Best Performance Pulleys of 2025
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Performance pulleys are an excellent way to enhance the performance of a vehicle's engine. These pulleys are designed to reduce the weight of the rotating assembly, which in turn reduces the amount of power required to turn the engine. This can result in a significant increase in horsepower and torque, as well as improved throttle response and acceleration. Performance pulleys are available for a wide range of vehicles and can be installed relatively easily, making them a popular choice for car enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their engines. Whether you're looking to improve the performance of your daily driver or your high-performance sports car, performance pulleys are a great option to consider.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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Top 10 Performance Pulleys
March Performance 23006 Pulley Set
The March Pulley Set is an essential auto part designed for car power pulleys. With package dimensions of 17.5 inches in length, 12.0 inches in width, and 12.0 inches in height, this product is compact yet robust. Weighing 12.5 pounds, it offers a solid construction that ensures durability. Proudly made in the United States, this set guarantees quality and reliability for your vehicle. By choosing this pulley set, you can enhance your car's performance, making it a worthwhile investment for any automotive enthusiast.
March Performance 624 Billet Aluminum Power Steering Pulley
This serpentine pulley is designed for a 0.625 in diameter shaft, includes 6-ribs with press fit power steering, and replaces low performance V-belts, eliminating belt throwing. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum, it offers extra strength to your car. This power pulley is a great choice for those who want to upgrade their car's performance.
March Performance 616 Power Steering Pulley
The March Performance 616 Power Steering Pulley is a high-quality accessory for your car. This power steering pulley is made of billet aluminum and features a clear powder coated finish. The bore size is .625" with an outside diameter of 5.910", ensuring a secure fit. The keyway mounting style adds to the stability of the pulley. The clear powder coated finish not only enhances the durability of the pulley but also eliminates the need for polishing in hard-to-reach places. With its top-notch construction and made in the U.S.A., this power steering pulley from March Performance is a reliable and convenient choice for your car.
Spectre Performance Chrome Power Steering Pulley
The Spectre Performance Chrome Power Steering Pulley is a durable car power pulley made of all steel construction. Its double belt groove and 5-13/16 inch diameter allow for better power steering performance. The pulley is easy to install, requiring no special tools or skills.
Allstar Performance 2 Groove V-Belt Pulley Kit
The Allstar Performance 2 Groove V-Belt Pulley Kit is designed for small block Chevy short water pump and a head mounted power steering pump. The kit includes a 1:1 ratio, double groove aluminum pulley, belts, and a water pump pulley which has a 5/8 inch diameter hole. The replacement components are also available separately.
March Performance 617 Power Steering Pulley
This billet aluminum power steering pulley is made of 6061-T6 aluminum for added durability, and features 6-ribs with press fit power steering. Its serpentine design is intended for a 0.750 in diameter shaft and it replaces low-performance V-belts while eliminating belt throwing.
MARCH 610 Clear Powder Coated Power Steering Pulley
The MARCH Power Steering Pulley, with an outer diameter of 6-3/8 inches and a bore diameter of 3/4 inches, is crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum for added durability. This pulley comes with a 90-day Limited Warranty and is designed with a press fit attachment for easy installation. The sturdy construction ensures reliable performance, while the clear powder coating adds a sleek finish to your vehicle. Enjoy smooth power steering operation with this high-quality pulley, designed to enhance your driving experience.
March Performance Serpentine Pulley for Chevy Engine
This March Performance Serpentine Pulley is designed for Small Block Chevy Engines. It is made in the United States and weighs only 1.5 pounds. The package dimensions are 7.0 L x 4.0 H x 6.0 W (inches). It has a part number of 623 and is categorized as Car Power Pulleys.
Allstar Aluminum Pulley Kit for Chevy Short Water Pump
This pulley kit has a 1:1 ratio and double groove design, suitable for small block Chevy short water pump and block mounted power steering pump. The package dimensions are 21.59 cm x 21.336 cm x 21.59 cm, and the package type is auto part. Made in the United States, this model number is ALL31080. It is a car power pulley that is perfect for your Chevy.
March Performance V-Belt Pulley Kit
The March V-Belt Pulley Kit offers essential components for enhancing your vehicle's performance. It features a 5.5-inch crank pulley, a 6.25-inch water pump pulley, and a 3 3/16-inch alternator pulley, all designed to work together seamlessly. Made from durable Billet 6061-T6 aluminum, this kit ensures long-lasting strength and resistance to wear. By reducing accessory drag, it helps you gain more horsepower, making your daily driving experience more enjoyable. Additionally, this kit effectively prevents belt throwing, giving you peace of mind on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What do performance pulleys do?
Performance pulleys, specifically underdrive pulleys, are designed to increase engine output by reducing the power draw of the engine's accessories. By slowing down the accessories, they reduce the horsepower they consume, resulting in increased engine performance.
2. How much HP does a pulley add?
Underdrive pulleys typically add around 10 to 12 horsepower to the engine's output. Turbocharged models may see even better power gains compared to naturally aspirated engines.
3. Do lightweight pulleys work?
Lightweight pulleys offer more noticeable benefits in first gear, but the difference becomes less apparent as you go higher in gears. While they do provide some advantages in terms of reducing rotational mass, the impact may not be as significant in higher gears due to limited traction.
4. What are the pros and cons of underdrive pulleys?
Underdrive pulleys offer pros such as power savings and reduced belt and component wear. However, there are also cons to consider, including power reductions, potential overheating, and the risk of low voltage that may conflict with certain high-energy aftermarket additions in your car.
5. Do bigger pulleys increase speed?
The size of the pulleys affects the speed and torque produced. A larger driven pulley will turn slower but produce more torque, while a smaller driven pulley will turn faster but generate less torque.
6. Do pulleys increase acceleration?
The acceleration of an object can be affected by the mass of the pulley. As the mass of the pulley increases, the acceleration of the object decreases. The specific calculation depends on factors like the mass and moment of inertia of the pulley.
7. Are aluminum pulleys better than plastic?
While plastic pulley stock is less durable compared to steel or aluminum, it can be preferred in certain applications due to its lightweight and cost-effectiveness. Plastic timing pulleys perform well in normal environments.
8. What is the most effective pulley?
Large sheave, ball-bearing pulleys are considered the most efficient. The weight savings of smaller sheave, ball-bearing pulleys are justified due to their improved efficiency.
9. Do underdrive pulleys increase mpg?
Underdrive pulleys, specifically aluminum underdrive crank pulleys, can provide benefits such as reducing accessory drag and improving fuel efficiency. By freeing up horsepower, they can also lead to gains in miles per gallon (mpg).
10. What does a 20 underdrive pulley do?
A 20% underdrive pulley, as the name suggests, reduces the parasitic power loss from driving engine accessories like the alternator, power steering, and air conditioning. By decreasing the load on these accessories, it increases horsepower and overall engine performance.
During our performance pulley research, we found 24 performance pulley products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,550 customer reviews through our big data system to write the performance pulleys list. We found that most customers choose performance pulleys with an average price of $133.18.
The performance pulleys are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of performance pulleys, including MARCH, Spectre, Allstar Performance, March Performance. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,399 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.