My 66 Malibu currently has a 283 in it. I bought a 400 small block that I'm going to freshen up a little and drop in to replace the 283. The 283 has a short water pump. The 400 would have had a long pump from the factory. My original goal was to keep it looking fairly stock with a short pump and original bracketry. But with the aluminum intake and headers and other mods, I guess it wouldn't matter much anyway.

I want to install power steering on this engine but finding the right brackets to mount a PS pump correctly is proving to be a real chore with the short pump. I think it might be easier if I run a long pump on the 400. Sorry for dragging this out but I thought you all might have some good recommendations/opinions about my options. Should I....

Run a short water pump and keep trying to get the right PS pump bracket?

Run a long pump and use the easier to find PS pump bracket?

Switch over to to a serpentine setup from later model Chevy truck (I think I might already have most parts needed from a previous project)...

I look forward to hearing some responses/opinions. Thanks for your help!

You will have less fitment problems with the short setup because that is what belongs there. If you go long you will have to change the alternator brackets too.
If I remember correctly, the alternator switches sides when changing from short style to long. If all you need is the ps brackets I'd stick with the short stuff. It will look better if everything is in the right place for that year.
Just my personal opinion.
Squido

Also prefer the look of the short pump, brackets, etc. If you like the aftermarket stuff, serpentines, etc there are more options using the long water pump setup.

look at this, I've used this setup several times with short pump.

http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/Power_Steering.htm#small

quality parts, reasonable prices.

Thanks for the quick replies, guys. I guess I have some more thinking to do....

If you want it to appear stock then stick with the short water pump.

The 66 was designed for a short pump. A long can be used, but why? It creates more work to change it over, and it just doesn't look right. Hunt a little bit and come up with the proper brackets and drive it.

Devin