Saleen S/C pulley selection

[Hiltsy845]

I recently purchased a used Saleen supercharger for my '08 manual and am having trouble deciding whether to run a 3.2" or 3.4" pulley. For now I will be running the stock longblock, stock exhaust manifolds and h-pipe, GT500 fuel pumps, 39lb injectors, Steeda dual-pass heat exchanger, Steeda belt tensioner, and V-10 water pump pulley. 91 octane or E-85 are my only fuel options in NW Iowa. Due to the lack of a reputable tuner nearby I will be purchasing an email tune from most likely Brenspeed, JDM, or BBR. I have spoken with a couple of these tuners and received mixed responses as to which pulley they recommend for a stock bottom end. The car is mostly a weekend toy, but it will see maybe 20 or so track passes a year. I do have an Aeroforce gauge and wideband to help keep an eye on things. I would appreciate any personal experiences that some of you might be able to share to help me with my decision.

 

[discofan]

What pulley???

I would say that the 3.4" pulley which generates about 9 - 10 lbs. of boost would be a safe choice...

I have this pulley combination on my 2005 Mustang GT with a Saleen Supercharger but I run an automatic with 3.73 gears...

I also run 93 octane and have a Brenspeed tune (via e-mail) which is perfect...

Changing from the 3.4 to the 3.2 is no problem if you get tired and you later want to upgrade even more...

Happy tire melting, Dave

 

[Brenspeed]

We recommend no smaller than a 3.4 on the stock bottom end. We have plenty of customers running the 3.2, but its really pushing the limits of the stock bottom end. Please dont hesitate to call us if you have any additional questions. We can be reached at 574.594.9559 and will be glad to help you out.

Thanks,
Chandler

 

[Meikol02]

Without the higher octane, IMHO you should go with the 3.4 to prevent detonation.

 

[kenneth]

Bieng that you will be on stock exhaust, I would stick with the 3.4 pulley.

 

[Hiltsy845]

I do like the added safety margin that the 3.4" pulley gives. Anyone care to comment on what the butt dyno feels when jumping from approximately 440rwhp to 470 rwhp? Is it night and day, a subtle increase, or something inbetween?

 

[Incredible Mr. E]

3.4 inch pulley is relatively safe for your set-up. I have had experience with Brenspeed and have made two trips up there since buying my 2005 Mustang GT. Based only on my experience I would recommend them when it comes to Saleen products and services.

 

[tigerhonaker]

Just a Suggestion.
Run the 3.4 Pulley and then you will not have to worry about a Blown Engine.
Rods hanging out possibly is not worth the little increase in Performance.

tigerhonaker

 

[Hiltsy845]

Thanks to all the "wise" board members for helping me talk myself out of the 3.2" pulley for now. I would rather not have to cringe every time I put my foot in the gas.

It is also good to hear all the positive comments about Brenspeed's tunes and customer service. I have also heard good things about JDM's and BBR's tunes as well. Having all these options makes me feel much more comfortable about choosing a vendor for the email tune on my setup.

 

[Lee's05GT]

I think everyone just talked me out of using my 3.2.....damn it. Anybody with a 3.4 want to trade for a 3.2?? haha

 

[mmiller40]

I wanna change my 3.6 for a 3.4 now. Been scared to do it

 

[discofan]

When you make the change in pulley sizes from 3.6 to 3.4, you need more fuel and have to purchase a BAP or GT500 fuel pumps...

So -- you need to look at two things: additional fuel and the 3.2 pulley...

Plus with a 3.2 pulley, your stock exhaust should also be upgraded to headers...

Dave

 

[Meikol02]

When you make the change in pulley sizes from 3.6 to 3.4, you need more fuel and have to purchase a BAP or GT500 fuel pumps...

So -- you need to look at two things: additional fuel and the 3.2 pulley...

Plus with a 3.2 pulley, your stock exhaust should also be upgraded to headers...

Dave

OP stated GT500 pumps are in or going in already, so fuel is covered.

I ran a 3.4 pulley for close to a year on a mail order tune from JDM, then they dyno tuned it and found I needed more fuel on the top end (6000 rpm+ which I had never hit)so I added the GT500 pumps. Changed to the 3.2 and had to pull some timing due to some Valero gas in the tank at the time of the new Dyno runs (no boost before new dyno) causing a slight ping. I run only 93 octane Chevron or Shell now, but I haven't made it back to the dyno yet. I gained 30+ RW torque but only a little over 10 RWHP because of the fuel.

That is what my advice was based on, with the lower octane fuel you will run more risk of detonation with a 3.2 pulley.

 

[Corpsman]

Unknowingly ran the 2.8 pulley for a year. Switched from that when I found out to 3.6 with the Supershaker. Too slow so went with Brenspeed back in July and got the tune and 3.2. Been running that ever since. And stock bottom end. No issues

 

[Hiltsy845]

Qksixx, go for it! Slap on that 3.2, drive the piss out of your car for 6 months, and let me know the results!

 

[Hiltsy845]

Corpsman, what fuel do you run?

 

[Corpsman]

91 octane

 

[bmaxwell]

I run a 3.4 and it detonated and threw a rod after about 2 yrs but I was also going too fast in 5th like an idiot. I am looking to get a small ass pulley now tho because I have forged rods and pistons so I will be getting rid of my 3.4 sometime. If interested lemme know the only thing is idk when I'll be swapping pullies because idk when I'll be getting the tune done.

Sorry for the thread jack but would a 2.87 pulley be too small on pump gas (93) being that I have stock exhaust manifolds/ off road x/ and stock mufflers? I know I really really need headers but would it be alright as kinda a temporary thing until I can get them? I will be looking for like 550rwhp or something like that until I get headers. Thanks in advance

 

[TOWGUNNER]

ive heard of some using the 3.4 and getting tuned safe without upgrading the fuel pump. i know everyone says you will have to and will be doing it sooner or later.

 

[SherrodMustang]

I have ran the 3.4 pulley and Brenspeed tune for about a year now, with no issues. Brenspeed is top notch in my book and they know their stuff. They have done hundreds of supercharger installs and tunes and are always right on.

If they say stick with the 3.4 pulley to keep from blowing the engine and to be safe, then I would stick with it. Just my 2 cents on it.

Could go with the 3.2 pulley, just be ready for a new block.