March power vs. high flow pulleys

pbrown · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2002, 08:39 PM

Any thoughts on which pulley set to go with? I have a 393W and have the performance pulley set from March. I'm thinking of exchanging them for the higher flow version. The car will be a street car located in the NW so it doesn't get that hot. I'm concerned with the stop and go traffic of some of our bridges around here.

Thanks,

cobra fever · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2002, 12:11 AM

I had performace pullies on my Mustang, and it use to drain my batteries. I probably bought 3 batteries and 1 alternator. But had no overheating problem and gained maybe 10-15hp

Jack21 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2002, 06:32 AM

Same dilemma. Went with the street rod ratio instead for better around town cooling. You get a somewhat smaller water pump pulley that turns the pump faster at lower RPM's.

Also installed a dash mounted fan on switch for stuck in traffic conditions.

Roscoe · #4 (**permalink**) 03-12-2002, 07:56 AM

Could one of youse guys give me info on these performance pulleys? I am running the March setup but tend to run hot in traffic.

Question is: Is it water flow or air flow? In traffic on very hot days the temp will creep up to serious levels. However, once moving, it will go back down. So is it water flow or air flow? Do I need a different pulley or a fan shroud for better air flow?

I think it is air flow but am open to suggestions.

Thanks,
Roscoe

Bob Putnam · #5 (**permalink**) 03-12-2002, 11:40 AM

So is it water flow or air flow???

Or is it water flow AND air flow?

Next time the temperature gets very high, try raising the idle to 1500 rpm and see what happens. If the temperature goes down, a high-flow pump or different pulley may help.

Or you could put a large window fan in front of the radiator opening and see whether that helps, indicating the fan is the major culprit.

But - it could be combination of aggravations...

Roscoe · #6 (**permalink**) 03-12-2002, 12:01 PM

Bob,
Thanks...now I'm REALLY confused!!!

I am running a high volume Milodon pump, two row Griffin NASCAR radiator, fan is Derale 2400cfm.

Will try your test suggestions.
Thanks,
Roscoe

Jack21 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-12-2002, 05:02 PM

Roscoe, are you running the March performance, or street rod ratio pulley set? Performance ratio; the pump pulley is somewhat larger than the crank pulley. Street rod; pump and crank pulleys are about the same size. If performance, order just the street rod pump pulley. That's the only difference. It pushes more coolant through the motor at low RPM.

Fan sounds OK, but needs to be ON more at low (or no) speed. In addition to a thermostatic control, put a fan override switch that lets you turn the fan on from the dash if you see the temp rising while you're stuck in traffic.

pbrown · #8 (**permalink**) 03-12-2002, 05:17 PM

I just looked at the specs. The 1610 kit (performance) has a 6 1/4" water pump pulley while the street rod version has a 5 1/4" pulley. The crank and alternator are the same. I found the 5 1/4" pulley at racesearch.com for $95 (part number 1616).

I think I'll try the performance set and see how it goes. I will change the water pump pulley if I start having problems.

Thanks,

Roscoe · #9 (**permalink**) 03-12-2002, 06:02 PM

I just measured it and it looks like I've got the performance 6 1/4" pulley. Well I'll try the added fan at idle first and, if need be, go for the street pulley.
Thanks for the sizing.
Roscoe

wadesdad · #10 (**permalink**) 03-12-2002, 08:07 PM

Roscoe,

As you know, I'm still building -
Shroud
shroud
shroud
(and the forementioned fan switch)
I've seen it cure most ills.

wadesdad

Roscoe · #11 (**permalink**) 03-13-2002, 05:56 AM

Wadesdad,
Yeah, I am sure I'm going to need a shroud. My fan, although switched at the dash, is on all the time.
Roscoe