What happens to the water pump shaft and gear after you put in an electric water pump? Are the shaft and gear left to free spin, or is it totally removed? I head the water pump gear acts as the damper for LT1/LT4 engines. Would removing the gear then call for an aftermarket damper?

 

They can stay and spin, or you can pull the timing cover and remove them. I left them in place, as many people have done, since I had no desire to take apart the timing cover at the time.

 

Is there a need for a damper if you remove it if you're gonna spin past 6000?

 

I've never heard that the wp drive acts as a damper... And I can't believe that it has anything to do with the balance of the rotating assembly. But, I've been wrong before.

 

I can't find where I read that. I'll keep searching. I'm planning on getting a Cloyes Hex-A-Just timing set anyway, no gear to drive the wp gear. I just wonder if a damper is in order.

 

No damper...grind the cover for the hex adjust...also the hex adjust has to be moddified to fit the opti

 

Remove the waterpump drive and use your stock damper you'll be fine.

 

awesome, thanks fellas.