riplt1

I'm thinking about getting an electric water pump. Would I have overheating problems? Anybody on here have any experience with electric water pumps?

Z28 6spd

iTrader: (3)

Most electric pumps come in 2 sizes, usually 35 gallons per minute or 55. Race only would usually run a 35 gpm, where a street/strip car might need a 55 gpm. If you go with a quality pump like CSR or Meziere and size it accordingly to your application, you'll be fine.

BALLSS

I have had my meziere on for 17 years and about 90k mi. in S. Calif and Vegas 118+ degree heat, not problem. need to have a solid relay & fuse wired

riplt1

When you say size it accordingly, what do you mean? Do they make different size pumps? And I'm only running 9.25:1 compression on a small block. So it doesn't generate a lot of heat. I'm running a stock radiator and I've never had any heat problems.

BALLSS

By "size" they are measured in GPM flow, they can be 43 GPM (gallons per minute) flow or 55 GPM aka HD. Depending on your application, maybe there is only one GPM offered for whatever engine you are putting it on.

I have a LT1 so my Meziere #118 HD (55 GPM) is about 1/2" longer than the 118 (43 GPM) so it is "physically" longer than the standard 118

Meziere, IMHO, is the better brand.

Powershift

Wow, i remember when electric water pumps were only for race cars and never recommended for street cars. What technology can do Great performance replacement part for saving HP.

BALLSS

I was skeptical on the lifespan of the Meziere when I bought it vs a mechanical WP. IIRC Meziere notes a 25k hr lifespan. I have to think in the 17+ years I have had mine on and about 90k mi now that it has exceeded 25k hrs. I just bought a used spare EWP maybe 15 years ago I just kept in my trunk as finding a Meziere, or any other EWP, would not be easy if I ever broke done somewhere due to EWP failure (eventually any WP will fail). I can change it in about 10 min on the side of the road as in my case, 96 LT1, there are just 5-6 small bolts holding it to the factory mechanical WP housing that are VERY easily accessed

Do they free up HP? Yes as would anything no longer being mechanically driven by the engine. For me the primary reason was on Lt1 motors the mechanical WP weep hole is directly in front of the Optispark (distributor) and after several WP's failing while car was under warranty (and killing Optis) I went EWP when my new car warranty ended....and that was 17 years ago and same EWP. YMMV

Powershift

That's awesome longevity!

badassbu

iTrader: (2)

We run electric water pumps on 2 cars that we drive on the street,when the weather permits. Like someone said before me a quality relay and the right size wiring will go a long way.Good luck

Mike Morris

iTrader: (55)

5 years and counting here with mine on a LS

Powershift

Has anyone dynoed for HP difference between manual and electric? It should be interesting.

Launch

Im sure it's been done. I've wondered what ET gain an ewp is worth when already using a 25% underdrive crank pulley with stock mechanical water pump.

BALLSS

this dyno read out shows a 10 hp increase over a mechanical on a LT1

Powershift

That was on a more efficient motor than say a 1968 350. I wonder if the older generation V8's would have picked up even more power from the electric pump.

BALLSS

anytime you eliminate a accessory that the motor mechanically drives, that allows more of the motor HP to get to the wheels

Powershift

Absolutely. I was just thinking as the years rolled by, some of the reasons the newer motors (with less cubes and compression, until lately) make more HP or the same HP as the early muscle motors did, was because of efficiency i.e. TPI, direct injection, less rotating mass, syn oil, etc. So while the alternators today have to be put out higher amperage to keep the electronics going, the electric water pumps could have freed up even more HP back say in the 80's when they first seemed to appear.