What's the sweet spot currently for water pump, low temp thermostat, belt, etc.?
02-22-2019, 12:47 PM
#16
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Right.
But I replaced my OEM water pump with a non-OEM Pierburg that is (at least under close visual examination) indistinguishable. Absent evidence, I'm assuming their quality is unlikely to be vastly different.
I think it's probable that Porsche went to Pierburg and said "We're planning to build a water-cooled flat 6 - please supply us with a good water pump." without adding "It needs to be somehow special in a way that isn't evident - and even though we're trying to keep costs down we'll of course be happy to pay the extra that this will inevitably cost."
It may possibly be worth noting that the OEM water pumps originally installed in 996 models are nothing special in terms of demonstrated service life.
But I replaced my OEM water pump with a non-OEM Pierburg that is (at least under close visual examination) indistinguishable. Absent evidence, I'm assuming their quality is unlikely to be vastly different.
I think it's probable that Porsche went to Pierburg and said "We're planning to build a water-cooled flat 6 - please supply us with a good water pump." without adding "It needs to be somehow special in a way that isn't evident - and even though we're trying to keep costs down we'll of course be happy to pay the extra that this will inevitably cost."
It may possibly be worth noting that the OEM water pumps originally installed in 996 models are nothing special in terms of demonstrated service life.
Yes, the real question is what the service life of the oem, aftermarket, and official replacements actually is.
02-22-2019, 03:43 PM
#17
Captain Obvious
Super User
Super User
Right.
But I replaced my OEM water pump with a non-OEM Pierburg that is (at least under close visual examination) indistinguishable. Absent evidence, I'm assuming their quality is unlikely to be vastly different.
I think it's probable that Porsche went to Pierburg and said "We're planning to build a water-cooled flat 6 - please supply us with a good water pump." without adding "It needs to be somehow special in a way that isn't evident - and even though we're trying to keep costs down we'll of course be happy to pay the extra that this will inevitably cost."
It may possibly be worth noting that the OEM water pumps originally installed in 996 models are nothing special in terms of demonstrated service life.
But I replaced my OEM water pump with a non-OEM Pierburg that is (at least under close visual examination) indistinguishable. Absent evidence, I'm assuming their quality is unlikely to be vastly different.
I think it's probable that Porsche went to Pierburg and said "We're planning to build a water-cooled flat 6 - please supply us with a good water pump." without adding "It needs to be somehow special in a way that isn't evident - and even though we're trying to keep costs down we'll of course be happy to pay the extra that this will inevitably cost."
It may possibly be worth noting that the OEM water pumps originally installed in 996 models are nothing special in terms of demonstrated service life.
Also, Porsche didn't go to anyone asking them to make a water pump or anything else for that matter. That's not how this works. Porsche and everyone else, specs a products that the intersected manufacturers can submit bids on. They might have a list of approved manufacturers to weed out all the crappy ones. The bid prices are often down to the 7th decimal (I've seen a quote like this myself) and then they pick a supplier and the process of getting their product approved for the contract starts.
02-22-2019, 05:57 PM
#18
Originally Posted by Imo000
This isn't necessarily true. Just because the part is made by the same manufacturer, doesn't guarantee it's the same exactly part and only the packaging is different. Often the OE (Porsche) has different/higher quality standards than the ones the manufacturer sells under their own brand. Commonly when the OE makes a part that doesn't meet the standards of the client (Porsche), but does for their own brand, the part will be sold as their own or another brand. This doesn't mean the non OE brand is bad, it just that it meets a different set of standards.
02-23-2019, 02:55 AM
#20
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I just installed a Porsche water pump, LN Thermostat and Contitech belt.
Thats what I would recommend.
The water pump and thermostat was what was suggested during a class I attended recently.
The belt was my personal choice.
I also replaced all the bolts.
They’re cheap.
Thats what I would recommend.
The water pump and thermostat was what was suggested during a class I attended recently.
The belt was my personal choice.
I also replaced all the bolts.
They’re cheap.
02-24-2019, 02:48 AM
#21
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I just installed a Porsche water pump, LN Thermostat and Contitech belt.
Thats what I would recommend.
The water pump and thermostat was what was suggested during a class I attended recently.
The belt was my personal choice.
I also replaced all the bolts.
They’re cheap.
Thats what I would recommend.
The water pump and thermostat was what was suggested during a class I attended recently.
The belt was my personal choice.
I also replaced all the bolts.
They’re cheap.
Interesting discussion guys.
Basically it sounds like there aren't many successfully using anything but OE, OEM, water pumps or LN thermostats. Is that correct?
Or, to put a point on it, all other water pumps and thermostats fail miserably in comparison?
Has anyone had a different experience?
02-24-2019, 01:01 PM
#22
I used a Pierburg water pump and a Wahler low-temp thermostat, which have thus far given excellent service. I'm not sure if this counts as a different experience.
To be fair, these are parts that should be trouble-free for many miles and years - so it may be quite a while until I can say whether they've demonstrated acceptable quality.
To be fair, these are parts that should be trouble-free for many miles and years - so it may be quite a while until I can say whether they've demonstrated acceptable quality.
02-24-2019, 03:32 PM
#24
Drifting
I used a wahler in my 2000 too. They seem like a simple device to me. They either work or they don’t. If you’re concerned, you can test the thermostat on the stove in a pot of hot water with a thermometer. Somebody will probably come along and explain that the better one opens faster or further... I opted to save a few bucks.
02-24-2019, 05:18 PM
#25
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I used a wahler in my 2000 too. They seem like a simple device to me. They either work or they don’t. If you’re concerned, you can test the thermostat on the stove in a pot of hot water with a thermometer. Somebody will probably come along and explain that the better one opens faster or further... I opted to save a few bucks.
Thanks guys. Perhaps this thread needed a bit more clarity. It seemed to me that there were enough guys using enough water pumps and thermostats that they would be able to give us some feedback regarding the different ones they have installed. Something beyond mantra and marketing.
02-26-2019, 12:33 PM
#26
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
thanks for your help guys. I was hoping to create a bit of a database that would help those who come later. Apparently it was a little too oblique. In retrospect maybe I should have asked a more direct question such as which parts have failed. With a topic like water pumps there have been so many removed and replaced at this point that you would think there was some kind of trend slash pattern that might be useful.
02-27-2019, 02:38 PM
#28
Former Vendor
Pierburg Water Pump
https://www.warehouse33auto.com/PIER...996-106-011-57
Low Temp 71* C Whaler Thermostat
https://www.warehouse33auto.com/WAHL...996-106-013-59
Continental Belt
https://www.warehouse33auto.com/CONT...996-102-151-66
-Jason
https://www.warehouse33auto.com/PIER...996-106-011-57
Low Temp 71* C Whaler Thermostat
https://www.warehouse33auto.com/WAHL...996-106-013-59
Continental Belt
https://www.warehouse33auto.com/CONT...996-102-151-66
-Jason
02-27-2019, 03:06 PM
#29
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
My Porsche water pump was installed by Flat6Innovations in late 2013, about 33K miles back.(During The IMS Solution installation)
I replaced it in January 2019 with another Porsche water pump because Jake suggested it. (He said do it, and the next weekend I did!)
It looked fine, which is a good thing.
I replaced it because a failed water pump can be bad, VERY bad.
I considerate it a maintenance item, and will replace it every 4 years from now on.
I also replace my thermostat with an LN low temp one at the same time.
I replaced it in January 2019 with another Porsche water pump because Jake suggested it. (He said do it, and the next weekend I did!)
It looked fine, which is a good thing.
I replaced it because a failed water pump can be bad, VERY bad.
I considerate it a maintenance item, and will replace it every 4 years from now on.
I also replace my thermostat with an LN low temp one at the same time.