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Thread: Will an LS3 water pump work?

  1. #1
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Will an LS3 water pump work?

    Will the better-flowing LS3 water pump work at all? Or is conversion to the LS1 pump mandatory? Thanks!
    Dave
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  2. #2
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    I'm reading some mixed things about the water pump, but I'll switch to the LS1 pump just to be safe.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  3. #3
    VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC's Avatar
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    The LS3 pump won't work without modifying the chassis. The difference is at the t-stat housing. The LS3 pump is a bit thicker in that area, so with the engine installed, the t-stat housing will be jammed up against the chassis tube.
    Shane Vacek
    VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC
    www.vraptorspeedworks.com
    Turn-key GTM, SL-C & Ultima GTR Built to Your Specs!
    Offering a full line of GTM Upgrades and Custom Parts

  4. #4
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    I don't mind changing the chassis a little there - how much more space would you need? Thanks for the reply
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  5. #5
    Senior Member Roger Reid's Avatar
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    I believe the rounded section of the thermostat housing makes contact here.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Just an old man with a great hobby

  6. #6
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Thanks for the picture, Roger. Not sure which pump to go with, I think my engine already has the ls3 water pump... Swap it out or mod the frame... Changing the frame is really easy, but I know it was computer designed so I wouldn't want to weaken that area...
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  7. #7
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    Beeman,

    Even with the LS1 water pump, the housing comes within about 1/8" of that frame rail. I used the Pfadt engine mounts for my GTM, which really limits the engine movement. I'd worry that the stock LS3 engine mounts allow enough movement that under quick engine revs that even the LS1 water pump may contact the rail.

    -Michael

  8. #8
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    I'll look at that area of the frame and see if there's an easy way to move that tube. If anyone has any recommendations for modifying that beam, please post them.
    Thanks again
    Dave
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  9. #9
    PLATNUM Supporting Member
    wallace18's Avatar
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    I would convert to the LS1 pump. I have no over heart issues at all with mine.

  10. #10
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Does it hit the frame at all with revving the engine?
    Is that specifically the Corvette ls1 pump?
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

  11. #11
    PLATNUM Supporting Member
    wallace18's Avatar
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    I have no issues at all. I did have to modify the frame near the A/C compressor . See my build thread. I did a LS3 in a 33 build for a customer recently and converted to LS1 pump due to using the Vintage air front runner system. No problems with either.

    http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...M-build-Thread
    http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...d-by-wallace18

  12. #12
    Senior Member beeman's Avatar
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    Just looked at your build thread, Tom. I see where you notched the frame. Definitely a tight fit. I still haven't decided on what HVAC system I'm using, I have the Vintage Air system but probably won't use it PM me if anyone is interested in it. I'm actually going to try to use the Honda system mounted behind the passenger seat. The condenser is about half the size of typical and I think it will work using one of the GTM's rear air intakes. Thinking oil and tranny cooler on the opposite side.
    MK3.1 2004 Mach 1 donor. ABS, PS, TC.
    GTM #304 LPE 525hp LS3
    2000 C5 Lingenfelter LS1@489hp
    1999 Corvette FRC/Z06 track car

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