The water pump has been replaced once before but since I had it off I figured I would replace it myself anyways to be on the safe side. I how ever am at a loss of what to go with.

On one hand I can get from Advance a Tough One or GMB newly produced replacement water pump for $27.99 or I can go through summit and pick up a flow kooler one for $90.95 and have twice the coolant flow rate below 3,500 rpm than stock. I know I dont have a cooling issue but I did have to get a new radiator and the 2 core copper radiator that I could have got from Oreilly's was a good $60 more than a 3 core copper radiator. I would think the flow kooler one with its 16 CNC aluminum blades would be a nice upgrade with the larger radiator. But theres a few problems that I am concerned about.

First problem is I have no idea if the flow kooler water pump would be a direct drop in replacement for the OEM or if I would have to do modifications. It says it comes with a heater hose adapter but I dont see why it would need one as all 351W engines should have the same heater hose size.

Second problem is one that a few family members mentioned and I dont think its a problem but now they have me thinking. It says this flow kooler water pump will produce higher head pressures in the cooling system. Since this engine is a old engine (1978 year model with 182k miles), family is telling me that higher head pressures might cause the cooling ports to blow out if they are weakend somewheres or cause damage to the engine due to its age and high milage nature. Would this here be a concern I should be worried about?

At the moment I can go either way and go with a newly produced water pump thats oem specs for $28 or go with this "performance" water pump. I dont want to drink the water cause I dont know whats in it, based off their website the pros wants me to get it and seeing as their pump is 32% more efficient than oem pumps which results in a conservation of HP. But at the same time their website says something that goes against what I was taught. Their saying that increasing the system pressure in the block will reduce ping. Every thing Ive been taught is a increase in pressure is a increase in temperature and that means ping which is caused by excessive temperature would actually be increased instead of reduced. Maybe I am looking at this wrong I dont know.

But to sum it up the engine is a old engine with 182,000 miles on it I just replaced the oem timing set which had enough slack in it I dont see how the car ran as good as it did and had the power it did. I will be trying to get as much life out of this engine as possible before a rebuild so what recomendations are there as far as water pump goes? Do I go with a cheap $28 toughone/GMB made water pump that meets OEM specifications or do I go with a more expensive Flow Kooler pump that has better materials in it and more blades?

 

Just a WAG but anything stock or meets the flow requirements one would deliver should be more than adequate for your needs. A "better" pump intended more for racing applications seems slightly overkill even though the price isn't too crazy. Going too exotic here is not spending your money wisely IMHO.

Were it me I'd go with a new or best quality reman'd pump from NAPA or where ever, preferably USA made. Such a pump would cost between the $30 and $90 you're already shopping for and be a direct swap.

The hose adapter part probably refers to one being included in case your existing threaded hose connector can't be reused or is of the wrong size.

Check your coolant occasionally for proper pH and you should be good to go for quite a few more miles.

 

Ok, ill go back with the OEM one but what's the difference between the 351w standard pump and the optional severe duty pump?

I think ill go with a drive works remanufactured pump unless someone can tell me why not to go with that brand.

The standard pump is $18.99 + $5.00 core and the severe duty pump is $46.99 + $5.00 core. I don't know if the severe duty is a heavier casting than standard or if it has more blades.

 

Can't share any info on the difference but in the engine specific forum the smart guys there might be able to give you a few good or better ideas?

Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Again just a WAG but the severe duty pump couldn't be a bad thing?

 

I have a flowcooler waterpump for my 400. The reason I went with flowcooler is because up here in Canada a lot of the stuff is made in China. The flowcooler is made AND assembled in the U.S. and for 90$ is a good buy. Go to flowkoolers web site they have an excellant explanation of their waterpumps.

 

I use Oreiley for many light vehicle parts , Advanced Auto for some . From my experience ,over the last 20 + years of buying parts , I would go with the New part from your local supplier .Reman usually , anymore ,only saves you the price of the coolant to do it the next time . I would pay the extra . I do that on mine , and what I may have to warranty .

 

Full agreement there Sir-----most times so many here are looking for the least expensive route so reman'd is the usual choice.

Alternators, water and fuel pumps---nothing but new from NAPA or Ford directly---never failed me yet.