So, I'm almost at the point of squeezing out the last few hp's from my D16, and after spending quite a few hours reading the debates over whether or not it's a good idea to replace the crank pulley (read harmonic dampener), and rather than get into that, I decided to purchase the AEM oversized aluminum accessory pulleys instead. I'm thinking, roughly similar benefits to the undersized crank pulley without the loss of the stock dampener. Lo and behold, after ordering a set from an online motorsports company, I get a call from them saying that AEM has discontinued all accessory pulleys.

Anyone have any info as to why, and/or other possible alternatives?

Also, not to open this can of worms, but for a track only car only putting out between 130-140whp, doing only 5-7 weekends of racing a year, and I plan on replacing the crank and rod bearings every two seasons, is the replacement of stock crank dampener with a solid aluminum underdrive (re: Unorthodox Racing) really going to cause a catastrophic failure?

 

Will this be racing or track days?
I would stick with the stock pulley and not bother changing the rod bearings!
You'll wear out the rings and have a blow by problem likely before you have any bearing issues!

 

I know that obx is generally frowned upon. However last I checked, they did offer accessory/underdrive pulleys. It sounds like you already know the issues with using an underdrive crank pulley. However shouldn't be any problem with using the alternator or p/s pulleys.

Have you looked into getting the extra ribs milled off your d-series damper?

 

It's hard to find the belt that is recommended for the d16a6 aem alt. pulley. #3pk805. In for more info.

 

It is for racing, Jeremy. Dontcha remember, we were pitted next to each other for SCCA school back in '05? I'm just exploring (relatively) low cost things to do to add some extra ponies.

I thought about removing the power steering system and doing the "loop and breather" gig, but after searching and re-reading the ITA rules, I'm pretty sure this isn't allowed. The only rule re: power steering I can find is that any pulley may be used, so long as the type of belt remains the same.

$160 for the AEM kit does seem a little expensive for the hp gain (I'm sure it's probably only about 1/2 of the 8-12hp they claim), but I think I can get a set for less on ebay or used elsewhere. I was just wondering if anyone knew why AEM stopped making them, like were there failures/recalls, or just not selling enough units to make it worth manufacturing them.

 

no one was buying them.
a lot of people read the underdrive pulley threads and were very confused by them. some of the threads out there actually have people tranlate the harmonic balanced crank pulley issue into accessory pulley messing up engine balance...

i was looking into getting a set. called up aem, and aem told me no one is buying them... and they had a lot of question on if their pullies will mess up their engine...

power of internet...

 

Lemme clarify it for you, about 6-7 years ago AEM has ran out of money in making some of there products like the Drive pulleys, Cam pulleys, Engine Management System, etc, etc, here in the South Bay area. One of them is hiring a subcontractor to make some of their products and that equals money to pay them, also there were some legal matters that involved somebody to go to court. So, as of now the company still makes intakes, tho.

 

Um actually let me clarify things for you to the post above you have absolutely no clue what you are talking about. Ran out of money?? Huh thats new. I am pretty sure since I work for AEM and have for the past 13 years that we actually do still make everything we did in the past except for the underdrive pulleys, some fuel rails and some misc access. stuff like oil caps, battery tie downs & engine covers. As with all manufacturers of products I don't care what you make if the demand is not there anymore for a particular product than it is either discontinued or re-designed bigger and better. As for the pulleys it was for first part. Legal issues huh thats new too.

The only part that is correct in your post is yes we still make intakes.

To some other posts.

Harmonics in a engine can be very detrimental to engine life. That is why AEM decided to underdrive the accessories of the engine rather than at the crank to leave the stock harmonic dampener. There are a number of threads here and online about replacing the crankshaft pulley and what it can do to your motor. Number one failure of oil pumps is because of harmonics.

Yes you do actually see gains from the pulleys. Although most gains are from the power steering pulley. You will typically see a gain of around 1-2 on the alternator pulley it doesnt take much to drive the alternator. The big gains are from the power steering you will typically see anywhere from 3-6 of course this all depends on the vehicle. Some you will gain more some less it all depends on how much horsepower the engine is using to drive these accessories.

For the other person the 3pk805 is a Bando Part number. So try these if that is hard to find.
Bando - 3PK805
Dayco - 5030323
Gates - K030323
Goodyear - 4030325

 

thank you sir, btw are you guys still doing dc headers?

 

The DC Sports was sold off to Pilot almost two years. At SEMA 2007, JC informed me in person that the deal was just completed.

 

great move selling DC. talk about a name that everyone use to want and now nobody does.

 

I still use DC Sport headers since Pilot is using the same header designs from before the sale. I have been told the new DC headers are manufactured offshore though.

 

No problem glad I could help out on the belt size. Hopefully you can find something. In some cases even if you can't find those you may be able to go one size smaller or larger and the tensioner can take up some slack.

Yep unfortunately we sold off the DC Sports line around 2-3 years ago. Pilot Automotive does still make most of the DC Sports line.