I tried the advice that was given awhile back about distance between divider plate and water pump blades. Has been a life saver and mind easer. I spend much money on all sorts of new parts to try to keep engine from overheating with no sucsess. Brought the divider plat in closer to waterpump blades and what a difference. Engine stays right at 190 under all driving conditions and i mean ALL. I put her to the test.

stephen

how do you get the plate closer to the fins? did you have to bend it?

This link was posted earlier by another 1st Gen Firebird member:

http://forums.performanceyears.com/...amp;f=3396006811&m=958104692&p=1

I actually did this same thing on my 8 bolt water pump when I put it together last weekend. Because of the tranny swap I haven't been able to drive the car to see if that fixed my "hot" engine. I also run an Edelbrock Performer intake, another list member mentioned that the water crossover on the intake is extremely small compared to a stock 4 barrel intake. I have both and compared them. It's shocking how small the Edelbrock openings are. I ended up porting the openings out where they should be (using a gasket as a template) and polished about 1-1/2" into the runnings to help water flow into the heads. Hopefully this will fix my car from running hot in traffic.

G.J.
68 350 Coupe

Six, read the topic jusride listed that is what I read and it will explain everything. I have been very pleased with the results of doing this and engine stays right at temp under every condition I put it thru. I just got home from taking another test ride and temp was sitting pretty. It is 90 degrees here today with NO wind and high humidity and the weather stations say it fells like 103 degrees. My engine hated this before but run perfect today Anyways I recomend trying it to anyone before they spend alot of money on new parts like I did. Ohh yea the topic talks about difference between cast and steel impeller in water pump and I am running the steel impeller.

Stephen

i read it. it was very informative and educational. thank you.

Doooaaaah! I knew that would be a good step, heard it from Banshee and others. I just spent over 700 bucks on a new aluminum radiator, flex fan, and electric fan pushing from the front. This all has kept the car cool at 90 degree outside temps, at about 190 while I drive. Once I stop, however, the temp just keeps creeping to 220. I'll mess with the pump next!!!!! There is only the water pump and the intake manifold left to mess with, all other parts have been dealt with. :rolleyes:

Don't fell bad Nash, I spent alot of money myself trying to keep engine cool. The only thing I didn't get to was the electric fans. But I spaced the water pump and divider plate and now have no cooling problems

Stephen

I have machined a die at work that will work with a press to set the proper depth that is shown in those reference pics.

Of course, there will be some variance from plate to plate and pump to pump, but the setting should be close.

Did 3 of mine and they came out very close.