So, im dropping a 5.7 vortec into my 86 f-body and im to the step of mocking up the accessory drive. I plan on using the 305 accessories with serpentine pulleys. however, im forced to use the vortec waterpump. at this point, im terribly confused on getting all the brackets to fit (new WP doesnt have bolt hole for bracket that runs to the alternator). Have any of you completed this swap? What did you do to make it all work? Thanks.

 

Why?

 

You just need to use the 86 water pump if you are sticking with the combination v / serp accessories from the 86. The water pumps are the same depth and flow but opposite rotation. And the 86 pump with accessory bolts doesn't fit with 88-92 full serpentine accessories.

 

I was told i had to use the vortec pump because i want to use a serpentine system. I want to stay as far away from v-belt as i can.

 

If you wanna use a Vortec pump,you'll need to use the fan also becuz the Vortec pump has a threaded hub that the fan assembly attatches with vs bolt on hub on earlier w/p.The vortec pump will also have the ports to attatch the Tstat bypass.Some L05's are equipped with ports as well,but'still use the bolt on fan.

 

You can use a pump for 88 - 95 and be compatible with the serpentine system, AND the accessories that will fit your car (which will also need to come from 88 - 95 but NOT from a truck).

 

Your 86 standard rotation pump is needed to work with V belt accessories, both for rotation and to support the alternator bracket (as you said).

Since you WANT serpentine brackets/accessories, you therefore NEED the Vortec pump, which is reverse rotation and does not need to support the V belt alternator bracket.

Win - Win!

 

No, he DOES NOT "need" the Vortec pump.

He can use a 88-95 pump, which is ALSO reverse rotation. And that series of pumps actually FITS 88-95 PASSENGER CAR accessories, unlike the Vortec pump, which in turn will FIT UNDER HIS HOOD, unlike the Vortec truck accessories. Talk about a win-win.

 

@Sofa - From your comments, I am appear to be missing a fact that Vortec truck pumps are different than 88-95 pumps. The one fact I did have right is they are both reverse rotation.

I figure he was already getting the pump with the engine, and it was already reverse rotation, so that was all he needed. I know the SBC/vortec truck accessories don't fit under a Camaro hood, but I didn't realize the Vortec water pump does not work with 88-92 F body accessories.

 

Right: the Vortec pump, if memory serves, uses the pulley arrangement whereby the fan clutch screws onto the pump with the big wrench kind of deal, instead of the 4 bolts; and the pulley of that type doesn't line up with the earlier model accessories; and the accessories that it DOES line up with, sit up so high that our hoods won't close on them.

Definitely, reverse rotation is essential. No question of that. But there are these other pesky details that enter into the picture.

Meanwhile, the 88-95 pump (in fact, including the one that would have come in those years of these cars originally) is also reverse rotation, but takes the 4 small bolts type of pulley, and therefore is compatible with accessories that the hood CAN close on.

 

Like I explained above,the Vortec pump has a threaded hub for fan attatchment.The fan actually threads onto the pump.Pulley also atatches with a different bolt pattern.You would need to use Vortec accessories with a Vortec pump.The pumps are the same functionally/diminsion wise other than that.Of course the bypass port on the Vortec pump,which is also on some 88-95 pumps as well.Some have a 1/2" npt port w/ a plug installed.Some have a blank that can be drilled/tapped depending on application.