Weiand Electric Water Pump [Archive] - El Camino Central Forum : Chevrolet El Camino Forums

: Weiand Electric Water Pump


jez
11-04-2003, 01:03 PM
Hello!
I have a possibility to get a used Weiand Electric Water Pump (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=WND%2D8217&view=1). As I understand, I have to get new belts and an electric fan also.
There is written that this water pump is for "racing only", I hope it doesn't matter where I drive it? Or maybe it circulates to quick for street use?

theelcaminofactory
11-04-2003, 01:50 PM
I suppose you could use it on the street, but with a thermostat and electric fan(s). If I remember correctly you stated it's already getting cold where you live that's why you'll need it to be themostatically controlled...or you'll have little or no heat. Also if your going to go with an electric pump and fans this will put a bigger strain on your battery/charging system. I'd also go with at least a 90 amp alternator. Keep in mind that these don't last as long as belt driven water pumps. Do you drive your Elky daily? Is all the added expense worth the extra 10-15 horsepower?

jez
11-04-2003, 11:56 PM
Actually i don't drive my Elcy daily (yet). Because the beast needs to be feeded to often (Quadrajet...). And one more problem is that when the weather is cold, I can't get very much heat in the cabin. When the car idles, the pulley fan rotates quite quick and makes very big airflow through the radiator. That's why electric fan sounds like a good idea. But maybe it's no need to replace the water pump?

camino81
11-05-2003, 05:33 AM
Do you have a clutch type fan? if so the clutch could be worn out causing the fan to operate all the time. replacement fan clutches are not that much.

Tommy
11-05-2003, 06:55 AM
Or you can get an electric fan from a junk yard. I put one on mine from a later model Camaro(late 80s) & it made a difference especially the warm up time when cold. The fan only runs when you need it.

Poltergeist
11-05-2003, 09:51 AM
I'm currently running a CSI electric pump on my LT1 in my Elky. The pump is rated at 2000 hours of operating time. So I would have to drive 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for a year to hit that number. I also have dual electric fans from a 98 Camaro. In the 4 months that I have driven it that way (it's in the paint shop now) I have had no problems with it. I have about 7k miles on the setup.

theelcaminofactory
11-05-2003, 10:25 AM
OK good! Let me see if I still remember my math. 8O If Lil Mikey drives 1/4 of the amount of time (2hrs) to and from work that Poltergeist drives (8hrs) that would mean that the CSI waterpump if installed on Lil Mikeys Elky should last 4X the life expectancy of Poltergeists CSI waterpump or 4 years. Now at a cost of approx $150+ for an electric waterpump compared to lets say $35 for a rebuilt belt driven waterpump, Lil Mikey could buy 4 rebuilt waterpumps compared to Poltergeists' one electric waterpump. Now based on current life expectancy based on Lil Mikeys original waterpump in his Elky being that his Elky is 19 years old and has 108,000 miles, that same $150, letting Lil Mikey mind you buy 4 rebuilt waterpumps, Lil Mikey should be able to drive his Elky 432,000 miles or 76 years which ever comes first. Gee Lil Mikey will be dead by then! Sorry man I just couldn't resist! :lol:

Poltergeist
11-05-2003, 01:51 PM
True but in my case I had no choice but to go with an electric pump. I installed a double roller timing chain and with an LT1 there is usually a problem with the gear drive for the water pump (it's not belt driven). The extra HP is just a bonus

And to change my pump I don't have completely disassemble the front the motor. Eight (maybe 6 can't remember) 10mm bolts some RTV and I'm done, about 20 minutes.

http://www.poltergeist.us/page/Elky/Engine/Pics/Electric_Water_Pump.jpg

theelcaminofactory
11-05-2003, 01:58 PM
I do like da way it looks!!!