I just dropped in my 454 in my 66. The engine is a 74 which had the long style water pump, 66 had the short style pump, so my question is, is there enough clearance to run a long style pump on the 66? or do I need to go with the short style? I have all the brackets for the long style pump which the car does'nt have a/c or p/s so I'll just be running a single belt for the alt. Looks matter originallity doesn't

I would say u need the short set-up. Just did mine in my 67 and no way will the long pump work. Ralph

You can run the long style water pump. Clearance isn't an issue. I've seen many '65,'66,and '67's that had the long pump setup. (Like you said... it isn't correct for the years in question.) Just be sure to remember that the alt was originally on the driver side and if you use factory brackets... it bwill have to go on the pass. side.

The biggest drawback, IMHO, is that you can't run a clutch fan and a proper fan shroud(sp?). If you try to run a clutch fan, there is only about 1/2" clearance to the radiator. If I was to do it again, I would just go with the short water pump.

The easiest and simplest solution would be to just use all the 66 396 components, pump, brackets, etc. Everything from a 66 396 setup will literally fall into place on the 454. Always employ the KISS principle whenever possible.

A short waterpump is the easier route BUT a long setup can be made to work...with some work.
I used the LWP setup in my '67 BB Elky but had to machine a fan spacer to fit the fan/radiator spacing...kind of a trial hit and miss until I finally go it worked out.

The biggest drawback, IMHO, is that you can't run a clutch fan and a proper fan shroud(sp?). If you try to run a clutch fan, there is only about 1/2" clearance to the radiator. If I was to do it again, I would just go with the short water pump.
That is true. Most I have seen with this setup has an aftermarket flex fan or the regular bolt on unit. I also agree to keep the short pump. It does make it simpler when you make changes later. Power steering, A/C, and the wiring doesn't have to be modified.

Short water pump it is!. Thanks for the info:beers:

I'm doing this as well in my 67. After all the research and questions I decided to go with the short pump. Slightly more $$ but less headache.

I'm putting that exact same combo in my 67. A 74 454 with a LWP. I'm using a desert cooler 4 core stock style radiator. I found that a flex fan fits fine with no spacer. I've also fitted an after-market shroud from NPD. THe fan sits half in and half out of the shroud. I've used the stock 74 brackets for the alt. and ps pump.

I also have a stock square shroud I'm going to try just to see how it fits with the fan as soon as the radiator comes back from U.S. Radiator. One of the end bracket was welded on crooked. They are replacing it for free even though I bought it 2 yrs ago at spring Carlysle from Quanta in anticipation of needing it and for a great price. I just called Quanta and told them I just now took it out of the box and found it defective. THey called U.S. Rad. who agree not only to replace it, but had it picked up by UPS 2 days later. Now waiting for a replacement which they say is made to order, in about 2 weeks.

I'm putting that exact same combo in my 67. A 74 454 with a LWP. I'm using a desert cooler 4 core stock style radiator. I found that a flex fan fits fine with no spacer. I've also fitted an after-market shroud from NPD. THe fan sits half in and half out of the shroud. I've used the stock 74 brackets for the alt. and ps pump.

I also have a stock square shroud I'm going to try just to see how it fits with the fan as soon as the radiator comes back from U.S. Radiator. One of the end bracket was welded on crooked. They are replacing it for free even though I bought it 2 yrs ago at spring Carlysle from Quanta in anticipation of needing it and for a great price. I just called Quanta and told them I just now took it out of the box and found it defective. THey called U.S. Rad. who agree not only to replace it, but had it picked up by UPS 2 days later. Now waiting for a replacement which they say is made to order, in about 2 weeks.

I was alway taught that with a flex fan you should be an inch if not further away from the radiator cuz of the fans flexing at higher rpm then back to idle. You may want to check into that.

Let see what some of the other T.C members say

Good idea Jim. I agree.

The fan is almost 2 inches away from the radiator. The rear of the fan blades are a half inch off the alternator pulley. So I have plenty of room to use a 1/2 inch spacer if I want to. I'm using a shroud cuz I've read that some folks are having problems cooling without one. I'm using a 4 core rad. and a shroud so I'm hoping the flex fan will handle it ok.

Bottom line, I gambled ~$40 bucks on a flex fan to keep from spending much more money for a short WP, new alternator bracket, crank pulley, fan pulley and PS mount. Right now it seems like the gamble paid off. I don't much like flex fans but it is what it is.

Is the clearance problem the same on a 66 with a SBC? I am in the process of putting a long pump on with March brackets to FINALLY solve the problem of using headers and having no place to bolt the P/S pump. Right now I have been trying to decide what to replace the stock four blade fan with and whether I will even need a spacer. Any thoughts would be appreciated.:confused:

I have all the BBC short water pump brackets for the alt, power steering, a/c that you need. THey are listed on ebay right now.
see attached link then you can view my other auctions.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=300261159069