Collection: Drives & Pulleys - Performance Pulleys & Belt Tensioners

Drives & Pulleys - Performance Pulleys & Belt Tensioners

Optimize your engine's accessory drive system with our range of performance pulleys and belt tensioners designed for Australian V8 conversions, street machines, and custom builds. From lightweight aluminium pulleys to adjustable tensioners and Gilmer drive systems, we stock everything you need for reliable power transfer and reduced parasitic drag.

Performance Pulleys

Crankshaft Pulleys: Lightweight aluminium crank pulleys to reduce rotating mass and improve throttle response
Alternator Pulleys: Overdrive and underdrive pulleys to optimize alternator speed and charging output
Water Pump Pulleys: Performance pulleys for increased or decreased water pump speed depending on application
Power Steering Pulleys: Optimized pulleys for proper power steering pump speed and pressure
A/C Compressor Pulleys: Replacement pulleys for air conditioning compressor drives
Idler Pulleys: Smooth-bearing idler pulleys for belt routing and tensioning

Belt Tensioners & Adjusters

Automatic Belt Tensioners: Spring-loaded tensioners that maintain constant belt tension for drive systems
Manual Belt Tensioners: Adjustable tensioners for custom belt routing and V-belt applications
Tensioner Pulleys: Replacement pulley assemblies for worn tensioner bearings
Belt Tension Gauges: Measurement tools for proper belt tension adjustment

Gilmer Drive Systems

Gilmer Drive Kits: Toothed belt drive systems for positive engagement without slippage in racing applications
Gilmer Pulleys: Toothed pulleys for crankshaft, camshaft, and accessory drives
Gilmer Belts: High-strength toothed belts in various widths and tooth counts
Gilmer Tensioners: Adjustable tensioners for toothed belt systems

V-Belt Drives & Components

V-Belt Pulleys: Single and double-groove pulleys for traditional V-belt drive systems
V-Belts: Standard and high-performance V-belts in various lengths
V-Belt Tensioners: Adjustable mounting brackets for proper V-belt tension

Why Upgrade Your Drive System?

Factory drive systems use heavy steel pulleys and basic tensioners designed for cost and longevity, not performance. Lightweight aluminium pulleys reduce rotating mass on the crankshaft, improving throttle response and freeing up horsepower (typically 5-10hp on V8 engines). Underdrive pulleys slow accessory speeds to reduce parasitic drag, while overdrive pulleys increase alternator output for high-electrical-load applications. Performance pulleys and tensioners provide reliable power transfer and cleaner engine bay appearance.

Drive System Selection Guide

Underdrive vs Overdrive Pulleys: Underdrive pulleys slow accessories 15-25% to reduce parasitic drag and free up horsepower. Best for racing and performance street cars. Overdrive pulleys speed up alternator for increased charging output in vehicles with high electrical loads (electric fans, fuel pumps, audio systems).

Pulley Material: Aluminium pulleys are lightweight and reduce rotating mass but may not be suitable for supercharger or high-load applications. Steel pulleys are heavier but provide maximum strength for forced induction and extreme applications.

Gilmer vs V-Belt: Gilmer (toothed belt) systems provide positive engagement without slippage, ideal for racing and high-RPM applications. V-belt systems are traditional and work well for street rods and classic builds requiring period-correct appearance.

Common Drive System Applications

V8 engine builds requiring performance pulleys
Hot rod builds with traditional V-belt systems
Race engines with lightweight pulley upgrades
High-output alternator installations requiring overdrive pulleys
Supercharger and ProCharger drive systems
Custom engine builds with non-standard accessory layouts
Gilmer drive conversions for racing applications

Related Engine Components

Complete your drive system upgrade with complementary components:

Alternators: High-output alternators for increased electrical capacity
Water Pumps: High-flow water pumps for improved cooling efficiency
Engine Accessories: Complete range of performance engine components
Fabrication Parts: Custom brackets and mounting hardware

Drive System Installation Tips

Belt Routing: Plan belt routing to ensure proper wrap on all pulleys (minimum 90° wrap on alternator and power steering). Use idler pulleys to achieve correct routing and belt tension. Verify belt clears all engine components and chassis.

Belt Tension: Belts should deflect 6-12mm with moderate thumb pressure at longest span. Over-tensioning causes bearing failure, under-tensioning causes slippage and noise. Use belt tension gauge for accurate adjustment.

Pulley Alignment: All pulleys must be aligned within 1-2mm to prevent belt wear and noise. Use straight edge across pulley faces to verify alignment. Shim brackets as needed for proper alignment.

Torque Specifications: Torque crankshaft pulley bolts to manufacturer specifications (typically 50-75 ft-lbs for aluminium pulleys). Use thread locker on all accessory mounting bolts. Safety-wire critical fasteners in race applications.