sounds nuts but im right in the middle of getting all the parts for a build and the darn water pump goes out. now i could buy a stock one or i can buy a good one, bus sizing is a problem. i have a 305 in a 1990 camaro and im putting in a cam, heads, tpi, headers, all smog legal, and lots of things but everything can also be used on a 350 if i just decide to blow off the 305. so here is the problem - i dont trust sales men - they lie, and have no practical experience. with the cam i am getting a dual timing chain, and i know i will have to get a different cover to accomodate it. what water pump should i get? they talk about a reverse pump and all that. long nose short nose, but no one says if they will fit a larger timing chain cover, and i dont want to buy two of them. so are there any suggestions? thanks for any replies.

Even if you need a different timing chain cover to accomodate a double roller cam (which I have doubts about) it will still easily fit behind the water pump.

For a 1990 with a serpentine belt system you need a long style water pump, reverse rotation.

A parts store rebuild will work just fine. It's one of those parts on the small block that rarely needs "upgrading" just because you're hopping up the motor some. If you want to lose a little weight you can spend more money on an aftermarket aluminum pump. It may help cooling a little bit, but expect no miracles in that department.

stock replacement one will be just fine and is all that is needed


have fun!

thanks damon and randy stock it is. long neck reverse.

thanks again tony

I'll completely agree, but with a big asterisk. I'd advise taking a 3/8" wrench to the parts store and pulling the back cover on ANY reman SBC water pump before walking out of the store with it. I've had at least two of them with impellers that were eroded so badly after years of use and further erosion from the shot-blasting process that the remanufacturers use that there is not enough depth left in the vanes to move sufficient water to cool under high loads. You might want to compare the existing pump (which was apparently adequate) to the replacement.

i was thinking of buying a new one, not remfg. they are not all that expensive but i did not have a clue about problems with double chain cover and clearance. even search did not help - but you guys did.
i am looking for something to last 20 years or so, like the first one did. this is my last car - i intend to be burried in it. LOL.

lets hope it and you & car last more than 20 yrs. . not too many of us old pharts around who still like cool cars . cool cars , cold beer , younger women , life is still good .

i just replaced my radiator and water pump. bought the factory replacement radiator. i bought a brand new bosch water pump that is the hd water pump. been running really cool. i also put in a mrgasket 180 thermostat as well.

well tom im already 62 and another 20 and a wake up will be fine with me.
power to the old people.