Re: Water pump options to replace obsolete impeller
I am wondering if a belt driven raw water pump and a thru hull fitting would be a good alternative if you really can't find it.
Aloha friends,
This is what I did to my 1988 Liberator 211 to take care of the water pump issues and also upgrade to modern style "driven" water pump. It is a bit of work but worth the efforts in many ways. I used a basic thru hull pick up like these:
http://www.livebaitlarry.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=96
The hardest part is gaining the needed space to install the pick up and pump. I found a great space in the engine bay for the pick up tube and requiered valve and plumbing. I was able to make a nice access door under my rear bench seat to install the driven pump. After a lot of head scratching it all came out nicely.
I just got done with a complete restoration from stringers up. The entire interior was rebuilt using the original parts as templates to keep the OEM integrity. All new "best quality" materials were used for the carpet and upholstery throughout the boat. I added "Knytex" along the entire hull surface and coated everything with red pigmented epoxy even under where the carpet goes. There is not one item left untouched including complete replacement of all stainless steel from stem to stern down to the last screw and bolt. I am proud of my 460 Ford King Cobra (with a 1990 "Cone Clutch" Drive) and being a mechanic have had no problems with any of it including the Spitfire ignition. And to all you haters out there, (you know who you are!!) I have plenty of backup parts which I had no problem locating including a factory OTC Breakout Box for complete diagnosis of the Spitfire components. I even have backup module, crank sensors, knock sensors, etc. This is a great set up that can handle as much power if not more than anything out there. Just ask the guys at the outdrive shops about the "Daddy Kings".
I have pictures of the entire retsoration if anyone is intersted I could start a different post if desired.
