Water pump suggestions
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
Water pump suggestions
So, I just installed a 3 core aluminum radiator along with a Flex-a-lite dual electric fans at 3000 cfm. The original rad had a leak. Anyway, seem to be running hot still and I suspect that the water pump might be the culprit. The upper hose will get warm once the thermostat opens, but it is super soft like the coolant is barely flowing through it.
The engine is a fresh rebuild. I set the timing pretty much by ear because I am missing the timing tab on the timing chain cover. A new one is ordered and on the way. I am well aware that the timing can cause an engine to overheat which is why I am not driving it (much) until I get that dialed in.
I also have a new temp sensor ordered as well because I am using the original from 1976. I don't trust it. The plan is to compare it with the new one and if the old one is still accurate I am going to use it for the fans instead of the needle sensor that slips between the rad core.
Now to the question.......any recommendations on water pumps? Acdelco professional series seems to be the best price at around $100 CDN. Proform has a high flow for around $150, and EMP/Stewart stage 1 hi flow is a $180. The reviews for Proform and the Stewart are not as solid as the ACDelco and I tend to be a fan of Acdelco for most things, but could use some feedback on other brands.
Thanks.
The engine is a fresh rebuild. I set the timing pretty much by ear because I am missing the timing tab on the timing chain cover. A new one is ordered and on the way. I am well aware that the timing can cause an engine to overheat which is why I am not driving it (much) until I get that dialed in.
I also have a new temp sensor ordered as well because I am using the original from 1976. I don't trust it. The plan is to compare it with the new one and if the old one is still accurate I am going to use it for the fans instead of the needle sensor that slips between the rad core.
Now to the question.......any recommendations on water pumps? Acdelco professional series seems to be the best price at around $100 CDN. Proform has a high flow for around $150, and EMP/Stewart stage 1 hi flow is a $180. The reviews for Proform and the Stewart are not as solid as the ACDelco and I tend to be a fan of Acdelco for most things, but could use some feedback on other brands.
Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,339
Likes: 416
From: Seattle Area WA
I've been using Stewart's for at least 8 years now on mine and customers cars. I just installed a stage 1 from Summit for $106, that's quite a difference from your price of $180!! AC Delco doesn't make anything, they just simply repackage parts.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
But other than that, I like your feedback. It's what I was looking for.....an opinion from someone familiar with them. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
Follow up question, if you don't mind. Any particular t-stat that you favor with the stage 1 pump? It is my understanding that some OEM T-stats can restrict flow. Thoughts on that?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,662
Likes: 2,563
