Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Under-drive pulley installation test drive

California98Civic · 05-31-2014, 02:48 AM

I am about to do the timing belt and have to remove the crank pulley, so I am considering a mod now, while it is easier. In my research, I'm learning that reducing pulley weight is a critical part of any efficiency gains--not just the reduced RPMs to the accessories. So, how about a set up such as this? Consider: lightweight underdrive crank pulley coupled with a lighter and smaller alternator pulley. The net result would be less overall rotational mass, underdriven PS and AC (saving power), but normal RPMs on the alternator (preserving OEM charging specs).

What do you think?

I already deleted PS and AC and I have reduced electrical loads all around the car, so I'm not proposing this set-up for me. Just thinking outloud.

Here is a key article I found that helped me understand what I'm considering:
What You Need Know About Pulleys - Car Craft Magazine

james

05-31-2014, 02:48 AM	#23 (permalink)
California98Civic Cyborg ECU Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Coastal Southern California Posts: 6,299 Black and Green - '98 Honda Civic DX Coupe Team Honda 90 day: 66.42 mpg (US) Black and Red - '00 Nashbar Custom built eBike 90 day: 3671.43 mpg (US) Thanks: 2,373 Thanked 2,172 Times in 1,469 Posts	I am about to do the timing belt and have to remove the crank pulley, so I am considering a mod now, while it is easier. In my research, I'm learning that reducing pulley weight is a critical part of any efficiency gains--not just the reduced RPMs to the accessories. So, how about a set up such as this? Consider: lightweight underdrive crank pulley coupled with a lighter and smaller alternator pulley. The net result would be less overall rotational mass, underdriven PS and AC (saving power), but normal RPMs on the alternator (preserving OEM charging specs). What do you think? I already deleted PS and AC and I have reduced electrical loads all around the car, so I'm not proposing this set-up for me. Just thinking outloud. Here is a key article I found that helped me understand what I'm considering: What You Need Know About Pulleys - Car Craft Magazine james __________________ See my car's mod & maintenance thread and my electric bicycle's thread for ongoing projects. I will rebuild Black and Green over decades as parts die, until it becomes a different car of roughly the same shape and color. My minimum fuel economy goal is 55 mpg while averaging posted speed limits. I generally top 60 mpg. See also my Honda manual transmission specs thread.