Topic: LT1 water pumps???
in Forum: C4 Engines
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Spring Hill, FL - USA
Joined: 8/9/2010
Posts: 59
Vette(s): 1992 coupe.
Custom.
Is there any other water pump, for this motor?
I keep braking the gear shaft, when I run hard.
I thought about an electric pump, but I don't know anything about them.
Anyone using an electric water pump on a LT1?
Results?
Pro/Con?
Brand using? Why?
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2246
Vette(s): 1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine.
1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.
IF you keep breaking the shaft on the pump, it's possible there's an alignment issue with the front(timing chain) cover. Just a thought.
Not aware of any other system for the LT1, but there's bound to be some sort of electric pump out there somewhere, if only for racing applications...
Not aware of any other system for the LT1, but there's bound to be some sort of electric pump out there somewhere, if only for racing applications...
Joel Adams 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Replacing the original leaky pump with an electric pump seems to be a good subject to research. I have never used an electric water pump on any of my cars, including my race cars, but I know that they are available. I believe that they are available at places like Summit Racing. I will check it out.
Electric water pumps for the LT1 are available at Summit Racing (http://www.summitracing.com/search/?keyword=LT1%20water%20pump&dds=1). Pardon my ignorance as a C4 noobie, but does the LT1 have an electric water pump from the factory? If so, would the aftermarket pumps be one of choice when replacing the GM pump?
proracr 2011-02-05 07:37:18
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 3/18/2009
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Vette(s): 1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine.
1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.
The LT1 water pump is driven off of the front of the cam, as is the Opti-Spark distributor. The location of the distributor directly under the water pump makes for a bad combination...water pump leaks will take out the Opti-Spark...
Joel Adams
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Go to the second page of the Engines forum (where we are now). Look for the posting by LT1*C4 on water pump and opti replacement. One of the best write ups ever done, even has pictures!
You need to find the primary cause of why the shafts keep breaking first. I agree with Adam, sounds like an alignment problem. When you take the old pumps off, are the bearings missing?
My research shows that installing an electric water pump in the original water pump housing eliminates the shaft and would therefore eliminate your problem. Installing an electric pump requires removal of the water pump. removing the original shaft and impeller, plugging the hole where the shaft goes through the rear of the housing and plugging it with a freeze plug. Then you replace the front cover of the housing with the electric pump. I found an excellent thread on this procedure with detailed pictures: http://www.c4vetteregistry.com/forum/new-opti-and-water-pump-install-dialup-beware_topic63282.html
proracr 2011-02-09 09:38:16
Here is a video done by a friend of mine, just a straight replacement...
in Forum: C4 Engines
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