Questions for the Experienced F-body guys

[Firebirdcrazy]

I have a 2001 Formula with 102k with no mods to the engine except for a K&N filter. She still runs as strong as when I picked her up from the dealer. I think my water pump may be going, but not sure it doesnt leak or over heat, but that sweet anti freeze smell is coming into the interior compartment, and you can smell it when standing over the engine. Anybody have this trouble before? If I have to replace my water pump this is the time to upgrade as well. My questions are should I replace my Timing Chain now? While the front of the engine is torn apart. Are there Better High performance water pumps with better pulleys, and where I can get One? And where can I get Performance Pulleys to replace my stock ones? LEts go guys help this jersey boy out lol. I want to get this done before the car goes to be painted in a couple of weeks. Any help would be greatly appreciated.. I am basicly over haulen this car from the ground up.

[speed racer]

probally your heater core in the glove box

[Dave M]

probally your heater core in the glove box

That's what I was thinking as well. If the water pump isn't leaking, and you're smelling it in the interior, I'd put my money on the heater core.

[FRMLAV8]

I had a similiar problem with my 99 TA. It turned out to be the gasket on the driverside. What happened was when the motor would heat up it would start to leak, but just barely. So you could smell anti-freeze sometimes, but it would never drip or leave any visible signs on the ground.

But once I got up under the car I could see a faint trail where it was running down the front of the block and along the oil pan where it would evaporate- hence, no drops on the ground.

I had the pump checked when I pulled it and it seem to be fine, so I just replaced the gaskets and it has been fine for a couple of years now.

Randy

[Firebirdcrazy]

Your talking abut a head gasket leak right? It never over heated on you?

[FRMLAV8]

No. Sorry, I should have been more specific. I meant the water pump gasket, where the waterpump mates to the motor. There are 2 o-ring gaskets, 1 on each side of the pump.

[Firebirdcrazy]

If I have to pull the water pump I will just replace it.. 102,000 miles I am sure its due to be changed soon. I hate doing work twice... I just want to find out if there are better peforming water pumps that I can install now since I plan to install a supercharger in the near future.

[FRMLAV8]

Well, I know there is the Mezier electric water pump. Those run about $560.

And some one developed a waterpump that converted the LS1 to "reverse cooling" like the LT1. BUt I haven't seen those around for a while.

I don't know of any other aftermarket or upgraded water pumps.

Randy

[Dave M]

If I have to pull the water pump I will just replace it.. 102,000 miles I am sure its due to be changed soon. I hate doing work twice... I just want to find out if there are better peforming water pumps that I can install now since I plan to install a supercharger in the near future.

If you hate doing work twice I wouldn't just assume it's the water pump and start by replacing parts. Track down the source of the problem first. I'm not saying it's for sure the heater core, but there's at least as much chance that it's the core as there is that it's the water pump. I would want to be sure I'm replacing the right part before I dive in.

[Firebirdcrazy]

Absolutely right so hopefully I get the right problem fixed. But if indeed the water pump is the problem then I might as well upgrade everything I can while the front of the engine is going to come apart. I am still for ideas or suggestion on high performance pulleys I can install to free up some horse power. And what is also a good Timing chain and gear to install also. DaveM I love that attachment I crack up everytime I see it lol.

[DeWynter]

I am still for ideas or suggestion on high performance pulleys I can install to free up some horse power.

Preformance pulleys are really a snake oil HP adder. The concept is there but the out come on replacment pulleys is hardly measurable. For the price to preformancce ratio, there are much better ways to spend your money. If money isnt an issue then feel free to do it, but its really not going to net you any "seat of the pants" results.

[Dave M]

For a dyno comparison of stock pulleys vs hypertech pulleys, go here: http://www.ws6.com/mod-2.htm


As to where to get them, any of the sponsors of this website should have them. Here's T-Byrne's page, they're about half way down. http://www.tbyrnemotorsports.com/ls1catalog.html

[Firebirdcrazy]

I know that changing pulleys are not going to get huge horsepower gains, but if you can get an extra 10 horses that can give you an edge on the quarter mile why not? right?

[Firebirdcrazy]

Ok Guys Indeed the problem is my water pump saw it leaking this morning.. I need good suggestions on what kind of water pump I should buy, and where to get it asap. I am going to go ahead and change my Timing chain as well so any suggestions for that too would be great. Bring it on fellas what you got?