Best waterpump for an 86?

Moonunit 451 · 10-11-03, 12:24 PM

I'm wondering if there is an elecric waterpump that will go in my car? If not what would be a good one to use on the 383 that I've described in recent posts? Need input and advice on motor rebuild
Thanks for any suggestions

-=Jeff=- · 10-11-03, 04:59 PM

you could call Mezeire to see if they sell anything.

tntcorvette · 10-11-03, 05:45 PM

I have a stewart water pump...works great so far...

as far as electric water pumps go...I do not think I will buy one for my vette since I drive it almost daily...I do not feel comfortable with a electric water pump in a daily driven car.

Moonunit 451 · 10-11-03, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tntcorvette
I have a stewart water pump...works great so far...

as far as electric water pumps go...I do not think I will buy one for my vette since I drive it almost daily...I do not feel comfortable with a electric water pump in a daily driven car.

What would be the reason not to put an elactric water pump in a daily driver? Still looking for suggestions.

vader86 · 10-11-03, 11:37 PM

Id use the Stewart or some other hi-flo pump, like Edelbrocks' pump.

Just need to get one that flows a fair bit more than the stock one.

WhalePirot · 10-12-03, 02:00 PM

The electrics I looked at were for strip; not daily driving. The duty cycles and design was differently directed.

One has to be careful about too much flow, as with too little water flow. More is not always better, in water flow nor in fuel and/or air flow. In this case, water can move too quickly through the block, preventing adequate heat absorbtion.

Experts come in real handy again, here. While I did not find the BeCool folks all too helpful, as they seemed more interestied in selling me more and more product, the technician at FLOW KOOLER, makers my high flow water pump told me:

The coolant needs to be in the block long enough to do its work, i.e. absorb heat. It also needs to be in the radiator long enough to cool. The thermostat is a hydraulic switch, opening and closing, based upon the rating. It likely does not open and stay open all the time. He suggested regulating the coolant flow, starting with no thermostat, then using differing restrictor plates until I found the proper amount of flow.

I had been puzzled as to why my engine was running hot with my 'super' BeCool and FlowTech parts; as hot as it had been with the stock radiator, pump and fan. While BeCool wanted me to drop a few hundred more on their fan, the solution was a $12 Robert Shaw thermostat which flowed a bit more water than the Stant.

So a few bucks to MaBell saved me a few hundred wasted on 'high performance' parts, which would NOT have solved the problem.

I hope this helps. I was told the stock, single fan on my car would cool to 700hp. The stock Z-51 radiator, now in a box, ready for shipping, was likely fine, too, similarly the stock pump.

Moonunit 451 · 10-12-03, 04:29 PM

UhOH, I do appreciate all of your commentws and opinions here guys

But unless I'm missing something WhalePirot, it would seem that you are suggesting something contradictory to what has bben mentioned thus far. You've brought up some interesting information. I hope there will be more comment relating to this. Maybe I just need a good quality pump, not higher flow

I don't mind spending the extra money if it's neccesary to have the right thing, but no sense in pi$$ing it away if it's not required for my application. Thanks guys.

WhalePirot · 10-13-03, 01:27 AM

So, what else is new? LOL

Hey, I spent the bucks and even learned a few things. We're here to help each other, right? Sorry if I got off the topic.

I first ran my new 406 with the 'old' pump, not all that old. I threw pricey parts at the too-hot water before calling the FlowCool experts, in central California. (BTW, my 'bolt-in' BeCool bolted right in; on the 3rd try.)

The BIG KEY to my solution was that my engine ran almost cool enough when the fan was ON. I finally found a lower temp switch for my car, as the former 'cooler' switch while lower than stock, was not low enough to give this system the running start on waste heat it needed. Another test is to use the heater core as an AUX radiator. The extra cooling will tell you if a larger radiator is your solution. Also, ensure your radiator cap is holding proper pressure. A 50-50 mix gives maximum cooling.

You might, Moon, run the car and see how it goes. If I had to throw parts, I'd throw cheap ones, first, like getting the fan going sooner, and trying a Robert Shaw (the opening is larger). I run a 180 stat, which is fine. If you search, you'll find a lot of clamoring for cooler ones, but I differ there, too, from most of the herd.

You MAY just need a quality pump of normal flow.

tntcorvette · 10-14-03, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Moonunit 451
What would be the reason not to put an elactric water pump in a daily driver? Still looking for suggestions.

Electric water pumps save a few hp...some people want every h.p. they can find. But I do not think there is a electric water pump for the L98 Corvette.

oldace84 · 10-25-03, 11:54 AM

I use a FlowKooler pump on my '84.
Works great.
Good Luck
tony