I have an 89-90 Block 454, and 390 heads, I'll be doing alot of reading making sure my pulleys are setup correctly, and buying the right ones. Im not sure what grooves to use yet. Back to the point... Long Waterpumps and Short, I cant remember after which year if any they changed? Can somone fill me in on what I need to use, also any brand or part number reccomend would be awesome... Thanks!

68 was the last year for short water pumps in Chevelles big block or small block(72? for pickups), so your 71 should use the long pump which makes it a lot easier to find pulleys and brackets. Deep groove pulleys are better if you're going to be pushing a lot of horsepower, on a stock or slightly modified engine regular pulleys are fine. As for brands I use all GM so if you're looking for good aftermarket I can't really help there. Good Luck on the BB swap!

I use the stock pulleys and a stock waterpump,never a thrown belt and it stays cool.

Nate is right about the ease of long pump accessories, but I always used the short stuff so that I had more room in the front of the engine compartment to work. Not that it's the correct way or not.

The biggest thing to remember is that TYPICALLY you can use either set up in most cars BUT make sure that all of your accessories are long or short depending on whether you use the long or short pump.

Rob

So the mounts are the same size but the difference between long and short just come out towards the front more? Ok well this makes sence, long water pump, then all long pulleys as well?

Id like to go short waterpump if it will fit, the pulleys are alot easier to come by for me for SWP. Was thinking about this pump:

http://www.stewartcomponents.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=11104&Category_Code=ChevyS1

Im leaving work, I want to pick this stuff up before I take off. Wanna make sure it will fit correctly. So a short water pump can go on any big block right? Just need the pulleys to back it?

It will fit, but you have to have the matching brackets for your alternator, PS, and whatever else. These brackets are specifc to long OR short, they do not interchange.

Thanks for the quick respond TJ, I was hoping it would work. Brackets are the next stop

can the stock water hoses work? and what about the fan shroud?

Another fan here of the Stewart water pumps. I am running a Stewart long stage II pump with their modified T-stat, I turn it with the stock 3 groove crank pulley, using the outer most and largest gooove to turn my March 5.5" water pump pulley. I run a smaller water pump pulley to keep low RPM and idle water flow as high as possible. I am running a 72 LS5 461 BBC. Am also running a taurus 2 speed electric fan and have the water pump bypass blocked on my non A/C car to get the most flow from my pump. I have bypass/flow through my modified T-stat and heater loop, whole system works very well.

Originally posted by mechcanic427:
can the stock water hoses work? and what about the fan shroud? Top hose-yes, bottom hose-no, shroud-possibly. The small block shroud may work.

I was thinking about running an electric fan once the engine build is all done with. One of the last things id like to do under the hood smile.gif So to speak... I got the stage 1 Stewart, looks good, the clearence sure is close between the pump and balancer though. I wonder if I should worry. We're talking 1/8-1/4" I'll take pictures when its light.

pnutkemist, those clearences are dead on. Iam at 1/8, but it works good. I have the swp and went with the serpintine system, and dual fans. It will work, just very close.

I ran out of money for the Serpentine system, I will look into adding one someday, I cut a few performance corners. It's still got alot more parts than I expected. What Serp. System did you get? March? Aluminum?

I went with the March System. I know the price was higher, but it has worked very well. I dont have air so that helped a little on the price. As far as installing and alignment it was right on the mark. No shims or adjustment. Bolt it on and go.The tech I spoke with at March was very helpful and the parts arrived approx. 3 days later. Nothing was missing, or damaged.There number is 1-734-729-9070, Ask for Phil at ext #15