Topic: Difference between 10014012-ws vs. 496411-YP power steering pulleys?

[Angelo]

Does anyone know the physical difference between 10014012-ws vs. 496411-YP power steering pulleys? The 10014012 is from my 1981 turbo trans am, apparently the 496411 was used up through 80 on 400/301. I just wonder if you he pulley will work on my 400 with 400 brackets or if I need to get the 496411 pulley.

[Angelo]

I got the old pulley off and made some measurements. This pulley (10014012-WS) is 7-1/8" in diameter. I suspect the 496411-YP has a different diameter. The 400 and 301 Turbo power steering pumps mount to the alternator bracket with the same offset, so I assume the pulleys are interchangeable as far as belt alignment is concerned.

Does anyone know the diameter of the 496411-YP pulley? Just a guess that it's smaller. I wonder if the diameter difference would create too much pressure in the power steering?

[Angelo]

I went ahead and pressed this pulley on and it lines up perfectly. I also read that the larger the pulley, the less power robbing the power steering is. I guess they used this pulley on the 301 Turbo to help it a little more. I can say that I see why they may have used a 6" pulley vs a 7" on a 400, there is about 1/2" where the pulley is in-line with the alternator belt. I think I'll be ok, I need to get a custom length fan belt though, the normal one for a 77 400 with power steering is just a tad too short for this larger pulley.

[Angelo]

For reference, the 2 fan belts I used were 15485 and 15501. I believe the 15485 is for the alternator (check a retailer like RockAuto to confirm) and the 15501 for the PS. Which ever one was not for the alternator is the belt that worked with the PS.