Does your 5.0 overheat run hotter with underdrive pulleys??

[5.0loco]

Hi guys

I've got to change my alternator so I thought now would be a good time to throw on a set of underdrive pulleys. BUT I live in Phoenix where the temp hits well over 100f for 3 months straight.

I know the underdrive pulleys slow down the water pump, has this noticeably affected anyone driving it around town in stop and go traffic?

Fyi - I have an auxiliary electric fan in addition to the clutch fan.

 

[f8tlfiveo]

I never noticed a difference, I live in pa, it has been low 90's alot here lately in the summers, but not 100's regularly

 

[a91what]

I live in Florida no problems overheating for me but I run dual electric fans and a three core.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Nope.....but i run a 3-core copper radiator and e-fan.

 

[84Ttop]

Is a few extra non noticeable hp worth the risk? Just wondering..

 

[5.0loco]

Is a few extra non noticeable hp worth the risk? Just wondering..

I thought this too, being that it's a daily driver it sounds like a better idea once a 3-row goes in.

 

[mikestang63]

20 years ago I would say u/d pulleys caused charging/cooling problems, but that was because a) most guys threw on a 3.5"" race crank pulley and/or b) the kits that were available were all underdriven alternator/H2O . Nowadays both March and BBK make "power pulley" sets that maintain stock cooling/charging. I've put pulleys on several cars without any difference in charging or cooling and I live in S Fla. In fact, I just bought on Ebay a used set of March crank, alt and H2O pulleys for about $75.

If you don't like them, it's 1/2 hour to take them off.

 

[Mustang5L5]

To be honest, installing U/D pulleys, and converting to E-fan at the same time was one of the best SOTP mods i made to my car.

If you have cooling issues with the car, the U/D pullies will reveal them, but a healthy cooling system should be able to handle them just fine. If you have issues, thn just swap them back.

 

[5.0loco]

Thanks guys for the responses, the new alternator is in. I think I'm going to save up for gears instead, I've got an auto trans with 2.73's so those $60 for the pulleys will be better spent toward some nice gears.

 

[mikestang63]

Thanks guys for the responses, the new alternator is in. I think I'm going to save up for gears instead, I've got an auto trans with 2.73's so those $60 for the pulleys will be better spent toward some nice gears.

No doubt the best bang for the buck is probably swapping out to a lower gear set, especially in an AOD.Couple of suggestions. Go with at least a 3 .73 or 4.10's with the AOD. For gears, I would get the FMS set with the deluxe install kit. I think LMRS sells the entire kit- gears, install kit, oil and friction modifier for a decent price. Unless you are very confident in your mechanical ability let someone who is reputable and has experience do the install as it takes specialized tools for a proper install. While the axles are out might as well inspect the seals and bearings. The other alternative is looking on the classifieds or CL for an entire rear end with the gears already installed.

 

[5.0loco]

No doubt the best bang for the buck is probably swapping out to a lower gear set, especially in an AOD.Couple of suggestions. Go with at least a 3 .73 or 4.10's with the AOD. For gears, I would get the FMS set with the deluxe install kit. I think LMRS sells the entire kit- gears, install kit, oil and friction modifier for a decent price. Unless you are very confident in your mechanical ability let someone who is reputable and has experience do the install as it takes specialized tools for a proper install. While the axles are out might as well inspect the seals and bearings. The other alternative is looking on the classifieds or CL for an entire rear end with the gears already installed.

I think the 3.73 are my best bet since I sometimes travel on the highway long distance, the combo kit from Ford Racing is $260 on american muscle, not bad!

As far as install I have never done one, but I'm good at following directions so I think I might give it a shot, I priced it locally and the labor is about $400 at a reputable shop.

 

[RsStanG1987]

I run just the under drive crank pulley

 

[Onefine88]

A few years back I installed an underdrive pulley set and an electric fan on my '88 vert. No problems whatsoever. These are great mods that you do feel.
Shortly there after I installed 3.73's and that along with the others made it fun!

These mods are great for an otherwise basically stock engine.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

Underdrive pulleys with E-Fan here too. You didn't state what alternator you installed, but I'm hoping it's at least a 95A 3G unit (130A+ would be ideal).

The combination of pulleys and fan put a big draw on an already mediocre charging system.

I agree with your choice of gears over pulleys though. You'll get a bigger return for your money.

 

[David Pepiton]

didnt take the time to read everyones post....

take it from a guy here in AZ do not run UD pulleys. get yourself a nice 2/3 row radiator something with large cores 3/4 of an inch or better if its a 3 row or 1"+ if its a 2 row. also some nice electric fans will help as well.

now these are a little over sized but is what I feel are great radiators for the money:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gri-1-26272-x
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gri-1-26271-x

you will also need a 3g swap with e-fans. i could easily help you if needed. also if you were still set on running UDs just get a high volume WP to help compensate

 

[Toxic302]

Screw the pullys! If you aint got gears yet, DO IT. That is THE best SOTP mod you can do. ( other than a power adder of course) And yes if you have to go any long distances, do the .373's. But from personal experience, the .410's are a ton of fun in the AOD. And it sucks your not local. Guy here buys the gear set from FRPP and installs them for 300.

 

[Mustang5L5]

If you are planning any sort of mods down the road, I suggest a 3.27 or 3.55.

I hate my 3.73s and 5-spd.


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[Gearbanger 101]

If you are planning any sort of mods down the road, I suggest a 3.27 or 3.55.

I hate my 3.73s and 5-spd.

I'm with you on that. I'm hoping I'll like them better once my cammed 331 is finished. Otherwise, I'll be knocking them back down to something in that same 3.27-3.55 range that's a little more highway friendly.

I'm not a fan of the ultra short 1st gear and I HATE the engine brake feel I get when I let off the gas in O/D at highway speeds.

 

[RsStanG1987]

I used to drive mine on the highway with 4:30s makes me laugh to hear you guys hating on 3:73s and 4:10s haha


Yellow Bear racing 2k13

 

[Mustang5L5]

I'm with you on that. I'm hoping I'll like them better once my cammed 331 is finished. Otherwise, I'll be knocking them back down to something in that same 3.27-3.55 range that's a little more highway friendly.

I'm not a fan of the ultra short 1st gear and I HATE the engine brake feel I get when I let off the gas in O/D at highway speeds.

It's not so much the highway as it is shifting all the damn time. Getting up to 4th gear on a 45mph road just gets old. 1st gear is useless and can't gun it WOT at all.

My '03gt had 3.27s and I loved it. 3rd and 4th were long on the highway and pulled hard top end, and then when I wanted 5th gear, I was barely turning 2000rpm. Yes...I know the power and and rom range is different.

I just think with more HP, you want a lower gear.


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