I put a 383 in my 1988 TA. I used the serpentine system I originally had on the car. I purchased a new water pump (counterclockwise) the belt is set to spin counterclockwise. So my question is do I need to change to a clockwise pump and is there any reason that an old SBC would specifically need clockwise rotation. Or can I change the belt routing and make it spin the other way? It is blowing the coolant out the bottom instead of sucking it in like it should. I want to do this right and I sure hope that Oreillys didn't give the wrong pump in the box.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

If you have the belt routed the same as stock, (with the flat side of the belt around the waterpump) you may have gotten the wrong pump.

 

That is the way it's routed.

 

Wrong rotation pump will move water but not efficiently in hot weather which will lead to overheating

 

Just buy the pump for an 88 and route the belt as it should be n an 88 and you will be fine....

 

Welcome to TGO!!
If you're using the factory serpentine system the correct rotation of the water pump should be revere rotation, only thing really making it reverse rotation is the water pumps impeller. On a serpentine system with a standard rotation pump your more than likely to run into cooling issues. Are you wanting to change the accessory belt system?
What is the make and part number for the water pump O'reily's sold you?