General Motors V8 Discussion Discussion relating to getting the most out of your LSx or other GM-based V8 Miata's engine

Shorter water pump

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 01-26-2015 | 11:26 AM
  #1  
.boB's Avatar
Thread Starter
V8 Miata Enthusiast
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 421
Likes: 33
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Default Shorter water pump

Clearance is very tight. I need about another 2" for radiator clearance; that Liberty Bell pulley is ridiculous. Otherwise I have to completely redesign the cooling system mounts. I can do that, But I'd rather just replace the water pump if I can.

I'm using F body front drive accessories, with power steering but no AC. I could change to Corvette stuff, but that's a lot of expense. The word "Corvette" in the title adds 20%.

I'v done a bunch of reading, and this is what I think I know:

- the LS2/3 pump is certainly closer, but makes belt alignment a little iffy.
- People have pulled the LS2 pump out on the shaft about 3/8", and then welded the pulley to the shaft
- What about a 3/8" spacer for the water pump? IMO, a better long term solution.

- The Edelbrock pump is only about an inch shorter.

- The Evans Cooling pump seems to be about 2" (maybe 2.5") shorter, and works better at high rpm's. Except for the cost, I'm liking this.
-- anybody use one?
-- is it really that much shorter?

Any other options available?
Old 01-26-2015 | 01:20 PM
  #2  
523-LSX-NB's Avatar
V8 Miata Follower
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: OH, the Arctic rain forest
Default

Have you looked into a Mezier electric water pump? No parasitic loss & constant high flow regardless of RPM. Still, may be too long. Only other option that I know of is the LS2 (closer nose) you have mentioned. Never modified one, though.
Old 01-26-2015 | 02:49 PM
  #3  
charchri4's Avatar
Jim Stainer
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,462
Likes: 62
From: Sunny SW Minnesota
Default

I like the electric idea too. ^ +1
Old 01-26-2015 | 03:26 PM
  #4  
.boB's Avatar
Thread Starter
V8 Miata Enthusiast
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 421
Likes: 33
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Default

Electric does have it's advantages. But, like everything else, it has certain disadvantages as well. Life's full of trade offs.

My main goal with this car is reliability. A good mechanical water pump will last for 100K miles. And if it breaks, I can run down to Autozone, get another one, and have it fixed in a couple of hours. That's why I like the idea of a LS2 pump with spacers.

With electric, aftermarket, or modified stock pumps, I'll need to carry a spare.
Old 01-26-2015 | 10:19 PM
  #5  
SupaDupaSteve's Avatar
V8 Miata Protégé
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 37
From: South FL
Default

I'm not sure about PS but you can use the F body alt and bracket with ls2 water pump and vette balancer if you machine down the alternator bracket 3/4". But like I said, I'm not planning on PS so I'm not sure about what you could do for that.
Old 03-09-2015 | 08:10 AM
  #6  
Dave Tibbitts's Avatar
V8 Miata Fan
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 10
From: Pensacola, Florida
Default

I had the exact same issue. That huge F-Body pulley was taking up space needed for the radiator and fans. I measured a bunch of LS water pumps at my local auto parts store and found that the LS2 pump from the Corvette was the most compact. Thee only problem, as others have mentioned, is its a bit TOO short. I bought a pair of 1/4" water pump spacers and using them with an additional metal gasket brought the forward edge of the pulley in line with the stock F-Body belt routing with about 1/16" to spare.
Old 03-09-2015 | 08:56 AM
  #7  
.boB's Avatar
Thread Starter
V8 Miata Enthusiast
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 421
Likes: 33
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Default

I ended up using a Corvette LS2/3 pump, and 3/4" spacers from Dirty Dingo. About the best compromise I could come up with. It does put the outlet in a differant spot, though. something to consider.


Name:  IMG_7455%202_zpsz7m6oarv.jpg
Views: 785
Size:  117.1 KB

Name:  IMG_7458%202_zpsbrhlzniu.jpg
Views: 529
Size:  157.2 KB

Last edited by .boB; 03-09-2015 at 09:21 AM.
Old 03-09-2015 | 09:48 AM
  #8  
Dave Tibbitts's Avatar
V8 Miata Fan
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 10
From: Pensacola, Florida
Default

Here's what it looks like with 1/4" spacers:

Name:  image_zps07530367.jpg
Views: 513
Size:  109.7 KB
Old 03-09-2015 | 02:42 PM
  #9  
.boB's Avatar
Thread Starter
V8 Miata Enthusiast
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 421
Likes: 33
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Default

Interesting. Yours looks like an LS1 pump. The outlets are in different places. Yours is in the same spot my LS1 pump is. Mine is on the other side.
Old 03-09-2015 | 03:21 PM
  #10  
Dave Tibbitts's Avatar
V8 Miata Fan
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 10
From: Pensacola, Florida
Default

For the life of me, I can't remember the actual application of the pump. I did a little digging of my Amazon account and found the part #. It's a GMB 130-2060
Old 03-09-2015 | 03:40 PM
  #11  
charchri4's Avatar
Jim Stainer
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,462
Likes: 62
From: Sunny SW Minnesota
Default

Boss Frog kit makes a difference with room too doesn't it?
Old 03-09-2015 | 07:43 PM
  #12  
Dave Tibbitts's Avatar
V8 Miata Fan
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 10
From: Pensacola, Florida
Default

Yes, things are a bit tight with the forward mounting position. If I was buying all the parts or had to do it all over again, I may consider using a V8R front subframe. My buddy bought a bunch of the swap parts, to repay me for taking care of all his cars and other things while he was away with his job. No complaints as it stands now, but the build would have probably been a bit easier.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tbone heller
Ford V8 Discussion
2
03-24-2014 07:16 PM
MRM331
Ford V8 Discussion
5
02-14-2014 11:46 PM
Stoney901
V8 Miata Wiring, Electrical, and ECUs
2
01-12-2014 08:42 AM
5.0MX5
V8 Miata Wiring, Electrical, and ECUs
6
12-11-2013 07:16 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:30 PM.