underdriving water pump

[freak]

The previous owner of my A installed a smaller than stock pulley on the crank which presumably was put there to underdrive the water pump/fan and extend it's life. This is ok with me except that this removes the hand crank cam so I can no longer use it. Does anyone have any opinions about underdriving the pump and whether or not it is a help? I don't have the original pulley but should I get one and put it back on?