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Underdrive pulley kit?

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Old 04-28-2009, 11:22 AM
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Underdrive pulley kit?

Did a search and came up with nothing in regards to a kit being used on a SD. Seems like an easy way to bolt on 10-15 (claimed) HP. I know the Lightning guys and Mustang guys are into them, but does anyone have any experience with using them on Super Duty trucks, specifically the 5.4L?

I still plan on supercharging, but this seems like a cheap easy HP upgrade for the time being.
 
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Old 04-28-2009, 03:12 PM
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From what I've read on mustang forums, they don't do THAT much good. The people who drive street cars at the track usually just take off the belt for the race and put it back on afterward. The little horsepower that's "claimed", imo, is not worth the money. I'd say save it for the supercharger.
 
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Old 04-28-2009, 03:14 PM
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https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...e-pulleys.html

i asked the same thing a few weeks ago. here were my responses.
 
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Old 04-28-2009, 04:29 PM
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I'll post my thoughts here too. The underdrive crank pulley slows the A/C compressor, P/S pump, Water pump, and alternator way down. Some kits do have alt overdrive pulleys so you don't kill batteries left and right. However, you have less coolant flow, less refrigerant flow and less pressure assisting you to turn the tires. If you can live with this, go for it. However, if you can't or want another option, then look into electric fans and electric water pump. These don't help all that much because the alternator has to provide the power to run them which creates drag on the crank.
 
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Old 04-28-2009, 06:34 PM
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Well I know it isn't what heavy duty trucks are designed for, but the fact of the matter is I do little to no hauling. The most I typically haul is a lightweight aluminum skiff+outboard+fishing gear, and/or 2 motocross bikes+gear; but it's nice to know I have the capacity in case something chages. I do however do alot of slow low-RPM driving on the beach here, which is a situation in which I can see less coolant flow being a problem. Am I correct in assuming this would cause problems, especially in 4 Low? The radiator in my old Jeep cracked where the cap meets the core in that same situation, 4 Low gunning it to go up a sand hill, but it was plastic and I believe the relief valve on the cap failed first.
 
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Old 04-28-2009, 06:59 PM
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Like ReAX stated, if you do any serious towing, then I wouldn't recommend the pulley kit. However, the Super Duties do have high capacity "systems" that if they were reduced by say 20% would only bring them in line with normal capacity "systems" like those on a F150.

What all have you done to gain performance on your SD?
 
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Old 04-28-2009, 07:02 PM
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Thus far only a homebrew CAI (now with hood-sealed box and minus scoop thingy in my garage pics) using a K&N intake, Zoodad mod, and a Magnaflow muffler. Plans include SCT LiveWire tuner, Whipple Charger, and headers/y-pipe.
 
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Old 04-28-2009, 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by enduro4231
Thus far only a homebrew CAI (now with hood-sealed box and minus scoop thingy in my garage pics) using a K&N intake, Zoodad mod, and a Magnaflow muffler. Plans include SCT LiveWire tuner, Whipple Charger, and headers/y-pipe.
Hum... the best improvements are yet to be realized. Try the tuner next... you'll be very satisfied with the performance gains. I too want to install a new exhaust system and am working with Doug Thorley Headers on new long-tube headers for our 5.4L engines. Instead of a supercharger, I think I'm going to do cams and P&P heads for about half the price of the supercharger.
 
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Old 04-28-2009, 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Furian
Hum... the best improvements are yet to be realized. Try the tuner next... you'll be very satisfied with the performance gains. I too want to install a new exhaust system and am working with Doug Thorley Headers on new long-tube headers for our 5.4L engines. Instead of a supercharger, I think I'm going to do cams and P&P heads for about half the price of the supercharger.
Sounds like you and I are on the same page, we both yearn for a performance-oriented 5.4L

There is something near and dear to my heart about the whine of a 'charger though.

Lemme know how those long tube headers work out, I'd certainly be interested in a set. True duals!
 
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Old 04-28-2009, 07:50 PM
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Originally Posted by enduro4231
Sounds like you and I are on the same page, we both yearn for a performance-oriented 5.4L

There is something near and dear to my heart about the whine of a 'charger though.

Lemme know how those long tube headers work out, I'd certainly be interested in a set. True duals!
Ha! I'm looking forward to the day that the guys with the V10's and diesels see my 5.4L SD and think, "I can take this guy all day long." That's when the fun begins! I know that my 5.4L is no tow engine but I don't do any serious towing. I think with a little help, this 5.4L will do everything I want and more. If someone makes a supercharger for the SD 5.4L engine, I may have to reconsider. I too love the sound of that supercharger and would love to see Whipple, Kenne Bell, or Roush step up with a unit for our trucks. Nick at Doug Thorley Headers has gone MIA but I'll keep sending emails until he responds. I'll keep you updated.
 
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Old 04-28-2009, 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Furian
Ha! I'm looking forward to the day that the guys with the V10's and diesels see my 5.4L SD and think, "I can take this guy all day long." That's when the fun begins! I know that my 5.4L is no tow engine but I don't do any serious towing. I think with a little help, this 5.4L will do everything I want and more. If someone makes a supercharger for the SD 5.4L engine, I may have to reconsider. I too love the sound of that supercharger and would love to see Whipple, Kenne Bell, or Roush step up with a unit for our trucks. Nick at Doug Thorley Headers has gone MIA but I'll keep sending emails until he responds. I'll keep you updated.
I thought I saw a writeup of a 5.4L with a Whipple somewhere, but it may have been a V10.

Vortech makes a complete supercharger kit for our engines in the $4000 range.
 
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Old 04-28-2009, 08:17 PM
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Originally Posted by enduro4231
I thought I saw a writeup of a 5.4L with a Whipple somewhere, but it may have been a V10.

Vortech makes a complete supercharger kit for our engines in the $4000 range.
The Vortech supercharger is for the 1999-2003 F250 5.4L 2V engine or the 2004-2006 F150 5.4L 3V engine. I actually contacted Roush about their kit and was told that it would only work with the F150, not the Super Duties. I think that it's the PCM and emissions that are different between the F150's and the Super Duties.
 
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