I am considering replacing my OEM water pump to a higher flow pump such as Edelbrock, Stewart, Weiland, etc. I have two questions. First, is there a gasket between the pump and the block where the water flows and do most of these pumps supply the gaskets? Second, I have heard some people have had to modify the air conditioning pump bracket to make the new water pump fit. Have people installed these pumps and had to modify the bracket to the left of the pump?

 

Yes, there's a gasket. I got mine with my gasket set.

Not sure about the AC part.

 

If you get the Edelbrock one, you will have no problems with your serpentine brackets. I've got an Edelbrock Victor Series reverse-rotation Long Pump, and it works great!

 

The Edelbrock Victor series water pump is what I am considering. Nice to know you did not have to modify GTA brackets. Did it come with the gaskets? I understand that you can get replacement bearings from Edelbrock. Is that true?

 

Haven't needed to replace the bearings yet (knock on aluminum), but it comes with gaskets.. You'll want some kind of gasket sealant for them.. I use RTV blue for water pumps.

 

Here is Edelbrock's response to my question:

Raymond, our water pumps are provided with all necessary mounting gaskets.
We actually provided a quick rebuilding service for all of our water pumps
and don't recommend them to be built by anybody but us. Turnaround is
usually within the week. As long as the vehicle is started up and not left
sitting for weeks and months, there should be no durability problems. We
appreciate your interest in our products. Thanks.

Ray Garcia
Edelbrock Corporation
Technical Sales Representative