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Allen, due to the fact that here in the desert we have 2-3 months where the temp is over 100 deg. for 2-3 months straight, and 3-4 weeks of 110+ plus temps, our environments are VERY different.
I also doubt that you do much racing in 100+ temps.
Another factor, I deal with very few Stage engines, but many alum block engines which dissipate heat very rapidly.
I respect what you have found to be different than what we encounter, so our ultimate solutions work for each of us.
Since I do not have your conditions, I understand what works there and what works here, are not right or wrong, but just different. :biggrin:
I really do not buy "They move just the right amount of water for maximum heat transfer", at least in our turbo engines?
The electric pump runs at one speed for all situations. The mechanical pump WILL flow more water as the RPM increases. I have never encountered "flow too fast that no heat transfer takes place" in any street or strip application with any Buick?
We run our street cars here in the summer w/o a t'stat, and they ALWAYS run cooler.
You are correct in that most of the cooling takes place on the return road, especially as most race cars do not use a thermostat. But since the engine driven pump flows more at RPM, the coolant temp peaks lower than with the electric pump.
Let me also state that the TA pump is a completely redesigned pump casting and is specially machined for the also new pump impeller. So this pump is completely different than stock units, even though it is a direct replacement.
In my case, I can state, and my logs will show cooler temp at the end of a run since I installed the new TA pump, as well a quicker cool down by the time I return to the pit.
But the extra flow at high RPM has shown to be a benefit to added HP as was demonstrated when Kenny D. tried the TA pump on his engine dyno. The additional water flow in the heads, especially around the exhaust valves, showed a slight increase in HP.
One advantage an electric pump does have in a race car is that it can run in the pit for additional cool down if needed.
I do have to admit my experience with electric pumps is limited, and I am not a fan of them also due to reliability issues. Seen many racers have their event ruined with an electric pump failure.
I do want to make a final comment, I limit my tech posts and comments to actual experience with my car or others where I am personally involved, so it is not fiction or guessing. If it is my opinion, I will state that up front. The TA parts on my car I purchase, so there is no underlying payback for my public endorsement of their product. They do their best to put out a good product, and it shows in their track record.
