I updated the UDP section of my web site to discuss and dispell the most common myths and misconceptions concerning the Unorthodox Racing UDP. I hope all will find this information useful!

http://grprete.jnet.net/Greg's%20Gar...e%20Pulley.htm

 

GReg you the man!!!!!

 

i received mine in the mail today!!!

 

I agree Greg.. I have never heard anyone that has this pulley claim these are balancers.

I've had mine on for over 3 years, in-fact, I was the FIRST to have this pulley for the Maxima (about a year before Stillen sold them). No problems at all.

Nice work though.

Don

 

what are the chances of the pulley ripping the belt up ? or any other problems

 

Just a couple additions to Greg's info, in an attempt to clear up some of the statements made by people.

this pulley is the 4th gen design. the 3rd gen VG engine design is completely different than this.

the 3rd gen design is not a "traditional" UDP.. it's simply a lightened version of the same size pulley we have on our cars.

on the stock VG pulley, there is about 3/8" of rubber through the center of it, between the center "hub" and the outer pulley races.
this is also NOT A HARMONIC DAMPER. Nissan simply did this to save weight over having 3/8" of steel in there. (we all know rubber is much lighter than steel)
the OEM pulley for our cars weighs about 8.5lb. the Unorthodox Pulley weighs under 2 lb.

Same diameter as stock, but much lighter.
there's the difference.

(again, please disreguard this info if you're a 4th gen or 3rd gen VE owner.)
Thank you, drive through please.

 

Let's think about this guys. Nissan spends millions to develop the VQ and to make it as light as possible and then slaps on a overweight pulley for the heck of it? Sorry guys, it's a balancer and seves a very important purpose. It looks EXACTLY like the crank pulley/balancer strapped to my old 94 Z28...straight down to the rubber insulator ring in the middle of the pulley. I doubt you'll have any problems with using a UDP on the VQ because the motor is designed incredibly well. However, I know what goes wrong if that crank wobbles at all. It's just for my peace of mind that I don't install one.

Other reasons I won't consider a UDP:
-Alumninum pulleys tend to wear out and cause belt slippage
-Some people have had the crank seals leak numerous times after running the UDP
-Some people who didn't replace the crank seals had a oil leak which caused the belt to slip on the pulley.
-IMHO, it's not worth the $400+ for the 1-2 fwhp and 4ft/lbs of torque

The only street car I've ever seen really benefit from pulleys is the Mustang 5.0 and 4.6. They "can" gain 8 rwhp and 12 ft/lbs of torque, but that's for a March 3 pulley set. The Max is only one pulley and it's on a much smaller motor therefore the gains will be less.


Dave

 

on the stock pulley removal, didn't you have to jam something in the flywheel to keep it from turning? the autos will just spin freely when you try and break loose the crank pulley.

 

Hi Dave,

I certainly respect anyone's decision concerning erring on the side of caution when it comes to a mod, and I respect your viewpoint as well. But....

Your quote : "looks EXACTLY like the crank pulley/balancer strapped to my old 94 Z28...straight down to the rubber insulator ring in the middle of the pulley"

is one of the misconceptions I am trying to dispel, which was why I posted those very up-close pics of the stock crank. There is NO rubber insulator ring on the stock crank pulley!!!! The ENTIRE piece is one solid piece of steel.

Greg

 

Answer to gotrice : Yes, on the automatic you have to stick a dinkleberry in the flywheel to keep it from rotating when you install and remove the pulley.

Answer to spyder: Why on Earth would the pulley rip up the belts?!!

 

i know three people locally here in so cal with the UDP. and no one has EVER claimed leakage or ripping of belts or anything of the sort.

i have the UDP sitting on my desk, preparing for an install within the week, and the only reason why i have it is because i know it works. else i wouldn't have spent good $$ for it.

Greg's points are clear and concise. the UDP is a good mod, and i'm surprised there aren't more people with it....

 

I've been running the UDP on my car for nearly 2 years now without any problems.

But honestly, it's not that big a HP gain on the Maxima and here's why:
1. The water pump is driven off of the timing chain, so zero gain here.
2. The A/C is disconnected by the ECU at WOT.
3. The mechanical load BY the alternator is directly related to the electrical load ON the alternator. Minimal gain here if you have a charged battery and turn off everything.
4. Power steering pump load is minimal while going in a straight line.

So, if your cruising part-throttle down twisty roads with the stereo blasting; headlights, foglights and A/C on, you may feel a little difference.

BTW, I installed mine without wedging something against the flywheel. I angled my breaker bar down and towards the front of the car and braced it against the garage floor. Then I bumped over the engine. The starter motor develops enough torque to break loose the bolt.

 

woops, disregard my questions.. I finally had a chance to read the whole thing and saw that it was mentioned that the flywheel had to be jammed. my bad!

 

I guess I'm still on the fence over the UDP though. Minimal gains + documented damage to engines other than VQs pulls me in the direction of retaining my stock pulley.

 

Ahhh, that's what's good about air tools!

Just stick that **** on the end of the bolt and pull the trigger!

when I pulled the one on my car recently, (my air compressor is dying, so impact wrench only has bout 30ft-lb torque)
I stuck a breaker bar on it and just whacked the end of the breaker bar with a rubber mallet. it popped it loose within the first few whacks.
it's not the "best" way to do it, but it gets the job done.

 

To Greg and all the others that have UDPs:

I'm glad the UDPs work out for you guys and haven't caused any problems. I don't think you guys quite understand where I'm coming from nor had some of the experience I've had with UDPs. I've seen what kind of damage they can do (maybe not on the Maxima) and I've seen the kind of power they make on much larger engines. For me, it's not worth it. I wish you guys luck and happy motoring.

BTW, has anyone truely dynoed a Maxima before and after a UDP?


Dave

 

Has anyone installed one on an automatic at home with hand tools? Just wondered because I've heard rumors about clearance issues. thanks.

 

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but as I said previously,Jim Wolf feels that the stock pulley is an harmonic balancer and don't use the UDP !!

 

Dave -

I think I understand where you're coming from. A car is a huge investment, and when in doubt it is better (even if it is strictly for your own peace of mind) to not do it. I just wanted to present the facts as I know them, and try to eliminate some of what I feel is paranoia about the pulley. In the past you have consistently reported a "rubber ring" on the crank pulley, and what I have been trying to spell out (with pictures now) is that there is no such thing. The only rubber ring anywhere near the pulley is the crank pulley oil seal.

-GP

 

From my standpoint, I cant see the value of ANY mod that MIGHT give a 1 hp gain. To me, its a waste of time unless one is big on gaining status in the parts hangers club.

 

I don't think this pulley debate will ever be answered All the other car forums have been arguing over it for the last two years, too LOL