[Old Blue 66]

Originally Posted by Old Blue 66

My thoughts exactly. I tend top lean towards -finding another pump with the correct impeller and having your current one rebuilt. There must be a ton of them out there. Post something in the wanted section. It doesn't even have to be a good pump.

I was thinking about this after I posted it. Is there any validity in this statement?? Im looking at a possible engine rebuild and might as well start looking now.

What I mean is this - if there is anything wrong with the water pump that I may buy, is there any reason why the rebuilder cold not use the impeller?

[Old Goat 67]

Originally Posted by Old Blue 66

I was thinking about this after I posted it. Is there any validity in this statement?? Im looking at a possible engine rebuild and might as well start looking now.

What I mean is this - if there is anything wrong with the water pump that I may buy, is there any reason why the rebuilder cold not use the impeller?

As I said before, GOOD SHAPED IMPELLER, get it!

[boostmaster]

So, let me see if I can clarify so I don't screw this up...

I need to find the correct impeller and this impeller can be pressed onto any housing?

The confusion I have is that while I'm looking at pictures of the various pumps, I see some differences but, I don't think I'm understanding what is meant by the "correct" impeller.

For example, I see the stamped units seem to be smaller and have a star shaped pattern. Then, I see the cast units like mine but, I'm told mine is no good... Is it because it's too small? Is it because it's a 6 vane as opposed to an 8 vane that I saw someone post (as OEM)?

Heck, I even checked ebay for a used unit (trying to find this elusive impeller) and they all had 6 vanes and looked a lot like mine.

What am I missing here?

Maybe some sample pics for reference? (They all kinda looks the same to me.)

Here's some of the stuff I'm finding locally: (prices range from $28 -$72)

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...er=318682_0_0_

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...ump#fragment-3

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...1398&ppt=C0331

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...122_0258172172

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...299_0131317870

http://www.amazon.com/Cardone-Indust...est+water+pump

[GT182]

It's the curve on the top of the vanes. For all the ones being sold from Cardone, the vanes were shaved flat until they were shown that there is a curve in the originals from Pontiac to match the cruve of the original divider plate. Yes stainless steel plates are sold but they do not match the curve of the originals and cause cavatation of the coolant.... not good and will not help the flow of the coolant. You must pound the living daylights out of the SS rear plate to get a match to the impeller curve and get the correct gap between the plate and impeller. It' close to impossilbe and ends up a mess. Pontiac never made the rear plate so it needed to be pounded on.

Here's a thread I started on the meeting Paul Spotts and I had with Cardone back on 3/3/2011......
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...hlight=Cardone

And go thru this section too....
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=411256

In it you will see the difference in the original steel rear plate Pontiac made versus the new and unimproved SS plates being made now. I personally do NOT recommend them, even tho others have used them and don't mind pounding on them. As long as you keep antifreeze in you cooling system the steel plates will last for years and years. And Inline Tube is selling repos of the original correct divider plates for the 8 bolt waterpumps. Who actually is making them I do not know.

One thing about all the suppliers you have links too..... They don't show a profile of the impeller from the side so you can see if there's a curve to the top of the impeller's vanes or if they are shaved flat. None of the ones you showed are correct just by looking at the number of vanes on the impellers. They're really only crap, and probably made in China. You couldn't give me one of any of them shown. You have to actually have one in-hand to see if it's correct and useable. Photos don't show crap.

[GT182]

Finally..... I got thru to my contact at Cardone in Philly a few minutes ago, and something will be done on finding the part number for the 8 bolt waterpump with the correct cast impeller. Give it a few days as he will have to contact Cardone in Dallas so they can find these pumps in the warehouse.

My blood pressure has gone thru the roof, but it's all worth it if this comes thru for us all.

[boostmaster]

Curved top of the vane!!! OK now I understand. No wonder I couldn't see what you guys were talking about...

I guess I will hold on a few days to see what comes of this "new" development. If Cardone provides a good part number I'm happy to be the test mule and purchase one and shoot some pics for all to see... (I guess I'll also be ordering the proper plate from ILT as well)

I'm glad I asked the questions. Too much that I just don't know and that the "books" don't explain... Now, I'll need to start a thread on fuel pumps and ignition coils- (I have the old ones of those as well- I'm sure I need new. Not sure If I need OEM style or some fancy upgraded units to avoid "common" issues.)