I suppose I could just get technical....
Okay, I think I will.
The alternator has a built in regulator that regulates power output. When you turn more accessories on, the demand on the alternator increases, and it charges more, up to the maximum designed output. The alternator should be charging max output under a high load condition by 2500rpms or so. If you don't believe this, go ahead and take the example of the squeeky alternator belt car. If you start turning on the big stereo system, and the heater blower and all that, the chances of the belt squeeking more are excellent.
In other words, pulley's do not affect maximum output of the alternator, they mearly slow the alternator down, which in turns causes a low charge condition when the accessories are in use below about 2000rpm on the cheapy standard 65/75amp Ford alternators. By slowing the alternator down, it just makes the alternator work harder at lower rpms due to increased load on the electrical system, yes? Then in actuality, the alternator pulley would decrease the lifespan of the alternator because of increased load on an already overworked unit, especially below 2000rpms, and it would also not net much of anything for power production since the electrical load on the charging system isn't dependant on engine rpm, but the electrical system load. As far as I can reason the alternator is not very susceptable to shortened life due to the nominal increase of engine rpm of a non pulley car to a pulley equipped car. The alternator has no internally dragging parts, and although it would of course affect overall bearing life, the actual charging function of the device shouldn't be affected by lowering pulley rpm.
Bottom line, you'll get nearly the same hp increase from pullies w/o the alternator pulley, you'll cause less wear on the alternator at low rpms, and keep your charging system in better working order.
On a side note, I'd personally recommend going to a G3 alternator, they are well worth the money. They also come with a larger pulley already on them if you want the extra 1hp of performance that comes along with them.
[This message has been edited by Unit 5302 (edited 03-30-2001).]
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