Technical Chevy Water Pump raising, Cooling experts input wanted

I will second that HRP! I have NEVER found an aftermarket electric fan that is even close to as efficient as a well set up mechanical fan, especially with a shroud. And, ElPolacko and I have run tests on damn near every electric on the market at one point or another.

I giggle when folks talk about "solving their over heating problems with an electric fan"... Aint gonna happen. Another treat with an electric, in our 115-120 degree heat and HEAVY traffic, I have never owned one on any economic level that lasted more then one summer, if even that.

 

I live in Las Vegas. SBC's in a 46 Ford and a 48 Merc. No shrouds, A/C in both. ZIP's risers in both, use Chevy 250 inline 6's waterpumps. IMHO, the ONLY way to go.

 

Flip coin, you happen to see where I reside? 125 degrees isn't exactly snowman making season and I run a lot of electrics. Not really a ford/chevy and who likes what.

I was just curious on the point mentioned above, not what everyone thinks works better.

 

I was just curious if guys are thinking they are more traditional looking, not on anything else.

 

Stewart components stage 1 pumps are modified for performance and reliability. Now they may not make a pump for you but call them and ask about stuff. They make a Thermostat with three 5/16" bleed holes in them. I have found myself that I will not put a Thermostat in a car unless I put one 1/8" hole in it to let trapped air out. I tried to put three 1/8"in a preformance car,no help, but there three 5/16" thermostat worked good. I hope this can help you out.***Paul***

 

I agree, I found some small thick wall tubing to make some sleeves out of last night

Manufacture/Part number is AIRTEX AW895H, it's aluminum with the plate on the back of the impeller I read will help performance. they originally came of 230 and 250 Chevy inline 6's

I actually put a lot of thought into this one, my measuring seems to have it pretty close but I plan to push the pulley flange farther on shaft if needed (even considered removing some material from the harmonic balancer to allow it to be pushed on alittle further if needed)

my main reason is I want the engine as low and forward as possible, but this will only allow for a very small mechanical fan. (and I don't want to use an electric one)... they fan I have is a 63 chevy and measure about 17"



i'll follow-up with more pics as I make progress, thanks for all the comments/inputs/ideas....

 

note to self...copyright "Water pump raise thing"

 

Electric fans; agree with you guys they can be a problem at times. Look at every new car, all have electric fans. 200,000 miles on a Tahoe, no electric fan failure, and new cars don't over heat. So, I learned a long time ago to use OEM fans, not aftermarket stuff. Junk yards are full of donors.And quality relays to run them.

 

..............................WOW, Never heard that ****ogy before, Danny.

 

Regardless of how the engine driven fan is mounted on the water pump,and they look better than a electric fan hanging on,or worse yet in the front of the radiator,,they are just a eyesore on a old car IMHO. HRP

My granddaddy,High Pockets, had a fertile imagination and this just was one of many sayings I heard over the years. HRP

 

Just got my coupe back together after removing the EFI and electric fan. With the motor running a blue paper shop towel will stick to the grille anywhere on the grille. So quite in the cab I'm gonna have to start looking for the rattles I didn't know I had.

 

They have electric fans WITH shrouds.

 

nothing screams "i'm a street rod" more than an electric fan running on a parked car at a car show.

 

Ha,ha...You got that right! HRP

 

Smart ***

"Riser" just wouldnt shake out of my noggin.

 

Keeping your car running in sweltering weather is paramount,,use whatever you want.

That is as traditional as it gets.

 

very funny...

got some more time with a grinder;
drilled a 1/8" NT hole in top for a br*** plug, removed more material at "pump outlets", I plan to remove a little more, anyone have thoughts on how tight the clearance is all the way around impeller? I'm considering opening up more.

Thanks for input on sleeves, I think this will all but guarantee no leaks or deflection when tightening mount bolts.

Dave @ Gusset Welding; I think I'll be ready for your TIG welding skills before April 4th.... just need to close up bottom tubes...

 

finished up alternator mount, just need to weld up two halves and check for leaks, paint........



in a year or so i'll post an update once engine is running...

 

Outstanding design, innovation and fabrication as usual! Thanks for sharing this with us. I am sure it will be copied by those that have the skills to do it.

 

There is no doubt in my mind you did a outstanding job and the workmanship is very nice,especially the alternator mount. HRP

 

Very nice workmanship. I bet it will work great!

 

update to old thread, have painted and mounted in final resting (working) location.... once running and "working" i'll post if it works (keeps engine cool) ok.
fyi, upper pulley and fan are not tight, just triple checking belt alignment.

 

Huge debate over electric fans, been using a stock gm puller fan in my 36 ford pickup twenty years now, got a 195 switch installed in my lower rad tank, fan comes on soon as that switch detects 195 degree water, fully automatic and 100% reliable, 100 degree days are no issue. Truck has been in countless parades with no issues, works for me.

 

Your riser looks great, but that 4-blade fan may not do the trick for you.

 

100 degree days in BC?

 

I've wondered myself, I plan to make a fan shroud that I hope will help a lot.

I don't think I every typed reason for this "water pump raise think", if a standard SBC water pump is used with the engine this far forward in 29 ch***is only about a 7" mechanic fan can be used. pics show how close everything was during mockup.

 

Your project looks really choice, so why not try a 7-blade steel fan and only add the shroud if necessary?

 

Yes, we get 100 degree days here, many, ****ty thing is we all gotta move out of the igloos for the two weeks of summer, they leak like hell all over your bed.

 

Very cool (no pun intended). I wish I had the skills to duplicate.

Beautiful axle!

 

I'll give the answer that works for me. No, it is not more traditional. Not traditional at all. But it is less obvious to me than an electric fan and mechanically works better.
I guess you pick your battles when you are trying to stay trad in a modern world. My 32 with a 283 has a cut down fan to fit. Been there like that for over 50 years, but really doesn't work at a long stoplight on a hot day. I'm switching to a non trad zips over electric.

To the op who started this great project to solve a problem in his own shop with his own fab skills- that is traditional. Nice work.