Looking at doing my timing belt soon and was browsing the ECS website for the "kit" and noticed they have an Ultimate Kit which includes an underweight pulley (not to be confused with an underdrive pulley). States the pulley is 70% lighter than stock which results in increased horsepower. Since the kit is on sale, I would only be paying an extra $20 bones for the pulley. Question is, has anybody used these before and do they work? Any side effects?

Thanks

 

Bad idea. The pulley is also called the "vibration dampener" and for good reason. Its specifically weighted to keep the engine in balance. If you put a lighter pulley on sure it will be easier for the engine to turn over, but if the crank isn't in balance you are increasing the wear on both the crank bearings, and rod bearings. If you spin a bearing.......well, game over until you re-build the engine.

 

Thanks, I'll save my $20 for the beer then!