transalpian

Here is my plan: Put this pump (EMP/Stewart, 55 gpm, 1.25" in/out, 8A) http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/4574/5ycu.jpg in line in my lower radiator hose shown here: http://imageshack.us/a/img208/9228/3qjf.jpg I plan to remote mount the pump controller and wire the power through a relay with the trigger voltage coming from some keyed source. I will remove the existing tensioner/idler pulley, remove the existing mechanical water pump cartridge, and fab up a cover for the hole created by the elimination of the mechanical pump. I will then have the most simple belt routing imaginable - direct from the crank to the alternator. My alternator mounting already gives adjustment for belt tension. I will need to measure for the right belt belt length, but that is the least of my concerns. Other than the possible clearance issues that only time and experimentation will reveal, what issues can anyone else see?

I think what you show is the "right" way the belt should be routed. It looks good to me. Unfortunately, the PO of my car did things pretty differently and it looks like a great deal of work and parts would be needed to get it back to that. I appreciate the picture! It shows me I really do have an issue that a simple fix won't solve. I'm really leaning toward the remote electric water pump at this point.

Last thoughts for now. I've done the risk analysis of the various options and I think I'm leaning toward another solution - remote mounted electric pump. I know I can make it fit. Installation is only plumbing and wiring. I'll need to fab up a cover for the hole the old pump will leave, but that shouldn't be a challenge. The other options of reverse flow impellor or a pump from another engine don't leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling. The electric pump will also make the most simple belt routing - 2 pulleys, crank and alternator. It that squeals, I'm doing something wrong! Anyone tried this? Thoughts in general? Thanks for listening to my problem solving process!

More research, the 1.8l zetec from an escort has the crank, water pump, and alternator on a single triangular belt, assumingly using the alternator to provide belt tension. Any thoughts?

Ok, I can find reverse rotation impellers for black top zx3, but nothing specific for my zx2. Any leads? Also, i'm reading that not all zetec water pumps turn in the opposite rotation as the crank. If this is true, maybe i can swap the impeller to the zx2 housing/shaft. Can any zx1/3 owners chime in?

Good eye. Yes, I'm not too warm and fuzzy about the contact arc on the crank pulley. What would I need to do to rotate the water pump in the opposite direction? Right now, it turns the opposite rotational direction as the main crank pulley. If I move the adjustible idler and re-route the belt, I can pick up more wrap on the crank pulley, water pump pulley, and probably the alternatior pulley in one fell swoop. But then the water pump would be turning in the same rotational direction as the crank pulley. What do I do there?

Greetings again! I have a zx2 engine with a well developed case of belt squeal. Now to be complete, I also saw a puddle of coolant under it last night and tonight (maybe) will look to see if I've lost a water pump. All that said, I'm interested in the squeal elimination kit discussed here often. However, my engine looks different than other images I've seen. Here is mine: http://imageshack.us/a/img208/9228/3qjf.jpg and http://imageshack.us/a/img89/4118/9suu.jpg As you can hopefully see, I only have four pullys on the front; crank, water pump, alternator, and tensioner. Also note that the alternator bracket was custom fabricated by the PO. Also note the "interesting" current mounting system for the belt tensioner. I plan on digging into it to determine the source of the coolant on my floor, replacing the pump if needed, and seeing how the squeal changes. If that doesn't fix my noise issue (the leak could be a hose or seomthing else...), what do I need to do to install the squeal kit? From what I can see, It looks like I'm missing the stock alternator bracket which will be needed to mount the relocated tensioner, I'm missing a pulley near the alternator, and who knows what I'm missing where the new squeal kit pulley mounts. Thoughts? All help will be greatly appreciated!

I guess it's time to chime back in here. First, I appreciate all the input, keep it coming! I'm now doing a cross-walk between the wheels I like and the wheels that will fit my car. I'm currently running 15"x6.5" rims with a 35mm offset (4x100 bolt pattern). My crude skills seem to indicate these wheels will fit as well: 15"x6", 28mm offset 15"x7", 40mm offset My current 90%+ tires will fit these too (195/50-15). What pros and cons should I consider when selecting width?

Greetings again! I'm replacing the wheels on my Birkin and have narrowed it down to three: VTO Classic Rota RB Konig Rewind Can anyone share their experiences with any of these choices? Quality? Durability? Weight? Trueness? Anything else? Obviously I'm looking for the MiniLight/Panasport look. Are there others I should consider? I'm going for a black center with a polished rim. Thanks!

I guess I'm not "set" on a fitted cover, but I do like them on my other cars...

Greetings! I have a Birkin S3 and am looking for a fitted cover for use in the garage (I've a bit of a bat problem). Any recommendations?

No worries, I can reproduce it here. I just didn't want to use it if he was selling shirts or something. I think it would be a very subtle icon on a polo shirt...

How would one go about getting the Gary Brazine graphic on a shirt?