[bay]

I found this Ferrari 550 » Ferrari » Car Models » Capristo ExhaustSystems

[cribbj]

Nice find Bernard! I've just sent them an email asking for more technical details, etc. as I'm sure you have?

[cribbj]

I just received a response from Antonio Capristo about this 550 water pump:

"Our pump has been designed and manufactured in the same way like the original ones.

For this reason the performance is the same. Our water pump provides the only advantage that it comes with an impeller made from aluminium instead of the original one made from plastic.

I can also build you this propeller on it, then you have a higher performance.

The original impellers are subject to wear and tear in the course of time or they do break. In this case the quantity of water moved by the pump is less than a new one.

Due to the fact that our impeller is made from aluminium, it will not be so easily subject to damage.

Our water pump has been manufactured in a way to ensure that it can be mounted to the original thermostat cover without any problems.


We do not raise any objection to copy and to paste our reply to the Ferrari Life Forum.

Best regards,

Antonio

Capristo Exhaust Systems GmbH
Kalmecke 5
59846 Sundern Germany
T +49 2933 92227 0
F +49 2933 92227 27
info@capristo-exhaust.de
www.capristo.de


Geschäftsführer: Capristo Antonio
Steuer Ident.Nr.DE123895580
Amtsgericht Arnsberg HR B6805
Steuer-Nr. 303/5705/0462"


The propeller he is referring to is an 8 vane type, similar to the 575 impellers. (I'm running the OEM version of this in my 550, along with the smaller 575 pulley). Again, this would be in aluminum.

Obviously another advantage of this pump is price - the OEM pump runs around 500 to 750 Euros, while the Capristo pump is 315 Euros.

Here are some photos he sent me on these impellers:

[tazandjan]

John- Sometimes Ferrari parts pricing makes no sense at all. A complete water pump for a 550 is $695 from Ricambi, but for a 575M, it is a minimum of $2360. If this pump fits the 575M, it eventually would make a great replacement for both models. So far the 575M pumps seem to work fine.

Maybe Brian can shed some light on how sturdy the 575M pumps have been.

[Granucci]

Taz: Supply and demand. Once Brian quoted me a price for a right side CAT at X-$$$ and the left side at almost twice the price. Reason? Supply. Basically identical except for the twisting part, but same CAT.

[Jack Russell Racing]

I have the Capristo pumps in stock here in the United States, and discount codes would apply to an on-line purchase.

Ferrari Parts - Ricambi America, Inc. : Waterpumps & Rebuild Kits


.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

John- Sometimes Ferrari parts pricing makes no sense at all. A complete water pump for a 550 is $695 from Ricambi, but for a 575M, it is a minimum of $2360. If this pump fits the 575M, it eventually would make a great replacement for both models. So far the 575M pumps seem to work fine.

Maybe Brian can shed some light on how sturdy the 575M pumps have been.

All the pumps have been really good. 355, 456, 550 are all the same with the exception of pulley size. Later may have a different blade but are the same otherwise.


As far as I am concerned there is nothing that needs improvement. Rebuild parts are inexpensive as you can see from Daniels website and the actual rebuild is very easy.


If you need a complete pump the Capristo is a good price but like I said the OE part needs no improvement.

[tazandjan]

Brian- Thanks. From Antonio's reply, he can supply the improved impeller in aluminum to fit the original pump. Would that be an upgrade for rebuilds and have you ever seen a broken impeller blade so it would be a worthwhile improvement?

[Brian]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Brian- Thanks. From Antonio's reply, he can supply the improved impeller in aluminum to fit the original pump. Would that be an upgrade for rebuilds and have you ever seen a broken impeller blade so it would be a worthwhile improvement?

I have never seen a broken impeller. We used to hear of them in the Challenge cars and I am aware of zero cases where mishandling during servicing was not suspected.

Ferrari actually blamed it on the use of Water Wetter. I won't bother to tell you what Redline had to say about that. Typical of Ferrari though to blame whoever else they could.

I have no need to try to improve upon that which is not broken.
I leave fixing the unbroken to others.

Besides, just moving more water does not improve cooling. The 308 QV had a reputation for a very marginal cooling system. The F40 did not and it made twice the HP. F40 used exactly the same water pump.

[tazandjan]

Brian- Thanks. Think I will just continue to change my coolant every other year and not expect any problems. If she needs rebuilding, I will use stock parts.