Why are pulley systems soo much money?

[camaro2nv]

I must be missing something. Maybe its because I come from the import crowd. My last build was a higher end import, a G35. I thought parts for that car were pretty high. I TT kit was about 10k. Aftermarket pulleys were about 500.00. So I just bought a LS2 for my 69 Camaro Im building. I start looking for a aftermarket pulley kit and I price em about 2500.00. Did I miss something? Or does someone need to come out with a new kit that is cheaper? Just trying to understand :willy:

[camcojb]

I must be missing something. Maybe its because I come from the import crowd. My last build was a higher end import, a G35. I thought parts for that car were pretty high. I TT kit was about 10k. Aftermarket pulleys were about 500.00. So I just bought a LS2 for my 69 Camaro Im building. I start looking for a aftermarket pulley kit and I price em about 2500.00. Did I miss something? Or does someone need to come out with a new kit that is cheaper? Just trying to understand :willy:

I would say a lot of it is because they are not just pulley kits. The popular LS front drives come with a new waterpump, alternator, a/c compressor, ps pump, ATI balancer, plus all the pulleys, brackets, tensioner, spacers, belt, stainless hardware, etc.

Jody

[camaro2nv]

Ok now Im understanding. So for 2500.00 you get the acc's to?

[ArisESQ]

yea, you generally get the entire front drive

[awr68]

Remember you always have the option to use an OE system. This is what Steve Rupp tends to do.

I have a LT1 not LSx...but I chose to use the stock system as well.

[youthpastor]

After chasing around for all the "correct" LS stuff i ended up with about $1200 in stock parts, chasing bolts etc. Ebay has a company that sells complete stuff that i used. if i did it again i think the aftermarket kit would be the way to go. -chris

[Bowtieracing]

No need to understand...

I bought complete F-body LS1 drive as brand new GM parts . With all the bolts,nuts and small stuff including alternator,PS pump tensioner ,belt and even AC compressor bracket. All this little bit over 700!! Water pump comes with engine and ac compressor with the ac kit,and yes its easy to adapt on stock gm ac bracket.

Okay, these may not look as cool as black anodized billet stuff . But i am planning sand all rought spots smoot and powder coat brackets and change all bolts for stainless . Cost for this is under 50 bucks.

[Bowtieracing]

Ok now Im understanding. So for 2500.00 you get the acc's to?

Btw - most of those kits use older style alternator..

[fesler]

For the money its not really a bad deal, if you are going custom you need an after market system to fit the car, if you car is more stock then the GM set up is the way to go.

Are you doing all billet, blk anodized, painted or brushed engine compartment that will help you decide on what to do. The more custom you go the more you will need after market parts to fit the look.

We also have billet hood and trunk hinges, tail lights, marker liights, fender braces, door jam vents, strikers and a few other parts in the works that you might be intersted in.

[MarkM66]

I think it's also based on what's popular, and what people will pay for it.

For example, compare the price of the V-trac to the Tru-trac for sbc.

http://www.billetspecialties.com/item.asp?cid=25&scid=154&pid=802&rdir=1

http://www.billetspecialties.com/item.asp?cid=23&scid=182&pid=649

Both include all accesories, but there's over a $1000 difference in the way they're mounted. ;)

[deuce_454]

i just have one thing to say in this matter.. what ever you do, dont get somthing that sais march on it... their pullies are ok, bit the brackets are junk in my experience.... so its either stock, or full tilt in my oppinion...

[Tim Baillie]

Who is making them for a drive by wire system now ? Been down the Synister road.................not taking that disaster road again...........

[James OLC]

Who is making them for a drive by wire system now ? Been down the Synister road.................not taking that disaster road again...........

I know that the ATS Sidewinder works fine with drive by wire. I would guess that most others would as well.

It's also worth noting that in the case of some of the complete systems (I can not speak for all), the accessories themselves are not stock but are upgraded in one form or another. My personal experience is with the Sidewinder drive kit and off the top of my head - the water pump is an Evan's modified piece, the alternator is a Powermaster one wire, the power steering pump is modified by Lee Engineering, the balancer is an SFI approved piece and the ac compressor is an aftermarket friendly unit from sanden.

I am also fairly certain that the ATS unit is one of (if not the) only aftermarket packages that underwent dyno testing during development to ensure that the pulley and belt were stable to 8,000 RPM plus...

[Bowtieracing]

... My personal experience is with the Sidewinder drive kit and off the top of my head - the water pump is an Evan's modified piece, the alternator is a Powermaster one wire, the power steering pump is modified by Lee Engineering, the balancer is an SFI approved piece and the ac compressor is an aftermarket friendly unit from sanden.

...

I cant argue with the purpose of those race quality parts but if you are on cross country road trip and one of those custom parts brakes you are in trouble.

That is the reason why i value factory stuff so much. Just pull it to the next gm service station and fix the part you need- and go.