Ford Crate Engine Water Pump Flow Specifications

kitcarbp · #1 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009, 11:41 AM

I did a little homework today, one call to Ford Racing followed by a call to Edelbrock in CA. I learned Edelbrock manufacturers the Ford Racing 460 crate engine aluminum water pumps. The pump flow data referenced here is for Edelbrock part number #8866 or the Ford part # M-8501-C460. These flow numbers are taken from Edelbrocks water pump flow bench and is based on pump shaft speed. Edelbrock provided the flow data per cylinder bank (LH and RH) to demonstrate they are flowing rates similar as they enter each cylinder bank on the engine block.
For example the flow rate shown in the graph for 32 gpm@ 2,000 rpm means 16 gpm measured from each outlet (cylinder bank) of the pump.
Remember, this is pump flow capacity and is not the actual engine or radiator coolant flow, they will be less due to the head losses from the restriction in the complete cooling circuit.

The Edelbrock data is only available from 2K-5K pump shaft rpm. This info is helpful when sizing your cooling system (or pump selection) to ensure you'll have the cooling capacity for the enigne's horsepower and intended use (Street or Track). See attached flow graph I put together. DATA SOURCE: Edelbrock, Torrance , CA

My next graph will show you the difference in engine coolant flow rate (gpm) between a 6.25" diameter Water Pump Pulley and the 5.25" diameter Water Pump Pulley assuming a 5.75" diameter crank pulley is used. Stay tuned.

kitcarbp · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 07:43 AM

Below is a pump flow curve I plotted comparing two different size pulleys for the 429/460 Edelbrock water pump referenced above. One is 5.25" diameter the other is 6.25" diameter. I needed to quantify my coolant flow rates at different engine speeds. Why ? To correctly size the cooling system for its intended use. For reference my crank pulley is 5.75" for both sheeves. For street applications, you want maximum coolant flow where it counts; at low engine speeds with little air flow through the radiator core. My application will be in the 450-480 HP range. The results show by switching from the 6.25" to the 5.25" diameter pulley, you will increase pump flow rate about 19% over the engines speed range. This is a noticeable change. The 5.25" pulley is giving you a water pump speed that is about 9.5% over-driven or in the accepted range for street cars. If anyone knows of an 5.00" off the shelf 2-sheeve pulley, let me know! Remember this chart is for pump coolant flow, not engine or radiator flow since those will be less after you take the head losses from restriction into consideration.

For reference, those of you running electric water pumps (main or booster types) literature on those pumps typically (not all) provide 35-55 GPM dependant only on the voltage supplied. These are more than adequate for low road speed cruising. Higher perf elec pumps can go up into 85 GPM region, while high perf mechanical belt driven pumps (NASCAR as an example) now can exceed 150 gpm pumps for racing applications where rad air flow is intentionally minimized for aero drag reduction reasons, not an issue for street cars.

kitcarbp · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 07:48 AM

stay tuned for more fun cooling calculations for this set-up

Garage10 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 11:12 AM

Hi Kitcarbp
I have a wcc too that I believe runs too hot in the summer. I wonder if the four core rad vern supplies is right for the application. maybe too thick to flow, too small tubes, or maybe it's the hose routing he recomends not allowing coolant to flow properly. Have you or any other wcc owners come up with any diffinitive solutions to our problems? I have a feeling that this cooling system setup is not correct or proper for the application. Just not sure what the answer is!
Take care

kitcarbp · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 09:17 PM

Brent I sent you a PM its long, but take a look at the knowledge base so far.