Water pumps: Edelbrock vs. Noname?

[InvisiBill]

AutoZone's Apora HP - $60

Edelbrock Victor Series Aluminum - $185 locally, $150 Summit

Stuff like http://www.projectbronco.com/Technical_Articles/waterpump.htm makes me want to spend the extra to make sure I get a good part. But at the same time, paying three times as much seems a bit excessive (especially considering the tranny and fuel pump I just replaced).

So on a stock truck with a 160 stat, am I going to notice any difference? Are there going to be quality issues with the AutoZone one (I have experience in the "yearly warranty alternator swap" field)? I don't want to be doing this again in a year, due to either crappy quality or performance, but at the same time I'm really short on cash. What would <s>Brian Boitano</s> you do?

 

[Loeryder]

I'd fork over the cash for the Edelbrock or a Stewart Stage 2 myself, but that's my personal preference.

The AutoZone crap I would stay away from, Heard stories about them spitting the bearings out past the shaft with only a few thousand miles on 'em.
That means the fan can wobble all over and puncture the radiator if it gets bad enough.
Not worth a cheapo pump.

http://www.napaonline.com/cgi-bin/n...earch_string=Water+Pump&org_string=water+pump
Try Napa, they have better quality replacement parts.

 

[InvisiBill]

Well, I ended up getting the $25 cast pump from AZ. I was in a hurry (fiancee's birthday) and one of the guys here with Camaro/Corvette/truck experience said he's never had a problem with a noname one. It's got a lifetime warranty on it at least, so I guess we'll see... Just looking at the gauge, it does seem to be a tiny bit cooler now...

I took pics and am planning a HowTo writeup also, if anyone cares.