454 Mag/Water pump question

I bought two from these nice people:http://cgi.ebay.com/BIG-block-circu...255653QQihZ024QQcategoryZ124104QQcmdZViewItem

There's also:http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/pc/MPR22...k+GM+Mercruiser,+Volvo,+OMC,+Crusader,+Indmar

Edit: supposedly Ebasic power is out of stock for a couple days, but check out their Ebay listing - $60+12S&H...pretty good deal IMHO.

Supposedly you can find a Sierra pump for under $70 if you shop around. Even though you're on fresh water, if you're gonna pay $60-70 for an auto store piece, that may or may not have stainless/brass pieces, might as well pay a few more bucks and get better materials.

The answer is YES, it will fit just fine, but ........

The internals are where the difference is. The marine piece will have a brass or stainless impeller as well as other misc hardware. Also, I have noticed that most marine water pumps have a solid impeller instead of the automotive style with fan blades.
I have never personally tried it, but back when I worked the parts counter I sold a regular water pump to a guy with a Mercruiser 454. It lasted all summer, but did eventually start leaking from the weephole. He received a refund and bought a marine water pump.

According to Dennis Moore's book, the marine version has a brass impeller, ceramic seal, and stainless steel backing plate. Besides that tid bit of info, I saw cut aways of auto and marine type pumps but can't remember where. The differences were noticeable. Marine impeller was more heavy duty.

I just bought a new pump for my Gen VI ZZ502 block at a local place. Sienna about $165.00. Like DonMan says, I'm sure you can get them for less if you look around (internet??). I wouldn't get the auto type.

Scott,
I`m a dealer for Sierra, but by the time you pay shipping to MI, you could probably find one up there just as cheap.
I`ll give you a hint --- many auto parts stores are Sierra dealers, they won`t mark it up like a marina will.

DonMan said:

Scott,
I`m a dealer for Sierra, but by the time you pay shipping to MI, you could probably find one up there just as cheap.
I`ll give you a hint --- many auto parts stores are Sierra dealers, they won`t mark it up like a marina will.

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I will check into it.

I've bought 4 from this place for myself and a couple friends. excellant service. $85 for the marineized waterpumps.

http://www.speedncustommarine.com/product.sc?productId=47

dominator scott said:

Can anyone tell me if the Mercruiser water circulating pump on a 1990 454Mag is any different from a water pump that I can buy at an auto parts store for a 454? Merc wants like $250.00 for that damn circulating pump compared to the $60-$70 I can get one for at the auto parts store.

Boat is fresh water only.


Help me out guys.

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I run a crossover from KE on mine, no overheating problems, saved some weight and I'm not dragging another accessory.