For my 97 Firehawk M6 LT1 I am going to be replacing my harmonic balancer and water pump drive seal so figured I would change the water pump as it appears to be quite old.

I was hoping to get feedback or recommendations for which OEM water pump would be the best option.

Was looking at getting either the ACDELCO 252701 {#88926215} Professional or the GATES 44037.

The AC Delco has a 24 month warranty vs the Gates lifetime warranty. I do understand AC Delco and pretty much all parts now are made in China, Mexico etc. so was wondering which one would preferred to give me least issues down the road.

If there are other bands suggested reccomended would appreciate info as well,

Thanks.

 

I would stay away from the ac delco professional, I believe these are manufactured in china and are not very reliable. I just had my radiator and water pump replaced (reputable shop) and I BELIEVE they used the updated gm water pump from the newer LS2 engine. My original water pump had the thermostat in the housing, the new pump has the thermostat separate from a removable housing.

 

You don't by chance have the part number for the water pump they used for you? Is your application also for an LT1?

Pretty much every part now is made in China, I haven't seen any water pump options for something that is not made in China or Mexico. Based on the reviews the ac delco got the highest from the water pumps I seen available on RockAuto.

 

I would be curious to see what LSx WP fits/works on a "reverse cool" LT1...

With that said its a crap shoot on which regular LT1 WP to get. IIRC the AC Delco is made in Mexico but even new back in 96 they were crap as the bearing seal started to "weep' soon which caused the chronic WP failure

I went with a Meziere EWP 22 years ago and now have over 90k mi on it. Replacing it would take maybe 5 minutes now. At some point like any moving mechanical/electrical device it will also die so I have had a spare in the trunk....for 17 years now, unused. But could replace it on the side of the road in minutes if needed

 

Would the Gates Water Pump be a better option then?

 

My mistake, my motor is a LS1

 

Ah no worries.