I've got an '89 convertible with a 302 and a manual and I'm planning on adding a few bolt-ons and the like. I'm fortunate enough to know a local mechanic who can do inspections and will forgo the emissions tests for a small cash incentive, so emissions are not a problem. The car's bone stock except for a Cervini's Ram Air hood and the accompanying intake kit. These are my ideas:

Off-Road H-pipes (w/o cats)
3.73 Gears
Steeda Tri-ax / UPR Shifter
Smog Pump Eliminator Bracket
A/C Eliminator Bracket
March Underdrive Pulleys (crank, alternator, water pump)

Ive got a few questions concerning this, though. How badly will the underdrives affect my car's electrical power? WIll I be able to operate my convertible top provided my engine's running? How much effort is involved in removing the smog pump/AC and installing the brackets?

Thanks

 

Mike, On the smog pump and AC Eliminator Brackets. I had a 93 hatch and before i ripped the 302 out I removed the smog pump and took a pice or string and traced the rout that the belt would run. (I used to remember the exact inches but have forgoten since then.) Then go to parts store and get a couple diffrent sizes biger than your string. (I ran that for a long time and had no problems.) As for your AC, removing your pump and the lines shouldn't take that long. All depends on if you want to reinstall the AC unit later in life. Depending on what type of bracket you buy what the install will look like. Some come with the pulley and some use your factory belt Tension bracket. Either one shouldn't take you to long to do. Hope this helps you a little..

 

sounds good so far. never removed the ac as i like air. and i wont miss the 5-6 hp im losing with the compressor there. also might want to consider a cobra/holley/GT40 etc intake along with a large throttle body they will give a noticible gain.

 

I have installed the underdrive pulley kit on my '93GT HBK. I got mine from blue oval industries. I have only installed the crank and water pump as of now. Having problems getting alternator pulley off so its stock. I can run all electrical systems while at idle with no problems. The battery charge gauge does drop while doing this. I've had this set up for about 2 weeks now with no problems keeping the battery charged.LOL

 

the gt40 intake is really overrated go with a 95 or so explorer intake manifold it will give you a better torque curve trhu the rpms from what i've heard the gt40 stuff is ok but you pay more for the name than you do the performance
michael

 

Use a bigger alternator

3G 95A Alternator....enough juice for a cooler of your favorite adult beverage

Someone else mentioned in a post about temp increase with under drive pulleys. I didnt see any increase in temps....after the correct thermostat was put in

 

Go with a 2-1/4" off-road pipe if you can find it, and if you consider shorty headers, go with 1-1/2 primaries, the same with long tubes.

This has nothing to do with maintaining back pressure, but has everything to do with maintaing exhaust gas velocity. If you can get everything thermal barrier coated, so much the better.

 

A set of 3.73's is a good choice, very drivable.

 

Use an air gun to get the pullys off. The underdrive units DO NOT HURT the car and all should work fine. I would also add shorty headers. An aftermarket throttlebody and computer chip also wouldn't hurt.