What are some benefits to an electric waterpump, and also what would be some negatives to having one?? I am having one installed on my car, i understand it is more efficient(pro) but at same time, if im out of town and it goes out, you cant just go to the local auto parts place and get parts for it.(con)

 

Pros -

Frees up dyno-proven 6-8HP.
Allows use of a double roller timing chain.
Can run the pump with the engine off for added cooling.
Provides more coolant flow/capacity at lower RPMs/idle.
Eliminates possible leaks from the OEM water pump drive seal.
Relieves some stresses off of the front cam bearing.
Eliminates the water pump drive gear/mechanism which have been known to fail.

Cons -

Can go bad without warning, although the motors are fairly reliable (warning systems available).
Flows less than stock at high RPMs.
Reduced space between the radiator and engine.

 

Thats a lot of pro's. Looks like I actually made a good decision.

 

The big negative for running one to some people is more important than all of the positives. Personally I've been running an EWP since 2004 - same CSR pump.

 

One other con can be poor electrical connections leading to the pump stops working. Either poor install, failure of electrical connections for various reasons.

 

Biggest con: If an e. pump dies, you are dead on the road. A mechanical pump will give you warning before it quits.

 

EWP's also give you warning. My first one lasted 4 1/2 years (24k). It made noise for 2 weeks before it even blew the fuse.

 

My Mezeire died without warning. I've seen stock waterpumps with the bearings shot and would still cool the car enough to drive.

 

I am working on a way that will turn on the ses light if the fuse blows...using the AIR circuit (relay, fuse, wiring)

buttercup is the founder it appears

 

Damn... I bought mine based on your recommendation and plan on one for the ss very soon. I've been pleased with mine so far.

 

I should have stated it was an electrical issue, and I'm still running the pump. But, my point was if there is an issue with an electric pump, it will be minutes before you have to shut the car down. It can takes months for a mechanical pump to finally die once the weep hole starts to leak.

 

These things are dangerous. I think every EWP installation should include a nice big warning light or buzzer for even minimal engine overheating. If a wire pulls loose or a fuse blows, you better shut it down fast or you will have significant and expensive engine damage.

The EWP wiring on my 383 LT1 was shoddy, the pump shut off, the engine overheated, the head gaskets blew, and water ended up in my oil. Now there are metal shavings in the oil. Expensive mod if you're not very careful.

 

It's shameful that gm engineers didn't have enough sense to tie the 'check gauges' light to the seat belt or headlight auible alarms. About the factory water pump ... when the sealed bearing failed on mine (very low mileage, but timewise out of warranty) the bearing seal and shield blew out and I lost a lot of coolant while idling for a few minutes in my driveway. It happens. Whether mechanical or electric, use that cooling system port on your passenger side cylinder head for an alarm buzzer.