Hello everyone,

I am getting ready to place an order with GFB (Go Fast Bits) in Australia, and am trying to gauge interest in their Underdrive Pulley Kits for the WRX. They are available in Red, Blue, and Silver anodized finishes, and come with the needed belts. Cost will depend on how many I order (due to shipping), but will be under $200.00

These units are lighter and smaller than stock units, creating less resistance and more horespower for your WRX. If you want more information, let me know and I can post more specs.

Well let me know if you might be interested, and what color, and I will gauge how many I should order. I will not ask for any money in advance, so if you are not serious please do not reply.

Thanks,

Kris
www.akautogear.com

***UPDATE***

1. Kato - Blue (paid)
2. Fig - Blue (paid)
3. RallyX13 - Silver (paid)
4. WRXnFX1974 - Blue (paid)
5. ThunderChief - Blue (paid)
6. aZiator - Silver (paid)
7. CaptWP11 - Blue
8. akfireaxe - Silver (paid)
9. kamehamehax3 - Blue (paid)
10. Farminded - Black (paid)

very nice...can u pls post the specs? what kind does ben have?

Ben is going to kill me but he has the Unorthodox Racing pulley. Pulley singular. It only comes with one, the main pulley.

The GFBs have similar Dyno results or better than the Vishnu. They also come in a variety of colors such as Silver, Red, and Blue. The pic shows three pulleys but the kit only comes with two.

Here is a direct quote from GFB:

Average Power Gains that can be expected are up to 7kw for normally aspirated engines and up to 9kw for forced air systems. Coupled with the excellent anodised finish and fit, you'll have a pulley kit that will give you the extra edge you need!

How do they do this?

GFB's pulleys are manufactured on the latest Multi-Axis CNC machines from the highest grade 6061-T6 aluminium billet, making them immensely lighter than their factory steel counterparts. This lower weight yields a large reduction in the rotating inertia of the belt train, allowing the engine to accelerate faster. The effect is similar to fitting a lightened flywheel and is particularly noticeable in the lower RPM range before the turbo spools up. This is because the power required to accelerate a heavy pulley accounts for a much greater proportion of the available power at low RPM. Additional power increases also come from a slight change in the ratios to reduce the driven load of the power-robbing peripheral components (particularly at high RPM), without affecting their performance.

To convert Kw to HP, you multiply Kw x 1.34 and you get HP. Which means, an average gain of 12 HP from the pulleys.

Some side effects of lightweight, underdrive pulleys are dimming lights at idle.

Winslow

I forgot to post. I'll take a set in blue. Winslow

Thanks for posting the specs Winslow, anyone else, will probably place the order in a day or two?

Kris

I would perfer an N1 pully set! hehe, but I cannot afford it either! lol:lol:

RawCode

Well it turns out that AEM has released a set of Underdrive pulleys too, and they are quite a bit cheaper than the GFB (AEM should be under $100). Not sure if there is any quality difference between the two, but I am sure the AEM units are good.

I will let you know as soon as a distributor can get the AEM pulleys, if anyone is interested in them.

Kris

i want the sti pulleys...ohh, they don't make those so i would the aem ones in silver!

Unless Kris has found out something I have not then the AEM pulley and belts will cost $97 + shipping and produce 12 HP at the wheels.(Four wheel dyno testing)

I spoke to them directly yesterday (1/24/2002) and confirmed this but it is only one pulley, where the GFB Pulley kit I think replaces two. I do not know what the draw backs are to only replacing one, but the guy from AEM said that they will be adding at least one more pulley to their kit in the near future. He also said that if we wanted to replace them now he would go with the kit from GFB, if it replaces at least two of the pulleys. He said that should produce better results.

DB
:alien:

Well that would probably explain the cost difference between the AEM and the GFB.

David, thanks for doing the research on that, I appreciate it. I saw a picture of the AEM kit, and it had two pulleys, so I assumed. But you know what happens when you assume....;)

Well I am going to do some more research and see what price we can get the AEM's for, if anyone wants the single pulley. Our one AEM supplier has it listed as TBA (To Be Announced), but we will let you know when we find out.

Kris

Here is the deal on the AEM pulleys or pulley. Usually, AEM produces the Tru-Power Pulley set to include the power steering and alternator pulleys. The WRX on the other hand has a pressed on power steering pulley which would be difficult or impossible to replace. The only pulley that AEM is offering in their Tru-Power Pulley set is the alternator pulley. By the way, this pulley hasn't been designed as an underdrive pulley. It is actually larger than the stock pulley. The only advantage to this pulley is that it is lightweight which decreases its rotational mass. The performance increase will be negligible so don't expect any large gains.

The GFBs do replace two but I'm unsure which two. I will find out. I looked under my hood and did a quick inspection but couldn't find anything. I'm sure if I looked harder that I could find out.

As for only replacing one pulley, It really depends on the characteristics of that one pulley. If it is underdrive and lightweight, then you would definitely benefit from the upgrade. Here is an example. We do have a Vishnu Pulley in stock which is made from 7075 aluminum and underdriven by approx 15%. This pulley weighs less than 1/3 the weight of the stock WRX pulley. This Shiv special has proven dyno results of 7-9 wheel hp gains with just the pulley alone.

I think the GFB pulleys will be a much better alternative to the AEM and will give the Vishnu single pulley a run for its money. The GFB set is moderately priced between the AEM and Vishnu plus you get another pulley.

Besides dimming lights, I forgot to mention that another drawback to changing your pulleys is squealing belts when cold.

Like I said, "I'll take a set of GFB pulleys in blue, please!"

I hope this helps.

Winslow
www.akautogear.com

very imformative...now i have changed my mind and will have to go with unorthodox! but that will be later! thanks winslow!

Can I match the AEM with the Vishnu Pulley? I am getting the Vishnu definitely but can I get the other pulleys (GFB or AEM) without compromising the Vishnu setup?:confused:

The Unorthodox Racing pulley is similar to the Vishnu, AEM, and GFB. I believe the olny manufacture to make a two pulley set is GFB. AEM and Vishnu only supply the crank pulley.There is no way to mix them because they are the same.

Can you mix GFB pulleys with the Vishnu crank pulley?

It really depends if the pulley is underdrive or lightened. If the GFBs are lightened then I would say, "yes." If they are UD then I would say, "no." We will just have to install them and see. I'm sure you would be able to do it if you got the right size belts.

Winslow

The GFB pulleys are lightened and underdrive. They replace the crank and alternator pulleys on WRXs. On previous models or in the above GFB pic, the third pulley is the power steering pump pulley. Winslow

i'd like to reserve a set in silver....:D

This is on hold for the moment pending a few things to work out with vendors. I will let you know as soon as I know more.

Kris

Ok, we finally worked out the details for these pulleys. If you are interested in these pulleys email me.

Just to correct myself, The AEM Tru-Power pulley only replaces the alternator pulley and the GFB set replaces the crank and alternator pulleys. The GFB pulleys are available in black, blue, silver, and red.

Winslow

Anyone?

Winslow

I would like to get in, I saw a good increase (13) on my 300ZX Twin Turbo when I went to the unorthodox underdrive crank. My only worry is what the dealer might say for warranty work? What have you guys done about this? Is it that big a deal (upgrades on the car when the dealer does work). Thanks

I don't think it will be a big deal if you have to take your car in for warranty work. Just remember that any aftermarket product runs the risk of dealer service rejection when it comes to warrant work. I have taken my car in for work and they haven't denied me service. For example, I had to get my alignment corrected and I have a complete exhaust system, intake, BOV and many other aftermarket products. Did those items cause my problem? All I can say is if there is a possibility that the aftermarket product caused a malfunction then of course the dealer is going to look at that item as being the culprit.

Winslow

I have just heard horror stories about dealers that tried to attribute mods to the cause of a problem. Like the dealer trying to blame an intake mod on the tranny having problems. Know what I mean?

Every car company blames Mods for the malfunction of a car :mad: . I really hate it.

Yes, I know what you mean. They shouldn't give you a hard time and if you get them in black they won't even notice.

Winslow

It says only red blue or silver. Another question I have regards the effects on the engine. I am not to familiar with the WRX engine so bear with me. On my Z the crank pully also has a built in harmonic balancer. We can get away using an underdrive pully because the cranks harmonic balancer will do the job just fine without the one on the pulley. Is that a factor on the subie?? I have had the pulley on my other car for almost 2 years and 50K miles with no problems but I do know of a few engines (very few) that have had some serious problems attributed to the underdrive pulley. Just another thought. I am pretty new to he subaru and since I bought the car 4 days before I left for Korea i didn't have much time to get familiar with it.

Just to correct myself, The AEM Tru-Power pulley only replaces the alternator pulley and the GFB set replaces the crank and alternator pulleys. The GFB pulleys are available in black, blue, silver, and red.

They come in black, too.

We can get away using an underdrive pully because the cranks harmonic balancer will do the job just fine without the one on the pulley. Is that a factor on the subie??

No, that isn't the factor on Suabrus.

Winslow

For $155 I'd be interested.

Sorry, for the slow updated but I've been busy with the Car Show in Eagle River.

Here's the confirmed buyers:

1. Kato - Blue
2. Fig - Blue
3. RallyX13 - Silver
4. WRXnFX1974 - Blue
5. ThunderChief - Blue
6. aZiator - Black
7. CaptWP11 - Blue
8. akfireaxe - Silver

I'll let this run until the end of the week then I'll take payment. We need a couple more to get to the next level.

Winslow

TTT

Winslow

with the GFB kit its been posted that it wont underdrive your electric system but your AC will be effected...
does anyone know more details about this?

like do you need to be at a certain RPM before air comes through the vents or is it just not quite as strong as before? any info
would be helpful!!!

thanks

I'm going to be in your area in a few months.

Who needs A/C? We live in Alaska. I doubt the pulley will affect how strong the blower will be. If anything the A/C compressor will be pumping faster because te crank pulley is underdriven causing the A/C compressor to turn faster. I'll let you know when I get my pulleys.

I'm going to start taking money for these. I'll send out an email to those that are taking part.

Winslow

Will this make the throttle any 'lighter' at all? It just feels heavy compared to my old VR6, which I'm sure could be changed with a turboback and uppipe.

Any top end gains? I'm sitting on the fence as of now since I don't have any other mods besides a HKS BOV and K&N panel.

Think my money would be better off with a catback? I'm not going to touch the uppipe until I have enough to get the downpipe as well, probably not until dividend time. (And some other big plans. :devil: )

Blah-blah-blah....just get the damn thing already. It works fine, if it doesn't then sell it again or give it away. I think its time for the BoostMonkey!
http://www.colute.net/cwm/contrib/dvv/cwmdie.gif

No, it won't make your throttle feel lighter but it will make you go faster.:lol: I'm trying to convince Kris to buy the new G-Tech so we can do some before and after runs. For the price vs HP gains, this is right up there with a MBC. You'll see more top end gains with the pulleys where the complete turbo back exhaust, depending on which you get, will widen the power band. A cat-back will set you back three four even five hundred dollars and will give you minimal gains.

Winslow

Gotcha.

By the way, these pulleys will fit the 2.5RS.

Winslow

I still need to collect from these people before I order:

CaptWP11
akfireaxe
farminded
RallyX13

Winslow

If these people don't pay by tomorrow morning then I am placing the order without them.

CaptWP11
Farminded

Winslow

good good
yeah i think theres been plenty of time to have paid
sorry, but im sick of laggin GBs and i hope this one works out for the best
no hard feelings:)

kamehamehax3, 16 pages of hell tells me alot. Gunn gets one of these. :monkey:

Winslow

I just placed the order but they only have 5 blue sets in stock. They will call me back to let me know when the others will ship out. Please be patient they are coming from Australia.

Winslow

5 blue sets is perfect ...although there were 6 that ordered blue....but according to the first page someone didnt pay yet so logically he should get his later when he pays JMO

yeah, the whole GUNN situation is getting pretty ugly...i have to call my CC company to try and get my money back cuz theres no telling when or if that guy will ever refund everyones money...

:monkey: GUNN!

GUNN whats that?:confused:


I might need a pair i will let you know.:D

The ETA for the distributor is Wednesday, May 22. They will email me when they get them. Then, they'll ship them out UPS the next day. What method of shipment? I don't know but let's hope for 2-day air. If that's the case then we should start seeing these next weekend.

Winslow

Thanks for the update.

I just got a call from our supplier. They are being shipped out today. I'll post again when they come in.

Winslow

The pulleys are in!!! Kris and I installed them in both our cars in an hour or so excluding the trip to Lowes. Kris had some technical difficulties. I'm not sure if I'll be home tomorrow but I would like to unload these as soon as you guys have the time. Just call me at 227 5878 and we'll hook up. kamehamehax3, I'll send yours out tomorrow.

Winslow

thanks, Just give it to Jen, unless you want to install one more :)

Originally posted by WRXnFX1974
The pulleys are in!!! Kris and I installed them in both our cars in an hour or so excluding the trip to Lowes. Kris had some technical difficulties. I'm not sure if I'll be home tomorrow but I would like to unload these as soon as you guys have the time. Just call me at 227 5878 and we'll hook up. kamehamehax3, I'll send yours out tomorrow.

Winslow

sweet
thanks for the news
how do they feel?! hehe

Smaller. Lighter, and butt dyno feels faster down low.

Winslow

woohoo just got mine in today
looks great; cant wait to install asap
thanks again for letting me in on this GB
david

any extras? :confused:

Originally posted by WRXnFX1974
The pulleys are in!!! Kris and I installed them in both our cars in an hour or so excluding the trip to Lowes
Winslow

coo...how bout installing a pully kit on a civic:D i have a pully kit ready to install but not sure on who to take it to for an install...you guys have any suggestions on a shop that could do it??? any info would be much appreciated

This might be going off-topic but did you try and talk to PowerSource??

Originally posted by KapaFool
This might be going off-topic but did you try and talk to PowerSource??

no i havnt where are they located???

The Power Source is right next door to Perfectionist, behind Carrs.

any extras?

Sorry, I sold the last extra set to Big Worm. I still have four people that haven't picked them up you might want to ask:

Farminded
Fig
Aziator
SirWally

See if they want to sell theirs.

psylas, what pulleys do you need installed?

Winslow

Originally posted by WRXnFX1974


psylas, what pulleys do you need installed?

Winslow

alternator and ps

Me no sell. Me want install. Me call Winslow and pick up. :D

Those don't sound hard. Call me maybe I can take a look tomorrow.

Winslow