Pulley Driven or Electric Water Pump

[jbow03]

Pulled a 302 out of a 2001 Explorer and currently in the re-build process. Crank is in, putting in pistons now.

Need to pull the trigger on ordering a water pump and wondered if there was any advice out there on pulley driven vs. electric water pumps. I like the idea of reducing the an item that needs a belt wrapped around it but also wonder if folks have had issues with certain type of electric water pumps.

Thanks for the input!

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[lance corsi]

I’m using a Stewart inline pump which will allow it to continue running after the car has been shut down. On a timer of course.

[steno]

I'm a guy who likes simple and dependable. Belt driven OEM for me!

[Jeff Kleiner]

Electric pumps are for race cars. Do I have to preach my "Don't try to use race car parts on a street car" sermon yet again? ;)

Jeff

[rich grsc]

Yes please, we haven't heard it in awhile. :rolleyes::p
Maybe I'll learn a new one.

[Avalanche325]

Wait. Let me make some popcorn.

[AC Bill]

The water pump doesn't rob the engine of much horsepower. You can spin it with one finger. The pully may also be handy for belt routing, or you may have to add an idler pulley. My non PS build just has three pulleys, crank, alternator and water pump.

[lance corsi]

Isn’t it called Factory Five Racing? Or am I missing something?

[CraigS]

A belt driven pump is so dang simple I just can't see bothering w/ electric.

[Tremelune]

Mechanical pumps do something like 10-70gpm (from idle to redline) while top-quality electric pumps do 35-55gpm (based on coolant temperature, usually).

The benefit of electric is one less belt (and compatibility issues), high flow at low engine speeds, the ability to keep running it when the car is off, and a slight increase in available power to the wheels.

Unless it makes your build much easier, or you're overheating in traffic even with a strong radiator fan, or you're looking for that last tenth in a short drag race...it's hard to justify an electric pump.