Water Pump Recomendations

[Already Gone]

I want to replace the water pump in my truck. Looking for some real world experience with this. My truck is a 72 C10 with 350/350 with factory working A/C. The truck is stock and I don't plan on any wild cams or roller rockers going into it. The truck has 87,000 miles and I dont know if the water pump has been replaced. I plan on doing the long haul Power Tour within a few years so want to prep the truck by refreshing, even if they are working good, parts like a water pump that can fail without warning. Looking this morning I found an Airtex Brand, a little pricey, all aluminum water pump and am wondering is anyone is using one of these and would it be overkill for my sedate stock 350 truck. Any and all posts and ideas are appreciated.

[Valarius_Starchaser]

I have been disappointed by the Airtex brand time and time again I found some online for 25ish USD that doesn't seem expensive to me for a water pump at all....

but am interested to see what others say as parts quality is really taking a dive

[webfoot]

How about a good ole fashioned AC delco? Rockauto sells these for $33.79.

Airtex is typically one of the budget priced brands, so shop accordingly.

I also see Gates water pumps come up in that search. i did not know they were in the water pump business.

[68is4me]

I would just go to local parts store and buy a new pump and not the reman ones. The local parts pumps usually carry a lifetime warranty.

Have not installed Airtex water pump so can't answer that. Have done a few fuel pumps and they are junk.

[RodnRudy]

I recommend Flow Cooler, I run this one on my 350, excellent quality.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bra-1668/overview/

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by 68is4me

I would just go to local parts store and buy a new pump and not the reman ones. The local parts pumps usually carry a lifetime warranty.

This is what I do also. I bought my most recent water pump from my local NAPA back in 2005. I haven't put a lot of miles on it, but it was my DD until my 2009 retirement. Only a few hundred miles a year since then. Knock wood, the water pump is still pumping water.

[leftybass209]

With me, it comes down to aluminum Vs. cast iron, and that's usually based on if I want to paint it, keep a cast aluminum look, or go with a polished aluminum pump.

For cast iron, a new parts store pump would suffice and do the job. I like Edelbrock for my cast and polished aluminum stuff. I try not to get too hung up on "high flow" marketing.

[ck5566]

Originally Posted by Valarius_Starchaser

I have been disappointed by the Airtex brand time and time again I found some online for 25ish USD that doesn't seem expensive to me for a water pump at all....

but am interested to see what others say as parts quality is really taking a dive

Any and all parts made in China is the culprit for your statement of "taking a dive. All China stuff my be with the exception of one or two parts are CRAP. This is my opinion and probably a hole lot of others here. I use to sell Airtex back in the late 60's them with being at the top of there game.

[ck5566]

Originally Posted by Valarius_Starchaser

I have been disappointed by the Airtex brand time and time again I found some online for 25ish USD that doesn't seem expensive to me for a water pump at all....

but am interested to see what others say as parts quality is really taking a dive

sorry posted 2 X's

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by webfoot

How about a good ole fashioned AC delco? Rockauto sells these for $33.79.

Airtex is typically one of the budget priced brands, so shop accordingly.

I also see Gates water pumps come up in that search. i did not know they were in the water pump business.

Yep looked at those too on RockAuto. The 33.79 pump for you in the USA is 43.51 for me at RockAuto up here in taxland ...

[ck5566]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

Yep looked at those too on RockAuto. The 33.79 pump for you in the USA is 43.51 for me at RockAuto up here in taxland ...

Jump the Border, every body else does. LOL

[lolife99]

I think Edelbrocks aluminum water pumps are the best you can buy.
But they are pricey.

[red450ih]

If its the original GM water pump I'd be inclined to have it rebuilt. Google "Flying Dutchman Water Pumps." I've used them with great success. He uses Canada made bearings and USA seals.

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by red450ih

If its the original GM water pump I'd be inclined to have it rebuilt. Google "Flying Dutchman Water Pumps." I've used them with great success. He uses Canada made bearings and USA seals.

Thank you I like that idea and didnt realize anyone did that. I had that done with my hood hinges.

[BugzC10]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

Yep looked at those too on RockAuto. The 33.79 pump for you in the USA is 43.51 for me at RockAuto up here in taxland ...

Got my ACDELCO WP through Amazon $39 Prime. Very satisfied