mechanical or electric water pump

[projectPONY]

What are you guys running? I understand an elect. pump would be an upgrade but what are the real advantages over the tried and true mechanical pump? I'm on the fence about going electric on the new combo but the price makes me sway towards a mechanical. If benefits are to be had than it would make the price easier to justify.

[JC316]

I have an LT1, crazy gear driven mechanical pump FTW. Personally, I can't see that big of an upgrade by going electric. I see it being unreliable and expensive.

[FoxBodyNick]

This is one of those things where it depends on who you ask. You have to weigh the pros & cons yourself and see if you want to spend the money. I personally would just stick with a high flow water pump.

If you have the 3g alternator and your putting on E-fans and pulleys and want to put on the E-water pump at the same time id say go for it because the motor will feel much different but as far as power you don't gain too much. The biggest advantage I can see from a E-water pump is gas mileage.

[projectPONY]

Well, gas mileage will be a moot point since I'll probably find it hard keeping my foot out of it. I was mainly wanting to know if they are more dependable or are they about the same as a good mechanical.

I've been looking at the Edelbrock Victor Series water pumps and they seem impressive. What other mechanical are out there? Anybody running an Edelbrock?

[FoxBodyNick]

I run an edelbrock high flow. has done great.

[majorownage]

Mechanical for sure!

The electric motor driven pumps flow MUCH less water.

[91CoupeMike]

Mechanical for sure!

The electric motor driven pumps flow MUCH less water.

Now that's not true.

Maybe in maximum flow. But an electric will flow at a constant rate, and when you're flogging the engine you don't have to worry about loosing cooling efficiency at higher rpm, where a mechanical pump starts to drag.

I've always been a fan of freeing up anything belt driven. There are people out there that daily drive with e w/p and don't have issues.

I say go for it, you're building an engine for horsepower, might as well get the most out of it. Some people claim they're unreliable and and cause overheating, don't drive like a girl and watch your gauges and you'll be fine.

My .02

[SOLOW55]

The electric will cool better at lower RPM's like traffic and staging lanes . Flow is not dependent on engine speed .

[projectPONY]

Hmm, never thought about the electric pump flowing at a construction rate. That would be a big plus.

So what I'm understanding here is that at high rpm's a mechanical pump will start to drag, therefore not being as efficient.

[91CoupeMike]

Hmm, never thought about the electric pump flowing at a construction rate. That would be a big plus.

So what I'm understanding here is that at high rpm's a mechanical pump will start to drag, therefore not being as efficient.

Yes, they loose cooling power at higher engine speeds and actually cause a parasitic drag on the engine. Underdrive pulleys help this problem but do not solve it.

[Woods Racing Transmission]

Mechanical for sure!

The electric motor driven pumps flow MUCH less water.

Wrong. Electric pump is way more consistent and effective at moving water. At high RPM's a mechanical pump is most likely in cavitation and not moving much water at all. You can also move to much water not allowing it to stay in the radiator long enough. That said if you go with a mechanical use the Victor pump or put a good electrical pump like a CVR or CSR.

[FastFox]

I have used an Edelbrock for about 6 years on a 331 stroker motor. I run cool and use only a 7 pound cap. There is no water loss either.

[Trick Pony]

I have a Meziere on my Vette and haven't had any issues. Just put a light in the dash somewhere so you know if it quits working.
For a daily it may not be worth it because electric pumps do have a shorter life than mechanical pumps. Also, cost vs hp benefit an electric may not be worth it unless you're trying to squeeze that last few hp out it.

[projectPONY]

For a daily it may not be worth it because electric pumps do have a shorter life than mechanical pumps.

I've heard this a lot and for the $500 price tag on a Meziere and $300 plus for the higher flowing CVR, CSR, and Moroso pumps, I'm having trouble deciding. I've been in contact with a guy on another site selling a polished Victor series BNIB for half the price from a retailer so I might have to drop him a text and tell him I'll take it.

[03silversnake]

I've heard this a lot and for the $500 price tag on a Meziere and $300 plus for the higher flowing CVR, CSR, and Moroso pumps, I'm having trouble deciding. I've been in contact with a guy on another site selling a polished Victor series BNIB for half the price from a retailer so I might have to drop him a text and tell him I'll take it.

I have a mezeire an dd with no problems