Found this cheap UD pulley for my 97 OB on eBait, and bought it: Item # 8020647279 (for example)

 

I've read many posts about the downsides of running an underdrive, and since my driving is 90% freeway, I should have no charging issues, but what about quality? You get what you pay for...but what am I risking?

 

Install was really easy, in fact I had no issues gettting the old pulley off. I'm guessing that was due to the timing belt being changed in the last year.

im' not sure what yo'ure asking but i'll comment. in terms of quality, so long as it's turned properly on a machine and the measurements are right the material properties won't differ significantly enough to cause any issue.

 

someone else had an underdrive pulley and opted for a full sized aluminum pulley in it's place due to charging issues. i asked about this earlier this year when i picked up an impreza OBS. basically i think the advantage of an underdrive vs. stock sized aluminum is non-existent therefore it's not worth the added stress to the charging system. the only advantage is that they are cheaper and easier to find. most likely because the demand isn't there. if supply is larger then demand then price stays down. if you plan on highway driving and think that may resolve any issue then let us know how it goes after awhile.

6061 T-6 is good. But if you aren't doing a whole lot of other things to your car like the stuff listed on gary's machine, then you're just wasting your money and time IMO.

if you aren't doing a whole lot of other things to your car like the stuff listed on gary's machine, then you're just wasting your money and time IMO.

 

i agree as well, the only thing i like about aftermarket pulleys (i prefer full size) is the one piece design. i hate the stock design with the rubber ring seperating two metal rings....leads to possible separation and failure possibilities. that's just because i'm an engineer, why introduce a possible failure mode? i mean i understand the concept, but never noticed unbalance or vibrations with a one piece design.