I'm gearing up for my front end reseal, new belts, rollers etc in the next few weeks. I'm amazed at the difference in prices for new waterpumps...they range from $105 to $230!!

What's up with that? I can't imagine there's more than one producer of 944 waterpumps!!??

Steve

 

The older ones need a new adapter to fit/work properly.

 

I had a good experience with the new water pump manufactured by Laso. Made in Germany, came in a blue and white box, bought it from Gabe at Strasse for $180. At that time, $180 seemed to be the common price for a new one. In hand, the quality was what you would expect/hope for, it fit/installed fine as original, and (as expected) gave no problems in the 40k miles I put on it before I sold the car (my 83).

Cheers,

 

I bought a new one from Paragon Products a few years ago (it's currently in Tony K.'s car above). At the time it was around $180 and I felt better buying a new unit rather than a rebuilt.
The one I put in my S2 is a rebuilt. The new pump for this car was too pricey. It was still around $200 but I've had no problem with it.

 

^^^One of the reasons I bought the car!

After some of the 944s I've seen, I breathed quite a few "oh thank God" sighs of relief when I looked at it...

 

There are varying qualities of rebuilds as well. Some are more reputable than others. As far as the "new" versus "old" style pumps there shouldn't be any appreciable difference in cost (I've bought one of each in the last 6 months from Zim's and the cost was identical). I DO recommend converting to the "new" style pump as it includes the rail for protecting the belt from "hitting itself" moving in opposite directions so close to the pump pulley if your car has not been converted. It IS a Porsche-recommended Service Bulletin, it simply requires you to enlarge the hole on the rear timing cover - no big deal.

 

If I knew that I would have priced it higher!!

 

I got a Laso also for $189 two years ago. Don't forget to ask for the gasket. They don't come with it!

 

Check to see if youre looking at rebuilts vs bare new pumps vs new pump KITS that have the pump, gasket, thermostat...

 

This'll probably bring flames, but anybody know if the ones from Napa are any good?

 

Napa carries a good selection of hardware like studs, bolts and the like. I can't comment on their parts though. As was mentioned, the quality of rebuilds varies. Although some vendors have been known to carry "better" rebuilt units, you never know when they are going to switch suppliers. At the same time, if you regularly (30K) replace belts rollers and pump, a rebuilt unit might be all the quality you need.

Just as I was about to bite the bullet and buy a new pump from Porsche, an old buddy put one on ebay. We worked out a deal, and I ended up with a new Porsche pump for 100. Just luck I guess, but Ebay is not always the devil.

 

Another shameless plug for Zim's: I think they do their own rebuilds and I've yet to hear of anyone having a problem with any of the ones they got from 'em. The only reason I bought two was because I wanted a new style one once I'd gotten the "old" style.

 

I got mine from PAR Porsche in NY a few years back. I forgot what I paid but it came with the instructions to update my car to the newer style pump and it looked exactly like the one Porsche wanted to give me.

 

Go for a rebuilt Porsche unit. $175ish, with a 2 year warranty.

 

I can't remember the brand my wrench gets at NAPA, but they are basically a repackager. They usually get OEM parts and repackage them with their name.

Someone should be able to help me out with the name.