akoshok
08-14-2022, 06:10 AM
With 180k+, and 18 years on the stock harmonic damper, it was time for replacement. Splurged a bit, and got the VAC motorsports version by ATI. I am a sucker for heavy duty upgrades.
While preparing and researching, I saw some places talking about the alternator pulley. Some links:
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/over-running-alternator-clutch-pulley-install-and-info.806821/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9beaAjKLBnY <- good voice on that dude
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXa384YJdL0 <- explainer video
I decided to give it a go. Yes, the M54 is already smooth, but this can't hurt.
This tool helps with the installation: http://www.metalnerd.com/catalog/product/2644937fbe324184a25e586d88a2e97d
Per the videos, the pulley increases the alternator efficiency, but it is also 12% bigger, which likely negates that with the under drive effect.
The 3mm bigger radius is easily within the belt's and tensioner's tolerances; I dare say it is plug and play.
The result. I immediately noticed a smoother running engine. Climbs the RPMs faster, too.
Did not check fuel economy yet, but I saw a small bump in the instrument cluster; maybe 1 MPG after 1/2 a tank. And I was not gentle with it as you can imagine.
BTW, there is another pulley mentioned here: https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/e46-cross-compatible-parts-list.1249269/
That did not fit my car, maybe it will fit some models, but as I had my old alternator out - 12317519620, I compared the pulley when it arrived and there is no way it will fit. VW part 022903119C in the first post fits.
Will post here again if I run into any issues at all.
Maybe someone can install only the pulley and share their experience. I posted two parts here, so cannot attribute the benefits to either of the parts with confidence. The price we pay for "might as well while we are in there".
While preparing and researching, I saw some places talking about the alternator pulley. Some links:
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/over-running-alternator-clutch-pulley-install-and-info.806821/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9beaAjKLBnY <- good voice on that dude
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXa384YJdL0 <- explainer video
I decided to give it a go. Yes, the M54 is already smooth, but this can't hurt.
This tool helps with the installation: http://www.metalnerd.com/catalog/product/2644937fbe324184a25e586d88a2e97d
Per the videos, the pulley increases the alternator efficiency, but it is also 12% bigger, which likely negates that with the under drive effect.
The 3mm bigger radius is easily within the belt's and tensioner's tolerances; I dare say it is plug and play.
The result. I immediately noticed a smoother running engine. Climbs the RPMs faster, too.
Did not check fuel economy yet, but I saw a small bump in the instrument cluster; maybe 1 MPG after 1/2 a tank. And I was not gentle with it as you can imagine.
BTW, there is another pulley mentioned here: https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/e46-cross-compatible-parts-list.1249269/
That did not fit my car, maybe it will fit some models, but as I had my old alternator out - 12317519620, I compared the pulley when it arrived and there is no way it will fit. VW part 022903119C in the first post fits.
Will post here again if I run into any issues at all.
Maybe someone can install only the pulley and share their experience. I posted two parts here, so cannot attribute the benefits to either of the parts with confidence. The price we pay for "might as well while we are in there".