smaller supercharger pulley

**dpmeeks** · 08-17-2015

I was reading on 3800 performance and looking at there stage 1 kit which basically includes a smaller supercharger pulley, CAI, etc. Ive read that ZZP is NOT the one to go with but they include the tuned ecu.

So, my question is.. is it safe to get just a smaller pulley without the ecu tune ? Im not planning on making a race car out of mine but would like a little more HP. IF I do drop to a smaller pulley I guess 3.4 is the one to go with ?

**koRnhead** · 08-17-2015

No tune....yeah you could.
No exhaust work ....definitely NOT.

**BillBoost37** · 08-17-2015

A 3.6 would be a better choice. A lot has been learned about pulley size and it's long term issues/what is acceptable etc since those articles were written back around WWII

**bonerjamz03** · 08-17-2015

I'm currently running a 3.4 pulley (along with headers, colder plugs, air intake, etc.) with the stock tune and I'm seeing around 3-4* of knock during wot. I'm definitely getting a tune very soon.

I would say do all the supporting mods FIRST, then drop pulley size and scan for knock.

**dpmeeks** · 08-17-2015

thanks for the replies.. I just went out and drove it and I have the torque app on my phone and its showing about 6.6 psi boost at WOT. Is that normal for stock ? Also I notice when I do that im getting like a funny burnt smell, bad cat I guess ?

So, if im gonna mod it.. get the exhaust opened up and drop to a 3.6 pulley at a minimum without the tuned ecu will work safely ? I read the post about modding these cars ( excellent write-up ) just wasn't sure where to go if I decided without the tuned ecu. If I decide to get a tuned ecu, open the exhaust, and drop to a 3.6 pulley I should definetly be safe ?

**bonerjamz03** · 08-17-2015

Burning oil smell? Maybe leaking valve cover gaskets if they were never replaced.

**BillBoost37** · 08-17-2015

These pcms take to mods very well with very little tuning. The tuning however will open things up and allow you to feel more power.

The transmission torque management is an area that gets a bit of work to unlock power. From the factory GM was using this to hold you back and keep from letting the smoke out of the transmission.

**bonerjamz03** · 08-17-2015

Bill, what company do you think offers the best/safest off the shelf tune for a 3.4ish build?

**dpmeeks** · 08-17-2015

thanks again.. naww the burning smell is kinda like egg.. that's what makes me think CAT issue. Ive worked on cars for years and im not sure if its the CAT or a lean burn issue, ive smelled cars before that were running lean and had an odd smell.