the very hot/humid months versus the winter. Did you upgrade injectors? Are the EC 550cc injectors enough?


Also, how much do headers help with cooling and complimenting the bigger pulleys, especially the 180?


Thanks for any help and I searched and read a good bit, but want some more fresh experiences from those living in seasonal states.

ArmoE55

An important question for you to ask yourself is ... how hard do you drive the car and how often? A 180, even in the summer, with just one or two hard pulls is probably going to be fine with some cooling upgrades. Track days, constantly flooring it daily etc. is gonna be a different story.

It boils down to how you drive and your habits. For instance, I don't drive very hard often. Usually it's because a) I have my son with me and I'm not an idiot, and b) there simply isn't enough room because of traffic, lights, cops etc.

Having said that, I strongly believe that cars in states with varying seasons will benefit most from a slighter bigger pulley than stock - e.g. the 168 or even the 172. An upgraded HE and pump, and maybe a trunk tank would be plenty to keep AITs in check (although you should still log) and the car will be FAST. Throw some long tubes and a dyno tune, the car will rip when it's below freezing. Also, keep in mind that at this level of power, traction is going to be your biggest obstacle.

Good luck and enjoy.

RedBullJnky

This^^^^^

jmb614

I agree with Armo, he hit the nail on the head.

With the mods I currently have, I logged a pass at Timmayfest where the IAT's hit close to 160F, ambient was around 65-70F and the IAT's prior to the pass were at about 90F as I hadn't used ice or let the system cool. In the winter months the car is a beast, it feels completely different.

IIRC EGT's were around 1100F at the top of third; with that said I would advise replacing the factory manifolds prior to increasing boost, especially if you decide on a larger pulley.

Hope this helps.

Baronet1

Damn, sounds like the 180 does harm than good! I've read that sometimes it is good to keep stock boost, get some mid-length or long tube headers and tune it.

viren.89

or you can get the fixed pulley 77mm which equates to 180 crank pulley (if not mistaken) and avoid that much heat , I suppose.

It's a new product though.

AKnight55

It doesnt matter if you change the crank or sc pulley to get to 180mm, they will create the same amount of heat.

Style_Front

This would be nice if it were true but sadly it is not the reality my friend.

Whether you turn the top pulley faster or the bottom pulley faster the heat comes from compressing air. Oppositely if you decompress air quickly it gets cold. If you add more pressure in you're intake system, provided the same cooling systems which our cars are equipped with, you will add heat.

There's a good thread comparing logs at different PSI's/pulley setups measuring ambient temps, intake temps pre WOT and post WOT that's fairly interesting. It really comes down to your use. From light to light with occasional 1/4 pulls you could be golden with a 180mm crank pulley/equivalent SC pulley. Plan to run longer/harder and don't think you want to spend the money to keep it cool, def consider the smaller options.

I Like Soup

I live in AZ and have a 180mm pulley. I must say, I've never run in to what feels like a power deficit after some good pulls, and I drive my car hard from time to time (read: regularly).

ArmoE55

Soup - PM replied

viren.89

Thanks for clearing that up.

I guess based on safety s/c option is a better choice.

Style_Front

It's simpler on your accessories and easier to change. Due to the thinness of it it makes the belt wrap kit look that much more attractive also.