What with all the water pumps available now, I thought I would check and see what pump everyone thinks is the best bang for the buck. Quite frankly, I have always used a pump from one of the big chain stores with no problems. The one on my street/strip 499 now is just starting to weep a little, so it's time to be replaced. Are the big dollar pumps worth the extra bucks? Or will the AutoZone/O'Reilly's/Advanced kind do as good a job at cooling the big block.
Additional details;
Al. heads, iron block, 6,200 rpm limit, good orig. type radiator, stock pulleys
Thanks!

Cooling systems seem to be application specific... if yours works fine with a parts store pump, I'd replace it with the same.

An aluminum pump will mostly just save weight in your case. For what its worth, I've had great results with the MP high volume pump and high volume Mr Gasket thermostat.

pop rivet an anticavitation plate on the vanes while you're at it.

If you can find a factory a/c 6 blade pump that is the best way to go. They circulate water slower and keep it in the radiator longer.Much better cooling.They will outperform all the hyped up aftermarket pumps on the market as long as you cooling system is in good condition.They were made with both cast iron and stamped metal impellers,both will work.

thats what i have on mine...

& for the last word go here. www.moparchat.com then scroll down to & click on "circle track chat" then peruse Sanborns cooling(& oiling) mods that are in a sticky at the top of the page(for good reason).

[quote A/C pumps are normally driven 140% of crankshaft speed.

---

they're not overdriven that much are they John? I was thinking it was 114% or somewhere close to that.

Check the FSM, a drive ratio of 1.4 is common for A/C equipped BB's.

On non Air Cars with stock pulleys I really try to use the NON A/C pump. THe 8 blade Impeller is what the factory used before 95 percent of cars had air.
Check the difference.