LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Water pump problem

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Old May 31, 2005 | 09:03 AM
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Default Water pump problem

I did a search, but was unable to come up with conclusive statements. So here goes...I had my car up on a lift the other day and the water pump is starting to leak. Now I have read some about electric water pumps, but I want to know is it really worth it? Or should I just get a new OEM pump? If I should go electric, which pump is the best and why? Also, when I replace it, as long as I am careful, the Opti should be okay, right? Thanks for any input you can provide.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 10:37 AM
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Definitely go with electric. The stock robs you of a few horsepower and electrics are a piece of cake to install. Yes, if you're careful the opti will be totally fine afterwards. When it comes to pumps, the CSR flows slightly more coolant than its Mezier counterpart, but the heavy duty Mezier flows more than the CSR. It also requires substantial fan shroud modification. I personally own a CSR and I couldn't be happier, but I don't have a reason to diss Meziers. Seems like a lot of people have them, so maybe that's what will ultimately be suggested. In any case, you can't go wrong in replacing OEM with electric.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by contraststriker
Definitely go with electric. The stock robs you of a few horsepower and electrics are a piece of cake to install. Yes, if you're careful the opti will be totally fine afterwards. When it comes to pumps, the CSR flows slightly more coolant than its Mezier counterpart, but the heavy duty Mezier flows more than the CSR. It also requires substantial fan shroud modification. I personally own a CSR and I couldn't be happier, but I don't have a reason to diss Meziers. Seems like a lot of people have them, so maybe that's what will ultimately be suggested. In any case, you can't go wrong in replacing OEM with electric.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by contraststriker
Definitely go with electric. The stock robs you of a few horsepower and electrics are a piece of cake to install. Yes, if you're careful the opti will be totally fine afterwards. When it comes to pumps, the CSR flows slightly more coolant than its Mezier counterpart, but the heavy duty Mezier flows more than the CSR. It also requires substantial fan shroud modification. I personally own a CSR and I couldn't be happier, but I don't have a reason to diss Meziers. Seems like a lot of people have them, so maybe that's what will ultimately be suggested. In any case, you can't go wrong in replacing OEM with electric.
Do all of them need fan shroud modification or jsut the Mezier HD?
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Old May 31, 2005 | 12:47 PM
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Both the normal Mezier and the HD require shroud modification, though the normal one requires very little. The CSR requires none.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 02:30 PM
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Hello....I would do the electric without any doubt....the weep hole leak took out my opti

went with the CSR and didn't have to do any cutting for the fans

you will need to do some modding to the factory water pump housing to seat the pump

I believe you have to put 4 half round "notchs" ....been a while when I did it

also put the pump on a 30/40 amp relay wired in ....4 wire is common the 5 wire allows a led connected to see and verify it running

do a search ....the internet has set and wiring ....dont have handy


Michael
"Thumper"
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Old May 31, 2005 | 02:41 PM
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I have a CSR and I love, it. Just wire it correctly and and your good to go. Stock units work well enough too but if your going to spend the cash, do the Electric. I gained upwards near 10hp across the rpm band.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 02:42 PM
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http://ken.lowrance.com/Projects/CSI...mp/Default.htm this has everything you need.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by BlackScreaminMachine

Wow, definitely lots of good info. Thanks.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 03:55 PM
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What about the drive gear in the timing set? Did you guys just leave it be since the drive is removed from the water pump housing? Always wondered about it.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 05:55 PM
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You can leave the drive gear in, or you can take the timing cover off, remove the spline and stuff a freeze plug in the timing cover. Your choice.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 06:19 PM
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Y'all mean CSI right?

I love my CSI and yes you can leave the gear in or take it out. I took mine out and brought the gear to Autozone to get a freeze plug that fit.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 06:20 PM
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My friend's had good luck w/ his CSR.. I'd highly recommend this wiring kit for whatever pump you choose



you'd have to ask gary if the same harness can be used (length issues maybe) on an F-body, but otherwise His wiring harnesses are top notch.

http://www.innovativewiring.com/Chev...lahomepage.htm

Matt
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Old May 31, 2005 | 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by GhostZ
Y'all mean CSI right?

I love my CSI and yes you can leave the gear in or take it out. I took mine out and brought the gear to Autozone to get a freeze plug that fit.
No...CSR. They used to be CSI.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 06:25 PM
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When did they change?

Oh well...mine says CSI on it so I'll stick with that.
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Old May 31, 2005 | 06:29 PM
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Mine too. They changed less than a year ago.



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