autozone water pump?

[94conv.]

The dealer wants 293.00 for a Gm pump, gmpartsdirect.com wants 146.00 but 176.00 with shipping and takes up to 10 days and autozone wants 130.00 with a life time warranty, whats everyones opinion of the autozone pumps? Its going on a 94 LT1

 

[AdvancedAutoCC]

The dealer wants 293.00 for a Gm pump, gmpartsdirect.com wants 146.00 but 176.00 with shipping and takes up to 10 days and autozone wants 130.00 with a life time warranty, whats everyones opinion of the autozone pumps? Its going on a 94 LT1

in a word - J U N K

Autozone and its competition (the other discount chains) use primarily off-brand and "offshore" (read JAPCO) parts in their operations. The "lifetime warranty" they do stand behind, but ask yourself this question - Is it really a good warranty (or part) when you're bringing the part back for the third time?

Case in point... a good friend of mine bought a "lifetime warranty" alternator for his car. In a 2 year time period, he had to replace it 4 times. It all goes back to the old saying "you get what you pay for". Try buying a Delco pump from a reliable supplier if you don't want to buy from the dealer.

 

[94conv.]

took your advise, ordered the gm waterpump, did end up getting it for $200.00, went ahead and got plug wires to. Thank you.

 

[JonM]

The dealer wants 293.00 for a Gm pump, gmpartsdirect.com wants 146.00 but 176.00 with shipping and takes up to 10 days and autozone wants 130.00 with a life time warranty, whats everyones opinion of the autozone pumps? Its going on a 94 LT1

Brand New Delco http://www.rockauto.com 190.56 including shipping

http://www.tld-corvette.com/catalog.htm 192.00 plus shipping (new delco)

 

[94conv.]

Thanks guys, I really hated the thought of the autozone pump but they are cheap/inexpensive but like someone said, you get what you paid for.

 

[compyelc4]

I must be the Lone Ranger here. Anyone else experience problems with the Autozone? I installed an Autozone pump on my '95 about 3 years ago. Been great so far. I've been through too many GM pumps to feel good about them. Crumby bearings take out the crumby seals in my opinion. Build quality and finish of the Autozone is very good.

 

[NevadaJim]

I must be the Lone Ranger here. Anyone else experience problems with the Autozone? I installed an Autozone pump on my '95 about 3 years ago. Been great so far. I've been through too many GM pumps to feel good about them. Crumby bearings take out the crumby seals in my opinion. Build quality and finish of the Autozone is very good.

Not alone, I put an Autozone water pump on my mom's Iroc a little over 5 years ago, still going strong. Put one on our Camaro 6 years before we sold it, was still working fine at that time. I've bought several parts from Autozone over the years and have yet to have a problem.

 

[wilezcoyote]

Avoid the Rebuilt Parts

Autozone's new parts have always worked great for me. They're always have the best prices too.

One thing you can do is ask them if they have any other brand of part besides the house brand. Lots of times you can get name brand, i.e. Bosche, Delco, MSD, Edlebrock, etc..., pretty reasonably.

But, avoid their rebuilt parts like the plague unless you like practicing take parts off and putting them back on.:ugh

 

[tnovot]

Ditto. I have used Auto Zone (for other cars besides the Vette) for brake pads, rotors, rebuilt water pump, alternator and more and have never had a problem with anything. I have had problems with NAPA rebuilt starters and a local shop even refuses to use them so you can't always go by the name brand.
According to Consumer Reports magazine, Auto Zone batteries have one of the best test scores and highest comsumer satisfaction ratings of all major brands.
I agree there IS something to be said for original Delco/GM parts. IMHO, a lot depends on how labor intensive the replacement job is.

 

[Ripp 73]

No problems

I can't say that I have had any complaints with AutoZone. Other then the fact that they sometimes make me go to the one across town because they just ran out on a part. I actually just got a new water pump from them... for my 91 Ranger. But I have no problems buying parts for the Vette from them as long as they are of good quality and cheap (college budget after all).

 

[G Winter]

My experience with any rebuilt is bad. I avoid them. I have used new from many places and no problems with any of them.

 

[OLDCHEV]

For me, it is Waterpumps.com (The old Stewart waterpumps) or AC Delco! You cannot go wrong with Stewart if they make a pump for your vehicle. I opened a water pump from Autozone before buying and it was made in China (junk)!

I have no other issues with Autozone other than their China Junk!!!!!!!!

I live in Phoenix, Az. and I know what works cooling wise on all my vehicles. Either Stewart or AC Delco pumps, Aluminum radiators and Silicone hoses.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Jeb]

Several years ago, I needed front rotors for my Yukon. I checked with the GMC dealer and they wanted $365/each.

I went down the street to AZ and they wanted $65/ea. Well, that astounded me and I was thinking, "Sheesh, they must be crapola at that price." So, I called my brother who worked for a company which makes rotors for Detroit and asked him the difference bewteen the ZA rotors and the OEM rotors.

His answer? The paint. Apparently, the OEM rotors are electrostatically painted and the AZ rotors aren't so fancy.

Needless to say, I went with the AZ rotors and haven't had a problem.

I've also had the opportunity to use an AZ rebuilt alternator and haven't had a problem with that item either.

 

[87blackroxi]

In the minority here

I've tried autozone (discount auto) and have had nothing but problems. Same thing as a previous poster with the alternator. replaced it a few times within a couple years.
I just bought a starter from them last month. took it home and the instructions said you have to insert shims to properly fit it. Well for a couple bucks more, the ac delco starter fits right in and I've had no problems at all.
I think you made a good choice going with GM.

 

[Doutdoor]

I bought a rebuilt AZ starter for my LT1 that was absolute crap. I posted another thread on this forum about Starter Noises and the problems I've had with the starter. It all started with that rebuilt starter. Finally bought a PowerMaster hi-torque starter and it works great. Anyway, I figured I was hosed with being able to return the AZ starter, but I talked to the manager at the store yesterday and he said they would refund my money. They must get a lot of retuns kind of like Home Depot, and like Home Depot they figure service and a good warranty/returns policy = increased volume. I also bought a brand new water pump from AZ for my truck and it leaked after I had just spent all day taking the old one off and putting the new one on. Needless to say I was little ****ed off. I told my wife I was going to go down there and throw it through their front window. She said don't count on me having enough money to bail you out. I did get another pump but had to pay for another 2 gallons of coolant. Oil, filters and the like I think AZ is ok, but for parts forget it.

 

[tnovot]

I've tried autozone (discount auto) and have had nothing but problems. Same thing as a previous poster with the alternator. replaced it a few times within a couple years.
I just bought a starter from them last month. took it home and the instructions said you have to insert shims to properly fit it. Well for a couple bucks more, the ac delco starter fits right in and I've had no problems at all.
I think you made a good choice going with GM.

Don't confuse having to use shims on a starter with poor quality. Any good quality new, rebuilt, or reman starter should come with instructions or at least a note that shims may be required.
Due to the tolerances for machined mounting surface on the block and the starter, ANY brand may need shims in order to correctly engage the teeth on the flywheel/flexplate teeth with the starter teeth. Even a new vehicle from the factory can have shims to correctly space the starter from the ring gear. Many "backyard" mechanics will just toss the original shims when replacing the starter but it's not a good idea.
Any starter will "Fit" but not necessarily properly. ALL starter replacements should have the engagement on the two sets of teeth checked for proper spacing.