MANUAL FAN SWITCHES & ELECTRONICS
Casper's Electronics
Casper's Electronics, who is well known throughout the turbo Buick community, make several Fan Override Switches for various late model GM applications including '86-87 Turbo Buick (PN 102044), '93-02 F-body (PN 109068), GTP (PN 109062), Grand Am (PN 109063), and Supercharged Regal (PN 109064). A three-way toggle selects high fan speed, low fan speed, and normal vehicle fan control. Everything is included in the kit and complete installation instructions are available online. Casper's also has a Dual Fan Relay Conversion Harness (PN 109069) available for '86-87 Turbo Buicks using the Ramchargers Dual Fan kit. The conversion harness supplements the factory relay with two sealed units to reliably sustain the electrical load of the additional fan, and distribute power evenly. No cutting or crimping of wires is required.
SLP Performance Parts
Hotter engine temperatures mean less aggressive spark lead timing and lower advance curves or knock sensors, which retard timing at high engine loads to prevent detonation. Ultimately, this means less power and less performance. Unfortunately the stock Fourth Gen F-body cooling fans are set to operate at 215 degrees, which is not at all optimal for performance. With SLP's Fan Control Switch (PN 63011) you can manually turn on your fans between runs on the dragstrip or while sitting at a traffic light. While the switch is off, though, the fans will continue to operate as instructed by the factory computer. The switch is virtually invisible to the PCM thanks to its built-in circuitry, and will not throw any service lights or codes. Three positions are selectable on the toggle for stock fan operation, high speed fans, and low speed fans. No splicing or wiring is necessary as the kit is completely plug and play, available for just under $70.
WATER PUMPS
Edelbrock
Edelbrock prides itself on producing American-made water pumps from its very own foundry using A356 aluminum, which is heat-treated to T-6 specifications and CNC-machined to exact tolerances. It is then packed with high quality components such as a heavy-duty .75-inch shaft with a ball/roller bearing, heavy duty shaft seal to prevent leaks, a black anodized billet aluminum hub, and a CNC-machined six-vein cast iron impeller. This design allows for increased capacity, pressure and volume in addition to being far stronger than the stamped steel OEM piece. This high flow water pump is available in several finishes for '87-95 Gen 1 SBC and 90-degree V-6s using a long leg with reverse rotation style pump including the as-cast finish (PN 8881), polished (PN 8891), PermaStar (PN 88812), and Endurashine (PN 88814). Corvettes 1984-91 have a short-style pump with reverse rotation available in the as-cast finish (PN 8815) and polished (PN 8825).
EMP Stewart Components
EMP Stewart has a rich racing history including plenty of NASCAR wins as well as the adulation of engine builders all over the world. Performance enthusiasts have been taking notice of a growing line of products including the Stewart/Wegner Water Pump for Gen III/IVs (PN STE50025). Developed by EMP Stewart Components in cooperation with Wegner Racing Engines, the pump flows more water than any other LS1 pump at 140 gpm (w/o thermostat) and draws less horsepower. Factory mounting bolts are utilized, however, different pulleys and hoses are required. This high performance pump is available in a long and short version for $525. The Electric Water Pump (PN E558A) is a little more economical at just over $400, and practical for streetcars as it is designed to eliminate overheating problems at low speeds. The computer controlled liquid cooled motor is said to be good for over 10,000 hours of operation. Many other applications for late model GMs are available.
Evans Cooling Systems
Evans' LS1/LS6 High Flow Coolant Pump and pulley combination (PN EP30913) are said to improve coolant flow by 20 percent compared to other OEM style pumps. In fact, without the thermostat it is capable of nearly 120 gpm, and nearly 90 gpm with Evans' high flow thermostat at 5,500 rpm. This pump assures equal coolant flow is maintained to both cylinder banks at both low and high rpm. High quality components such as a billet pulley hub, heavy-duty roller bearing and ceramic shaft seal assembly assure longevity. Evans' scrolled impeller reduces parasitic loss at high rpm to restore horsepower to your Gen III. The High Flow Coolant Pump costs $470, or $545 with the ceramic-coated option. A 160- or 180-degree thermostat comes with the pump, which will also fit stock LS1 water pumps and is available for sale individually. C4 Corvette (1984-91) coolant pumps are also available with impeller for reverse rotation drive systems for just under $200.
Meziere
Meziere is one of the most well known names in electric water pumps through over 20 years of hard work. Third Gen L98 owners will appreciate a 50-gpm free flow rating, around a 3,000-hour life expectancy, and a feathery 8.0-pound weight. The LT1 version boasts very similar specs except it is not a complete replacement, but rather bolts up to the factory housing. It also features a 2-year warranty and draws only 8 amps. The LS1/LS6 pump is a direct bolt-in replacement for the factory unit and has been proven to help engines run cooler and free up more horsepower. A large stainless steel main shaft enables a 55-gpm rating, and a ceramic seal ensures leak free performance. Four color options (blue, black, red, natural) are available, and this unit also boasts a 2-year warranty. The aluminum body helps keep weight to a modest 14.9 lbs, but the race only version (WP119) cuts weight to 7.0 lbs. Unfortunately, in slimming down the weight, flow was also downsized to 35 gpm (40-plus gpm with heavy duty version). High horsepower, forced induction motors should stick with the high flow street version.
Moroso Performance Products
Moroso offers several aluminum water pumps for small-block Chevys in both the conventional and electric variety. The combination of heavy-duty construction, improved flow design, and the use of aluminum to help save weight makes the conventional-style water pumps a popular choice. On the other hand, you can reduce parasitic horsepower loss with one of Moroso's electric water pumps. A high temperature Viton seal eliminates leaks, a clear anodized billet aluminum housing and back plates prevent rust as do a stainless steel shaft, and the impeller fins are designed to match engine and flow output. The electric motor has precision balancing, heavy-duty windings, long-life brushes, and sealed ball bearings. It mounts directly to the stock water pump location for little complication, but if a remote mount pump is required Moroso can also accommodate.
Summit Racing
In addition to being one of the largest part suppliers in the industry, Summit also carries its own line of products which includes mechanical water pumps for small-block Chevys. Long (PN 311017) and short (PN 311014) style pumps are available for those looking for a new high volume unit with the added benefit of a polished aluminum appearance for a mere $170. More frugal buyers may prefer the cast iron, black powder-coat versions (PN 311006 & 311005) for about $60. Summit also offers high flow copper brass thermostats to accompany these water pumps.