Engine: Aluminum water pumps for chevybakers

[Mike Sal]

The bearing in the water pump of my Avanti II is going bad. Anyone have experience with those aluminum water pumps? I'm swapping on an aluminum intake manifold & maybe an aluminum pump to get some weight off of the front springs.
Mike Sal

[Gunslinger]

The only issue I would be concerned about is the length of the pump...there are short-nose, long-nose and Corvette water pumps. The Corvette pump may be the same as the short-nose but with a heavier bearing. From my own experience I've seen no difference in performance or life between cast iron and aluminum. You might consider aluminum pulleys as well depending on cost.

[Mike Sal]

I spent most of my career as a water pump engineer & know the different styles. My company never made "short leg" aluminum pumps so i didn't have any experience with them. I think I'll order one to see if I trust it. The grease in the old pump had gone bad & the bearing was a little rumbly, although it wasn't leaking yet....these are the kind that will go thru your radiator if you don't pay attention.
Mike Sal

[bensherb]

We put an aluminum, Edelbrock pump on our '53 (with SBC) about 15 years ago. It works great and still continues to. I put one on my big block Ford about the same time, it's still working pefectly too. Of course, the Edelbrock pump is not your average $20 pump, they were about $160 when we bought them. Surprisingly they're only $260 for the SBC now, the Ford is over $300.

[sweetolbob]

Just remember to get the correct rotation for your vehicle as either direction will fit.

[Mike Van Veghten]

Nothing new, been around 30 years or so.
Just buy a brand name and the correct length that your car needs.

Mike