Fusick sells one for $100 that is made by Gates Rubber
http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts....p?number=W231A

YearOne sells one for $50 that is GM
https://www.yearone.com/Product/1964...-442/305N/view

Any really difference in quality?

 

And to make me even more confused, I see these folks are selling 2 different kinds for the same car ('72 355 with A/C)

http://www.opgi.com/p/cooling/2179/181/C220469.html

http://www.opgi.com/p/cooling/2179/181/CT20253.html

 

Looking at the info from both sites, the pumps on each appear to be AC Delco parts. That being so, I do not see how there could be a "difference in quality," let alone a $50 difference!

Having said that, I have seen complaints online re: the quality of anything AC Delco, as it appears the company has gone offshore (China) for production?

 

My recollection from earlier discussions is that the key difference in function is between closed and open impellers, with the closed impellers pumping more water.

Coincidentally, none of these sellers shows the back of the pump so you can see the impeller, and there is no way to know whether these are any better than what you get at your local auto parts store.

- Eric

 

There is a difference. Those newer pumps like the opgi ones posted are the same ones you can get from your local auto parts store. The impeller is a stamped piece of steel that looks like a fan, instead of the factory cast iron turbine.

I recommend the Milodon pumps. They aren't cast iron impellers, but they are a welded together paddle wheel at least. Instead of just the splined piece of sheetmetal.

 

most aftermarket/stamped: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...1391286976___#

factory cast impeller style:http://img.alibaba.com/photo/5228544...p_Impeller.jpg

 

Hope you don't mind, J, I made it easier to see:

Note that both of these are the "open" impeller type.

There is also a closed type that looks more like an old-fashioned waterwheel.

- Eric

 

the cast iron piece is installed with the finned side facing the front pulley.

You don't see the fins at a glance, unless you go poking around in it.

 

Oh. Right. I know what you mean.

The "closed" type I was talking about has both a front and a back "disc" (I know I've seen them as a multi-piece stamped assembly, and I think I've seen some cast as well), and not just the "front" disc portion, with the "back" portion open, against the front surface of the pump, like the ones above.

- Eric

edit:

Here are a couple of pictures of the type of impeller I was talking about, for clarity's sake:

 

Does anyone sell one with a cast impeller for a moderate price?

 

I buy them from the junkyard for 15 bucks and cross my fingers 3 pumps for the price of 1, but you always run the chance of getting a dud.

 

I would try the old standby, Rock Auto.

 

If you have an original that needs a rebuilding I can recommend these folks:
Automotive Friction in Portland, OR. I have used them & was happy. They were helpful & service was quick.
http://portland.citysearch.com/profi...ction_co_.html

Website isn't much:
http://autofriction.com/home.html
They are old school, give them a phone call!

 

I just bought a flow kooler water pump,it was more than I wanted to spend but when your building a street performer 455 what's another $135! It looks like a stock pump.

 

I used a place in Michigan called "The Watter Pump Man" to rebuild my original pumps. They run $100 for most pumps.

 

ive been running a flowcooler aluminum pump for 11+ years no problems. its aluminum with a closed impeller design for high flow

http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...duct_info.html

 

That's a nice-looking pump.

- Eric

 

I use this one on 57 Olds and will have installed the same one on my 455 going into my 48 Olds. Great product

 

That looks nice.

Did you need to match it with the Robertshaw thermostat that they recommend?

http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...ermostats/c22/

How do you decide between a 180 and 195 degree thermostat?

Assume the aluminum will take engine spray paint OK....

 

"Inlet Outside Diameter 1 7/8" "

FAIL if true
right between the two correct factory sizes of 1.75 and 2.0"
So, neither hose will fit right.
FAIL.

You'd think they could spring for a cutaway view or at least a CAD rendering of the business end of this miracle impeller. The flat backside is underwhelmingly unimpressive.

 

this is an image i found of a Cardone pump.
can i assume that this is what you mean by "closed impellers"?

 

sorry boss im in california i've never ran a thermostat, yes sir i sprayed it with high temp aluminum color

 

Everyone has different opinion on thermos. I will give mine.
Thermostat temps refer to the minimum temp the engine will maintain.
195 temps came out with emission controls, the thinking that the higher temp resulted in less carbon emissions. If your car can maintain 180 degrees in normal operation, but rises 30 degrees or so under hard running or in traffic then the 180, 175 or 165 thermos give more leeway for that rise then higher rated thermos.

 

Hasn't it been stated on here somewhere that Flowkooler pumps are just GMB's that have been re-boxed?

76_cutty, put a thermostat in that thing. You're killing that engine slowly if it never reaches operating temp

 

she runs at a steady 180 only takes 3-4 min to warm up, ive been running her like that for 17 years shes still running strong. an old timer told me take it out when i first bought it and its been like that ever since. i didnt know it could be bad for her

 

Just added photos to my earlier post about a different impeller design that had not been pictured above.

- Eric

 

very helpful. thank you.

 

Ended up purchasing from Supercars.

I really like the idea of supporting small specialist who give good advice, even if I have to pay a premium.

But am feeling a little burned by the markup.
Paid 90.
The pump is an Airtex AW1120.
Generally available at local auto parts stores for around 30 and online for as little as 20.

Cest la vie.

 

The aftermarket stuff is never as good as the GM stuff.

Get a core, and have it rebuilt.

No aftermarket vendor is going to put 1/0000 of the engineering into their product like GM did.