Best Performance Pulleys of 2026
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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
Top 10 Performance Pulleys
Moroso 64885 Vacuum Pump V Belt Pulley
The Moroso Vacuum Pump Pulley is designed to fit a variety of vehicles, making it a versatile choice for your performance needs. Its compact packaging, measuring just over 1.2 cm in height and about 23 cm in length, ensures easy handling and storage. Weighing only half a pound, it’s lightweight, which can contribute to better engine efficiency. This pulley is crafted to be vehicle-specific yet offers a universal fit, so you can trust it to match your car’s requirements accurately. With the Moroso Vacuum Pump Pulley, you get a reliable and convenient part that supports your vehicle’s vacuum pump performance effectively.
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.
Spectre SPE-4480 Water Pump Pulley Shim Kit
The Spectre Pulley Shim Kit is designed to help you align your water pump pulley correctly for better belt performance. Made from lightweight aluminum, the shims are durable and resistant to wear. You can place these shims between the water pump flange and the pulley to push the pulley outward, ensuring your belt fits just right. The kit comes with three shims of different thicknesses—1/16 inch, 1/8 inch, and 3/16 inch—so you can easily adjust the spacing to your needs. Plus, it's simple to install without needing special tools or skills, making it convenient for anyone to use.
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.
Professional Products 81009 Iron Pulley Spacer for Ford 5.0L
The Professional Products Pulley Spacer is designed specifically for Ford 5.0L engines, making it an ideal choice if you want a perfect fit for your vehicle. This product works well in supercharged setups, helping you maintain the right spacing and alignment for your engine’s pulley system. Its vehicle-specific design ensures easy installation without the hassle of modifications. Plus, the compact size makes it convenient to handle and store. If you’re looking to improve your car’s pulley system with a reliable and tailored spacer, this Professional Products Pulley Spacer offers a great solution.
March Performance 1631 V-Belt Crank Pulley
The March Performance Crank Pulley is designed for SBF engines from 1969 to 2014, featuring a 5.5-inch outer diameter V-belt design. This size helps ensure proper belt alignment and efficient power transfer in your engine. Made in China, it offers reliable quality at an affordable price. The pulley’s package dimensions (9.1 x 7.63 x 4.87 inches) and weight of 2.5 pounds make it easy to handle and install. If you're looking to upgrade your engine's performance with a durable and well-sized crank pulley, this March Performance product is a practical choice.
Edelbrock E-Force 3.25" 6-Rib Pulley
The Edelbrock E-Force Pulley is designed with six grooves, providing a secure fit for your supercharger system and ensuring efficient power transfer. Its 3.25-inch diameter offers a balanced size that helps optimize your engine's performance. Made from aluminum, this pulley is lightweight yet strong, which means it can handle high stress without adding unnecessary weight. The black anodized finish not only gives it a sleek look but also protects the pulley from corrosion and wear, so you can count on long-lasting durability. With this pulley, you'll enhance your vehicle's performance with a reliable and stylish upgrade.
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.
Edelbrock E-Force 3.0in 6-Rib Supercharger Pulley
The Edelbrock Supercharger Pulley features a 6-rib groove design, which helps improve belt grip and power transfer for your vehicle. With a 3-inch diameter, this pulley is engineered to optimize performance without taking up too much space. Made from durable aluminum, it offers strength while keeping weight low, ensuring reliable operation. The black anodized finish not only provides a sleek look but also adds corrosion resistance, helping the pulley last longer under tough conditions. This pulley is a great choice if you want to upgrade your vehicle’s supercharger system with a quality, performance-focused part.
Mr. Gasket Chrome Water Pump Pulley DLB GRV
The Mr. Gasket Chrome Pulley is designed with a shiny chrome finish, giving your engine a polished and stylish look. Made from sturdy steel, it ensures strength and reliability for your vehicle. This pulley fits engines with a 5/8-inch water pump shaft, making it compatible with many setups. Installation is straightforward, so you can easily upgrade your engine’s performance without hassle. With these features, you get a durable part that not only looks great but also lasts long and functions well.
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 2,884 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 $80.02.
The performance pulleys are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of performance pulleys, including Moroso, Allstar Performance, Spectre, March Performance, Professional Products. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
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.