Any experience with Gates water pumps?

[Duncan]

I found a good deal on a brand new Mazda water pump but would still have to buy the gaskets to go with it so it's looking like all in all the OEM Mazda part would be around +/- $115. I can get a Gates pump for $65 with the gaskets. Opinions?

[kung fu jesus]

No issues.

I prefer the OE metal gaskets, but for the fibrous, aftermarket ones, I smear silicone grease on both sides so it stays in place and flat while installing. It also won't need to be scraped off when you remove it farther down the road. :)

[Duncan]

Very nice! Thanks man :)

[BoBo]

I've used Gates on many different cars, Gates are reliable.

[BRGNA8]

My friend installed one on his NA8. No issues from him

A bit of digging suggests that the 949Racing water pump they supply is a Gates.

Also, difference between impellers for OEM vs Gates is that OEM has a spot welded impeller whereas Gates has a cast impeller. What this means exactly im not sure. High flow maybe? But given Gates is a pretty reliable and quality brand name, I'd consider using one if I were in your shoes

[kung fu jesus]

In the BMW world, there is much discussion about aftermarket water pumps. The original has a plastic impeller. The aftermarket options have plastic, cast aluminum, and spot welded. Preferences vary, but the aluminum and spot welded impellers are preferred. Some believe the spot welded are better for durability, flow, and weight. The cast impellers, some say, put more stress on the pump's bearing, or the casting degrades over time. I have seen impellers from cast units worn to nubs, but that was on neglected cars, I haven't seen that on any Miatas I've done.

[BoBo]

For reference, this is a picture of my WP for one of my SLK's. I had this lying around for a while and might as well take a picture and put it to good use. I've used Gates on Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, and Miata...so far so good. I like their Blue Belts as well.
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu129/MR2SW21/SLK%20230%20AMG%20Package/DSC03122_zpso0jyffzq.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/MR2SW21/media/SLK%20230%20AMG%20Package/DSC03122_zpso0jyffzq.jpg.html)

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu129/MR2SW21/SLK%20230%20AMG%20Package/DSC03123_zpsfmsvdqc7.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/MR2SW21/media/SLK%20230%20AMG%20Package/DSC03123_zpsfmsvdqc7.jpg.html)