WVZR-1

All of the 'premium' pumps mentioned in the thread are likely good choices. Maybe the way you choose is quiz each as to the 'rebuild' of their offering. Can it be? Is it an offered service? What is the warranty?

Knowing that there has to be foundry issues I'd think with the 'generic' offerings I'd be concerned.

I think WW did an Edelbrock not many years ago and mentioned his running 'hotter' - I see in this thread he mentions Stewart!! I might have leaned that direction also.

If someone were offering a premium build using 'your core' and you knew it were OE and only a 'weeper' I might consider that.

Mjet67

I installed the Summit Aluminum Water Pump (S-312635) in my 89.

Put it in a year ago...No problems....

mtwoolford

there are any of a number of short style water pumps of varying prices, for a actual high volume pump, none are gonna be $49.99 cheapo's, and while you can spend more for some really high end race oriented pumps, Edlebrock pump #8815 should more than fit the bill. While most any short style reverse rotation water pump with a 0.750 inch snout should work, the Edlebrock unit is specific to your year corvette. Good luck

aklim

Note. "No problems" doesn't always denote that there won't be a problem sooner than expected. Bottom line, it has to stand the test of time ON THE AVERAGE and perform well before we declare "No Problem".

aklim

You sure about that? I thought it has to be some sort of reverse rotation which is what makes it specific to the 84 to 91 Corvette?

ctmccloskey

My Edlebrock water pump (8860) used on a BB C3 has a CNC machined impeller.

My Stewart water pump has a cast impeller.

What helped me was looking at the "quality" of the parts. Edlebrock made a very nice casting and then finished it in a way that makes it look better installed.

The better pumps are also available in aluminum instead of heavy cast iron.

aklim

One more thing to add. If you find the best is $400 and the lowest is $50, I would NOT look for anything under $200. I can't afford to buy something so cheap unless I am selling the car.

mtwoolford

you are 100% correct. my bad. it's the serpentine belt drive that reverses the rotation of the pump.

aklim

I'm almost certain that if you put just any regular one it will overheat but I wish I could recall of someone saying that for certain.

fake

It is a toss up! They are all junk. My ac delco was locked up the new one shaft barely turned with pliers.

aklim

Nothing is perfect. That said, the cheaper the item, chances are it won't perform as well or last as long as a more expensive one. There is no reason something good is cheaper. If YOU are good at your work and are worth $20 an hour, would you like to talk about doing the same thing for $10?

WW7

Wow, you have a good memory Dave.... Yes I did have an Edelbrock before I installed the Stewarts , and yes it did run about 5 degrees hotter then a stock pump... I think the guys on here reasoned that it was moving the water to fast through the engine to cool properly...The Stewarts pump keeps the temps right where they use to be, around 180 degrees while moving at 30 mph or more...WW

4xcontractor

I did this job on my 1991 l98, use the flowkooler from summit, appears to be well made, have about 3k on it now. No issues so far, runs cool.

ToniH

AC Delco wp has been "Made in China" for many years.

I've had no problems with Edelbrock in my C3, bought one for the C4 too along with a new radiator.

aklim

That seems to be another okay brand so far

aklim

I'd look for the reputation of the company since that is who sets the standards for the factory in China

ToniH

Yes, in theory they do, its completely another matter if the Chinese will follow that standard in the long run. I would not take chances with mission critical parts like water or oil pump.

Btw. you weren't that optimistic earlier.

cdm747

I decided to try the Summit pump. I have not installed yet. I did open the back to look at the impeller. it appears to be a stainless steel welded impeller with 6 curved vanes. Casting seems to be good.

aklim

My guess is that we told them to build cheap and we accepted it which is why we get cheap stuff. Had our QC insisted on better, we will get better I still think poor parts are because we have asked for it and they delivered.and we accepted it. Kinda why I think the last bastion is to go with a company that has to have a facade of higher standards and insist on on marginally better.

Look at the euphemisms like "budget" or "I'm not building a race car". What do you think the question is? Besides "how cheap can I get to have all the benefits of the good stuff"?

Whaleman

I have a 96 base. Ebay lists two AC Delco water pumps. One is 252-699 for $121.00 and 251-554 at $246.00. Does anyone know what the difference is and is the more expensive worth it? Thank You, Dan