Electric water pump?

[DUGS57]

I'm considering going to an electric water pump. I'm considering three possibilities ...
1) The CSR901, shown here (http://www.csr-performance.com/shop/product.da/csr901-billet-electric-waterpump-for-chevrolet-big-blcok)
2) The Meziere WP101U, shown here (http://www.meziere.com/ps-642-610-wp101u.aspx#).
3) The Moroso #63557, shown here (http://www.moroso.com/catalog/images/63557_part.jpg).

To date my Desert Cooler with a shrouded 17" flex-fan has been adequate for my (approx.) 500hp 408ci small block, but if I get stuck in traffic on a hot day, the temp has climbed to 215-220 on a couple of occasions. I'd like to not have to worry about cooling issues, so thought a more efficient water pump would help.

I know a better radiator with an electric fan should also be part of the solution. If you have any tips, be glad to hear ... although I can do a search and probably find numerous TriFive suggestions on that topic.

For now, just curious about an electric water pump. Thanks in advance! :tu

[fiddysix]

ever consider a remote pump extra plumbing will give you more water and you can mnt it any where
wayne

[Rick_L]

I don't think electric pumps are developed enough and reliable enough for street use. Also, most don't flow enough for high rpm. Save them for specialty deals (blowers) and drag race cars.

If any deal would benefit from an electric pump, it would be an LT1 engine from the 90s. If you read the 4th gen Camaro boards, you will see lots of problem posts about electric water pumps for those cars.

[nhramike57]

I don't think electric pumps are developed enough and reliable enough for street use.

Hi Rick, i have to disagree, the latest generation of electric pumps are rated for street duty and flow 35-37 gallons a minute. For Dougs 57 the application would be more than fine.Both the CSR and the Meziere are quality products..i've used both on builds :)

[USA1]

I don't think electric pumps are developed enough and reliable enough for street use. Also, most don't flow enough for high rpm. Save them for specialty deals (blowers) and drag race cars.

If any deal would benefit from an electric pump, it would be an LT1 engine from the 90s. If you read the 4th gen Camaro boards, you will see lots of problem posts about electric water pumps for those cars.

I agree with Rick on this one.

[Rick_L]

"flow 35-37 gallons a minute."

Seems like I've seen numbers on the Stewart site of 80 gpm and up. That's the flow gap I referred to previously.

[DUGS57]

"flow 35-37 gallons a minute."
Seems like I've seen numbers on the Stewart site of 80 gpm and up. That's the flow gap I referred to previously.But Rick ... Just how much is really needed? From CSR and Meziere, both say the the 35-37 gpm is satisfactory for my 408's power; if not, they'd be pushing their 55 gpm units for my needs, wouldn't ya think?

Regarding their longevity for street use, I've heard the same as nhramike57, that the motors are actually designed for street use. Besides, at 8 to 10 mpg with its 4.10's, my '57 is NOT my daily driver.
Which brings up another subject: Overdrive trans or Gear Vendors? May hafta do some searching on that topic ... or start a new thread.

Appreciate everyone's feedback ... :tu

[Rick_L]

"I've heard the... motors are actually designed for street use."

Designing for it and achieving it reliably are not necessarily a given. Why do the LT1 guys have problems?

As for the flow, it all depends on the power level you use when driving. Drag race type bursts may not overpower the water pump's ability...or they may. What about high speed runs? What about climbing hills? Etc., etc., etc. What about hot weather? Where do you draw the line? It's definitely short of a mechanical driven pump.

Why compromise if you don't have to?

You'd be far better off to ditch that desert cooler in favor of an aluminum crossflow radiator, and get a good electric fan setup - as opposed to an electric water pump.

[DUGS57]

(snip) You'd be far better off to ditch that desert cooler in favor of an aluminum crossflow radiator, and get a good electric fan setup - as opposed to an electric water pump.I agree with you, Rick, on this point, as I mentioned it's part of the equation to keep things cool. In fact, the more I think about this, the more I may do what you suggest and forget about the electric water pump (for now). I do have a good mechanical pump, this one (http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/water_pumps/img/8810.jpg) by Edelbrock - not sure what the flow is, but it's been adequate for the most part. Note that whatever I do, I want to keep my engine compartment (http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/corvette-photos/data/636/The_408ci-432rwhp.jpg) appearing mostly stock ;) ... which is another reason to forgo an electric water pump.

To maintain a stock engine appearance, I would want the radiator to fit in the V8 location on the support bar ... but I have yet to find a crossflow that will do so. I suppose it would have to be a custom build. Suggestions also welcomed on this topic.

As always, thanks for your comments!