UUC Motorwerks E36 Ultimate Underdrive Pulley Set?

[TCGray]

Are underdrive pulley such as the UUC Ultimate Underdrive Pulleys a good performance mod? Sometimes I hear they are a worthwhile upgrade that will help increase power and other times I hear they can make your motor work to hard and eventually ruin it. Is it a worthwhile investment for my 1997 328is and what kind of difference would they make in the performance of my car? Thanks for any advice you can give.

 

[frolf]

Pulleys offer a good performance gain. However, its REAL easy to go WAY wrong with them. Just my $0.02

 

[carcus]

Pulleys offer a good performance gain. However, its REAL easy to go WAY wrong with them. Just my $0.02

If you have a high end stereo, they can have issues with charging the battery, will not make the alternator function as well. Also, if they are not balanced as well, you can have other engine issues. They can make a couple of HP though. Not worth it in my opinion. Now, if I had a dedicated 1/4 mile car.....I would go with it 100%, for my daily driver.....not something I want. Again, just my 2 cents.

 

[BMW-M-Freak]

Yeah, it's not a big mod for audiophiles as they need every bit of the alternator to keep the subs jumpin. If done right though, you could net close to 10 HP and 10 Lb-Ft. I really don't see how it makes you motor work hard though. BTW, I've never heard anyone say anything negative about UUC's stuff. I've read up on thier products, seems like a pretty good company to me.

 

[carcus]

Yeah, it's not a big mod for audiophiles as they need every bit of the alternator to keep the subs jumpin. If done right though, you could net close to 10 HP and 10 Lb-Ft. I really don't see how it makes you motor work hard though. BTW, I've never heard anyone say anything negative about UUC's stuff. I've read up on thier products, seems like a pretty good company to me.

Does not make the motor work hard at all, actually if makes it work easier by freeing up HP from the accessories, just like slowing down the AC or alternator. Can cause charging issues and if not harmonically balanced....then can cause engine damage. 10 HP gain is an over estimate. Just my 2 cents. Also, some aftermarket pullies have been known to throw belts, you will need a different belt than stock to run one. That is an issue all its own. Then installing one yourself, you need a puller, they are not always easy to remove. Again, from my LS1 experience. They are a give or take mod....now of you have a supercharger....different story and worth the mod.

 

[BMW-M-Freak]

Yeah, it's not a big mod for audiophiles as they need every bit of the alternator to keep the subs jumpin. If done right though, you could net close to 10 HP and 10 Lb-Ft. I really don't see how it makes you motor work hard though. BTW, I've never heard anyone say anything negative about UUC's stuff. I've read up on thier products, seems like a pretty good company to me.

Ok, let me rephrase that. YOU COULD net 10HP and 10 lb-ft, at the flywheel. But the 99 M3 they tested with UUC's pulleys got about 4-11 HP diff. at the wheels.