Is there any way to improve the stock LT1 mechanical water pump? What are the primary reasons for them failing? I'd much rather have an "improved" mechanical pump than an electric pump. I have one off a '97 Z28 to mess with and work as tool and die maker so have the resources to modify it. I just wanted to know what could, if at all possible, be improved on it. Impeller, bearing, seating surfaces . . . Any info appreciated.
Greg

 

Can't do much with it. I have an extra myself off of a '94 Vette that I'm sanding and polishing with some leftover sanding rolls. Once mine goes bad I'm gonna put the shiny one in with an electric pump.

 

Yeah, I know the Meziere/CSI pumps flow more and free up a little more power but there's a major reliability factor there IMHO. I'd just like to improve what's there if possible. If not feasible I'll just use a stock WP.
Greg

 

Correction, the electric pumps ( meziere for sure) flows appr. 52-55 gpm in an LT1, which has a more effecient cooling system. Std. sbc flows around 50, I believe. The oem mechanical pump flows appr. 80-85 gpm. SW has stated an LT1 pump is in the works. However, the arrival date keeps getting set back. Anyway, SW states that mechanical pump will flow appr. 115-120ish gpm., if I remember correctly.

BTW, the 80-85 was a guesstimate of mine, that was later substantiated by SW (Stewart Warner) on their forum.

 

The only problem with the mechanical pumps is their flow rate depends on engine RPM. So while you are in bumper-to-bumper traffic and idling, the mechanical WP is seriously lacking.

With a electrical WP, the flow is the roughly the same no matter what the RPM. Not to mention less parasitic loss. They can also be wired (along with the fans) to run when the engine is not running.

Each has their place.

 

Agreed! However, for those that operate at high rpm for an extended period of time, should not expect the electric to deep the engine cool. For oval track use, expect to need a minimum of 100 gpm.

 

Arnie the Rainman....

 

Someone posted a while ago about how he designed some sort of tube that connected to the weep hole on one end and the other end was sticking out as far as possible from the opti. I thought that was a good idea to protect the opti, only it would probably be sort of a PITA to do without the right tools. (which you probably have)
Other than that, I don't think there's much you can do to improve it.

 

ROFL!


















ROFL!













ROFL!

 

Thanks for the replies and clarifying the electric/mechanical flow ratings. Any more info. about the SW (Stewart-Warner?) LT1 pump?

 

Tell ya what! I'll send ya here, in case you'd like to inquire and/or check around for yourself: http://www.stewartcomponents.com/html/forum/default.asp

Good info there. As for me, haven't heard lately.

 

Tell ya what! I'll send ya here, in case you'd like to inquire and/or check around for yourself: http://www.stewartcomponents.com/html/forum/default.asp

Good info there. As for me, it was spring, when I got my latest (not ready yet) update on the LT1 pump.