Are there "high performance" water pumps or better types for my 302 than just the replacement part at some auto store?

 

Yes there are several Hi-Po water pumps, which feature a more aggresive impeller pitch creating more coolant flow. This is not necessarily a good thing, however. OEM pumps are designed to give the best flowrate for extracting heat from the engine. If coolant flows too slowly, then the heat exchange will not happen quickly enough to mantain a reasonable operating temperature, because the coolant will likely boil before it transfers its heat to the radiator fins. Conversely, if coolant flows too quickly, it will not allow the coolant to extract enough heat from the engine, or build enough coolant pressure inside the block. In this case, there will be rapid, turbulent coolant flow which not allow the coolant to "absorb" engine heat, because it does not have enough contact time. This is why most cars will overheat if you remove the thermostat, because the thermostat allows the coolant to flow slow enough to extract engine heat at the correct rate, as well as build coolant pressure inside the block, eliminating air pockets. OEM's have spent countless hours calculating the thermodynamics of our engines, and perfecting the flow rates of factory-style water pumps to maximize heat exchange. The term "bigger is not always better" applies here. If you want to upgrade your cooling system, consider a larger radiator, or an aluminum radiator. Supplimental electric cooling fans are also a great way to make sure your ride stays cool, especially when actuated by a thermostat.

The one high flow rate water pump that may actually be worth trying is the Victor series by Edelbrock. I say that because anything made by Edelbrock is the best you can buy, and is always streetable and dependable. For the reasons stated above, I couldn't justify the price difference ($80 for the Edelbrock vs. $25 for a brand new stock replacement) for something that you don't need anyway. TK