Pulleys anyone?

[bbell1984]

Hey has anyone bought and installed these pulleys or anything like them?

If so what have your results been?


http://www.darkstarmotorsports.com/index_files/DuratecWaterPumpPulley.htm

http://www.darkstarmotorsports.com/index_files/DuratecCrankPulley.htm

Also, im guessing these might void warrenty?

[whiteomega]

It's a good idea, though I've never heard of the company before now.

Yes, this will void your warranty.

[KenYork]

I have them.. havn't had the time to install em.

[notoriousb]

It's a good idea, though I've never heard of the company before now.

Yes, this will void your warranty.



Yah if you are stupid enough to show the dealer what you did. If you have an engine problem... take the pulley out, put ur old one back in, and take it to the dealer.

[KenYork]

I'll be done my extended warranty later this spring.

[Hives]

I agree, I wouldn't put those in until you have finished your warranty. Its better to be safe than sorry b/c the dealers can be pricks sometimes.

[SilentJay]

I agree, I wouldn't put those in until you have finished your warranty. Its better to be safe than sorry b/c the dealers can be pricks sometimes.


+1 Some dealers are real sausage swallowers when it comes to *any* sort of modification, sensical or not.


"I'm sorry, those valves shot through your engine block because you chose the Alpine Fresh scented air freshener, when it is DISTINCTLY documented in the owners manual that you cannot use this. Sure, it's printed in 1pt. font, in white ink, upside down, and in written in gaelic, but Mazda demands that you to only use the Springtime Joy scent. NO WARRANTY FOR YOU!"

[hood]

+1 Some dealers are real sausage swallowers when it comes to *any* sort of modification, sensical or not.


"I'm sorry, those valves shot through your engine block because you chose the Alpine Fresh scented air freshener, when it is DISTINCTLY documented in the owners manual that you cannot use this. Sure, it's printed in 1pt. font, in white ink, upside down, and in written in gaelic, but Mazda demands that you to only use the Springtime Joy scent. NO WARRANTY FOR YOU!"

you forgot to mention that any airfreshener thats not shaped like a little tree will also void your warrenty

[SilentJay]

you forgot to mention that any airfreshener thats not shaped like a little tree will also void your warrenty

I thought at least that much was a given... No tree shape = your transmission seizes instantly.

[whiteomega]

Yah if you are stupid enough to show the dealer what you did. If you have an engine problem... take the pulley out, put ur old one back in, and take it to the dealer.

It really doesn't matter if you take them out or not. If the dealership finds out you changed pulleys, even if you put the original ones back, they will almost certainly void your warranty. The justification for this would be there's no proof the work to install and remove the pulleys did not damage the engine in some way. They'll also tell you that using the pulleys causes the engine to operate outside the manufacturer specs. Both of these will void your warranty.

Long story short: If you want to install lighter pulleys, wait until after your warranty has expired.

[darkstarmotorsports]

I'll be done my extended warranty later this spring.

How do you like the pulleys?

[KenYork]

i havn't installed them yet

[mogul_pro]

+1 some dealers are real sausage swallowers when it comes to *any* sort of modification, sensical or not.


"i'm sorry, those valves shot through your engine block because you chose the alpine fresh scented air freshener, when it is distinctly documented in the owners manual that you cannot use this. Sure, it's printed in 1pt. Font, in white ink, upside down, and in written in gaelic, but mazda demands that you to only use the springtime joy scent. No warranty for you!"

lol!

[darkstarmotorsports]

We have a pre-order for the light weight crank pulley for the MS3

[darkstarmotorsports]

another GB has been started on the pulleys

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=32095

[KenYork]

Installed them today. Wow! do the make a difference in throttle. I'd say they're better than an intake for the money.

items installed: alternator & water pump pulley

[dentinger]

my buddy installed a crank/water/alt pulley on his jetta a year or so ago, and he was saying how much a difference it made.
he also removed his A/C, so that helped too. but i recall him saying how his third gear felt like his second gear when driving....and the engine revs faster now too.

[SilentJay]

Hmmm... void my warranty for untapped power... Hmm....

*contemplates*

[Giaro]

How much does it cost for someone to swap them? Is it possible to DIY?

[KenYork]

How much does it cost for someone to swap them? Is it possible to DIY?

I got a good price for the install since I had other work done to the car.

IMO Considering for a CAI, about $250-300 purchase and $60 install. The pulleys at $120, even at $100-150 for install. After knowing the results, I'd do the pulleys. I would expect install to be about $80-100.

DIY, possibly for the waterpump but the alternator one needs to be pressed in.

The only problem is warranty... which mine expires in about 5000kms(so sometime in the beginning of summer).

[rick@garage16.ca]

I would NEVER run a crank pulley in any of my cars unless it had the rubber around it.


Stay away from the non-dampened aluminum "harmonic balancer"

[darkstarmotorsports]

I would NEVER run a crank pulley in any of my cars unless it had the rubber around it.


Stay away from the non-dampened aluminum "harmonic balancer"


these is not a crank pulley, But thanks for trying to discourage sales.

[Donutz]

I'm watching these; Ken please keep us posted.

Don't worry, I'm still interested! :)

[KenYork]

these is not a crank pulley, But thanks for trying to discourage sales.


Yup.. I only have the water pump and alternator pulley. I'm very happy with them as they don't rob the car of torque, which was the reason I sold my intake. It's a great price for what you get in return... minus warranty issues(mine has about 2mths left MAP).

[SilentJay]

:s decisions, decisions....


Maybe if I spray painted them/powder coated them black, dealership wouldn't catch on? Or maybe even if they came in black?

[Donutz]

:s decisions, decisions....


Maybe if I spray painted them/powder coated them black, dealership wouldn't catch on? Or maybe even if they came in black?

mmm... black powder coated pulleys....

[darkstarmotorsports]

LOL, It is a good idea, but I think the paint would rub off after a little wear from the belt

[SilentJay]

:( Crap - I think i'm going to ask Quy how much to pc this stuff...

[Donutz]

:( Crap - I think i'm going to ask Quy how much to pc this stuff...

Can you lmk what he says?

[SilentJay]

sure!

[whiteomega]

Yup.. I only have the water pump and alternator pulley. I'm very happy with them as they don't rob the car of torque, which was the reason I sold my intake. It's a great price for what you get in return... minus warranty issues(mine has about 2mths left MAP).

are these the same diameter as stock? or are they smaller for even more weight savings?

Edit: Never mind; i see in the link way, way above that they are :)

[Cozwell]

are these still available? im interested in both - i have the 05 gt hb or are these just for the speed...?

How much?

K

[Donutz]

They will fit your hb. I've ordered a set, but I don't know if they are in stock or currently in production.

[Cozwell]

They will fit your hb. I've ordered a set, but I don't know if they are in stock or currently in production.

boo - hopefully they will read this and post availability

K

[darkstarmotorsports]

they are currently in production. I'm offering the same shipped price to our Canadaian turners for the pre-order.

They are only for the Normal 2.3L/2.0L not the speed versions

[notoriousb]

What happend to the crank pulley (with the teeth?) you were supposed to be selling?

[darkstarmotorsports]

What happend to the crank pulley (with the teeth?) you were supposed to be selling?


Still working on it.

[SomeGuy]

Any dyno graphs with/without the pulleys? I hear everyone claiming power gains but I can't see how losing 1lb of rotating metal in the engine bay could actually do much for power...

[darkstarmotorsports]

They were lost in a computer crash.

You will gain 5-6HP

[Donutz]

It's not about total weight loss with these types of mods. You are looking at reducing rotational mass which is creating parasitic drag on your drive train. Something similar would be the bsd delete.

[Cozwell]

damn say that 10times fast...

So what is the pre order rate - and how long?

K

[SomeGuy]

It's not about total weight loss with these types of mods. You are looking at reducing rotational mass which is creating parasitic drag on your drive train. Something similar would be the bsd delete.
What's the BSD Delete?
And I'm still surprised that 1lb of rotational mass can cause 5-6hp of loss. Why wouldn't mazda put on lighter weight pulleys to begin with if there's that much difference and really not a huge difference in cost and from what I can tell, absolutely no down side?

[Donutz]

I guess my statement was somewhat redundant BSD = balance shaft delete. Here are a couple of threads on the mod.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=44045.0
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=129674.0

You ask a good question as to why Mazda wouldn't put something lighter on. Perhaps the cost of manufacturing, but I'm speculating.

[notoriousb]

Yah i think it's because aluminum is somewhat more expensive?

Why didn't mazda 'engineers' put it in ?

A car like the Mazda3 must be cost effective (priority 1)... then safety, then emissions/fuel economy and then finally performance.

Even safety is really associated with cost ... like what is the least you can spend on a car, but keep the car safe enough to pass standards.

[freddymak18]

so you can run water pump and alternator pulleys with the CAI, and you won't lose power...?

[Donutz]

Yep.

[em3]

Pre ordered for 60 dollars....now what? Is he going to contact us? How do we pay the rest?

[Donutz]

I've sent in my full payment, but haven't heard back from him in about a week.

My understanding, from what is posted on his website, is that you will receive an invoice for the remaining balance. I think the invoice will come after the pulleys are made and he's ready to ship. Hopefully we'll get an update.

[darkstarmotorsports]

I've sent in my full payment, but haven't heard back from him in about a week.

My understanding, from what is posted on his website, is that you will receive an invoice for the remaining balance. I think the invoice will come after the pulleys are made and he's ready to ship. Hopefully we'll get an update.

You are correct.

If any one has any concerns please let me know, and I can refund ou payment if neededd

[em3]

Ok thanks for letting me know. both of you. i guess those who bought it have to keep an eye out on this thread

[Donutz]

I got my order in! FYI, KenYork is running these. He posted up his feedback somewhere on the forum.

[em3]

How do you know if you got the order in?

[Donutz]

Myke told me ;)

[em3]

I feel a bit disconnected from the seller at this point. hope he will give me some notice

[Donutz]

Shoot him an email. He's been really decent about getting back to me.

[darkstarmotorsports]

I feel a bit disconnected from the seller at this point. hope he will give me some notice

I'm here. I know I've been busy for a few days. But I got your order.

[em3]

Thanks for confirming.

[Cozwell]

Are these now available? and in stock?

K

[darkstarmotorsports]

not yet, the water pump pulleys are done, and now the atlernator pulleys are in productio

[em3]

hows the alternator pulleys going?

[darkstarmotorsports]

hows the alternator pulleys going?


Already started production. they should be done soon.

[em3]

cool thanks.

[SomeGuy]

Anytime now?

[darkstarmotorsports]

about a week

[Olestra]

Are there any side effects to the light weight pulleys?

[Donutz]

Are there any side effects to the light weight pulleys?

Negative or positve? Positive I would say free's up a few hp, and should result is a slightly faster revving engine.

[Cozwell]

man im impatient....

I hope these and the cam gears will be ready like at the same time sheesh!

[KenYork]

I have no problems with my car since installing them(2 months).

[darkstarmotorsports]

Negative or positve? Positive I would say free's up a few hp, and should result is a slightly faster revving engine.

No negative effects, the engine responds faster.

[KenYork]

No negative effects, the engine reesponds faster.

+1

[phoenixrage]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but is there another GB on these ? or are they just readily available now?

[Donutz]

Darkstar was formerly a sponsor and was a distributor of Medieval products. Medieval was producing the products. This is for background.

You'll want to look into this further. Medieval's rep has/is going down in flames. The final run of pulley's never (to my knowledge) made it out of production. Since Darkstar pulled out of TM3 as a sponsor and had all threads in his section closed, you won't be able to find this info (so FYI). People had paid deposits (I had actually paid in full) to be part of the pulley kit gb. Production was taking an extremely long time; then Medievals motor mounts started failing and their rep starting tanking. Around this time numerous people asked Darkstar for a refund from the pulley kit gb. Actually if you check the Darkstar website you'll see that he no longer offers Medieval products. Shortly after the requests for refunds Darkstar disappeared from this forum and had his threads closed. I don't know if people here ever received their refunds. Personally I opted to use my credit with Darkstar and ordered F2 parts instead.

Wow, do I sound dramatic! I hope this helps. If you are really interested you can find full pulley kits at protegegarage, but I'm not sure that the crank pulley is a good idea (ask rick@garage16 for info on crank pulleys).

[darkstarmotorsports]

We are still here, and are in a legal battle with Medieval, to get everyone's funds back.

(sales@darkstarmotorsports.com)

[Donutz]

Thanks for clarifying Myke. Some of us weren't sure what happened after your threads closed in your sponsor section.

[phoenixrage]

Darkstar was formerly a sponsor and was a distributor of Medieval products. Medieval was producing the products. This is for background.

You'll want to look into this further. Medieval's rep has/is going down in flames. The final run of pulley's never (to my knowledge) made it out of production. Since Darkstar pulled out of TM3 as a sponsor and had all threads in his section closed, you won't be able to find this info (so FYI). People had paid deposits (I had actually paid in full) to be part of the pulley kit gb. Production was taking an extremely long time; then Medievals motor mounts started failing and their rep starting tanking. Around this time numerous people asked Darkstar for a refund from the pulley kit gb. Actually if you check the Darkstar website you'll see that he no longer offers Medieval products. Shortly after the requests for refunds Darkstar disappeared from this forum and had his threads closed. I don't know if people here ever received their refunds. Personally I opted to use my credit with Darkstar and ordered F2 parts instead.

Wow, do I sound dramatic! I hope this helps. If you are really interested you can find full pulley kits at protegegarage, but I'm not sure that the crank pulley is a good idea (ask rick@garage16 for info on crank pulleys).


yea, after searching on google i found out some of the details.. that sucks.. good luck to darkstar though.. sucks to be caught up in something like this.

and from what I can see, no one else makes any pulleys for the car.. I wonder why?

[Donutz]

Protegegarage has them.

*EDIT* Here --->http://www.protegegarage.com/index.php?cPath=22_310_69

[phoenixrage]

really? i don't see it on the site, plus its not loading up properly for me.. all red x's.. i'll check it again at home

[darkstarmotorsports]

Protegegarage has them.

*EDIT* Here --->http://www.protegegarage.com/index.php?cPath=22_310_69

Those are SR motorsports pulleys.

F2 motorsports has better pulleys

[phoenixrage]

I can't find a site about them on google. are they underdrive? or regular diameter, just lighter?

[Donutz]

I couldn't find any pulleys on F2usa.com. Below is from the protegegarage website about the SR pulleys. You can also find info on the SR motorsports website.

From the following: http://www.protegegarage.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_310_69&products_id=1288*Alternator and Water Pump Pulley Set - Mazda3

*For the 2.0L and 2.3L motors. Alternator and Waterpump pulleys. Because of their 15% reduced diameter and 60% lighter weight, energy normally used to turn the heavy stock pulley is now used to turn your drive wheels! Usual power gains from 4 - 6 horsepower. In addition, the high performance lightweight aluminum Underdrive Power Pulleys are a perfect choice for road racing ,drag racing and autocross due the reduction of water pump cavitation. Horsepower gains vary widely depending on what has been done to the vehicle. Fits 2004-2008 Mazda3.

*From the following: http://www.protegegarage.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_310_69&products_id=1287*Lightweight Drive Crankshaft Pulley - Mazda3

*For the 2.0L and 2.3L motors. Main Drive pulley. Because of it's 15% reduced diameter and 60% lighter weight, energy normally used to turn the heavy stock pulley is now used to turn your drive wheels! Usual power gains from 7 - 8 horsepower. In addition, the high performance lightweight aluminum Underdrive Power Pulleys are a perfect choice for road racing ,drag racing and autocross due the reduction of water pump cavitation. Horsepower gains vary widely depending on what has been done to the vehicle. Fits 2004-2008 Mazda3.

*From the following: http://www.protegegarage.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_310_69&products_id=1286*Power Pulley Set - Mazda3

*For the 2.0L and 2.3L motors. Because of their 15% reduced diameter and 400% lighter weight, energy normally used to turn the heavy stock pulley is now used to turn your drive wheels! Usual power gains from 8-11 horsepower. In addition, the high performance lightweight aluminum Underdrive Power Pulleys are a perfect choice for road racing ,drag racing and autocross due the reduction of water pump cavitation. Horsepower gains vary widely depending on what has been done to the vehicle. Fits 2004-2008 Mazda3.

[darkstarmotorsports]

Crank pulley;

http://www.f2usa.com/138/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2_184_191&products_id=4641

Water pump pulley

http://www.f2usa.com/138/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2_184_191&products_id=4642

[darkstarmotorsports]

And a EVEN BETTER DEAL!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CFM-Underdrive-Pulley-Kit-03-09-Focus-Duratec-2-0-2-3L_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQ hashZitem19b5e749dfQQitemZ110426016223QQptZMotorsQ 5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[phoenixrage]

my only concern now is, for regular driving, is the underdrive still going to run the accessories enough? I don't have a system, but I don't want to have to make sure i'm revving high to get the proper voltage from the alternator.

unless someone does actually make stock diameter, lightweight pulleys.

[phoenixrage]

so all 2.0/2.3L focus pulleys will fit for the mazda3 (not surprised since there's a lot of sharing, but just want to confirm)

[Donutz]

As long as the diameter of the pulley(s) doesn't change all of your accessories should continue to be driven at the same speed.

[phoenixrage]

As long as the diameter of the pulley(s) doesn't change all of your accessories should continue to be driven at the same speed.

yes, but so far all the ones you guys have posted are reduced in diameter as well as overall weight.

[wolverineottawa]

Not sure if I am too late but I can get pulleys made.....we deal with a great company that did the pulleys for the Mitsu group.....

[phoenixrage]

Not sure if I am too late but I can get pulleys made.....we deal with a great company that did the pulleys for the Mitsu group.....

what info do they need? and how much do they charge? I just want stock diameter, but lighter.

[wolverineottawa]

I would have to take look at the stock pulley and go from there. I have done 2 sets of pulleys for our Mitsu group and I learned a few things that is why I would need to see it first. IF!!! the stock pulley has a rubber ring (dampener) then dont touch it, its there for a reason and you could damage your engine. some of the Lancers are experiencing failing oil pumps. The company that made them (not our design) is of cource denying it, I wont get in to that I could be here all day. During our designs and testing there was not enough of a gain to justify an underdrive pulley, plus your lights will dim, or should.

As I said I would ned to see the stock one as I have not seen it as of yet. We would need 10-15 orders before this becomes worth doing.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc116/AftershockAutomotive/th_AFPULLEY.jpg (http://s217.photobucket.com/albums/cc116/AftershockAutomotive/?action=view&current=AFPULLEY.jpg)

That is the pulley we made minus the photoshop company name...LOL

[tuned3]

[QUOTE=wolverineottawa;485443]I would have to take look at the stock pulley and go from there. I have done 2 sets of pulleys for our Mitsu group and I learned a few things that is why I would need to see it first. IF!!! the stock pulley has a rubber ring (dampener) then dont touch it, its there for a reason and you could damage your engine. some of the Lancers are experiencing failing oil pumps. The company that made them (not our design) is of cource denying it, I wont get in to that I could be here all day. During our designs and testing there was not enough of a gain to justify an underdrive pulley, plus your lights will dim, or should.

As I said I would ned to see the stock one as I have not seen it as of yet. We would need 10-15 orders before this becomes worth doing.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc116/AftershockAutomotive/th_AFPULLEY.jpg (http://s217.photobucket.com/albums/cc116/AftershockAutomotive/?action=view&current=AFPULLEY.jpg)

That is the pulley we made minus the photoshop company name...LOL[/QUOTE

I'm in.

[KenYork]

What pulleys are you looking at? I have my stock alternator and water pump pulley's sitting around of you want to borrow them.


Just have to find them, I'm in the middle of moving... again.

[phoenixrage]

yea. I wouldn't want the crank pulley just yet. I've had an Unorthodox Crank pulley in my old CR-X and it was fine. But I'm not too sure about the 3's engine.

If we can get this setup, I'd definitely be in as long as it isn't too expensive. And of course i'll help out with any cost to get samples to you if needed.

[stevenma188]

Bringing this back from the dead. So has all the issues with Medieval been sorted out?

So far it looks like SR Motorsport are the only people that still offer pulleys for the 2.3L engine. I couldn't find the pulleys on the F2 site. Does anyone else offer lightweight (not underdrive) pulleys?

For the people running these pulleys, any issues with them being underdrive?

[em3]

hey steven, till this day i have yet to see my money back from darkstar. but i believe its probably gone now and impossible to get back. Anyways check this out http://www.protegegarage.com/index.php?cPath=22_310_69

[stevenma188]

Ya I saw the pulleys on ProtegeGarage. I'm concerned with the fact that they are under drive pulleys. i'm wondering if that effects drivability at all, as my car is my daily driver.

[em3]

Just googled that and on wiki it says 15-20% is fine. but who knows every car is different, maybe for our cars 15% is too much. Too bad there are no reviews

[stevenma188]

I do NOT trust wiki for things like that.

[em3]

haha yeah, it was the first thing that came up.