From what I’m reading in previous threads from over the years is that with all (?) water pumps on the market you need to bend the diverter plate to impeller blade to ensure cooling efficiency. Have things changed - aren’t there any on the market that don’t require the additional steps of bending the divider plate?
Is it safe to say that there are no more water pumps made in the USA? If someone is making that claim...it’s probably assembled in the U.S. but the parts are made in Asia. Am I correct?
That all said, is there a consensus on the best water pump with a cast impeller (Gates or Cardone) or should the question be - what should I stay away from?
As many parts for our birds, if you can rebuild them, do it! There are still some "real" machine shops out there that rebuild water pumps. If you have the original on the car, you can have it redone. If you don't, but one on ebay and have it rebuild. You can probably google it to see who offers a rebuild service.
But, if you have switched over to the 11-bolt timing cover & pump, there are 3 popular aluminum pumps: FlowKooler, PRW, & GMB. Some have used a Milodon brand. But, it is said that the Milodon is just a re-boxed GMB. It is also said that the aluminum housing in all these pumps are made by GMB.
