Hey guys, just picked up my 383 stroker from the engine builder. I went with a l31 vortec block which doesn't have the internal coolant bypass.

Since Im going serpentine I couldn't use my v belt stuff from the old engine and my brother had a brand new water pump for his 92 Camaro RS sitting on the shelf so I planned on using that until I saw that it has the hole for the coolant bypass. What year water pump doesn't have the internal bypass? I need to get this engine sealed up because my garage has a few furry friends creeping around in the night. thanks

edit: should I just tap the bypass hole on the 92 pump and use a set screw with thread sealant?

 

That hole isn't threaded already??? Yeah, just plug it.

 

Ahhhhh....ok, I get what you're saying about the L31 block. I would think you could just tap and plug, but that's not something I've done. Water pumps are too expensive....sure you could get another without that hole

 

Pretty sure all thirdgen factory waterpumps have that internal bypass hole, buying an aftermarket pump seems like a large risk that it won't line up correctly with the thirdgen serp set up.

I ended up just bolting it to the block with the gaskets and sealant because it appears that it will work fine without plugging the hole. I'll update the thread when I finally get it running, thanks for the help

 

Did you get this going yet? Just wondered how that worked out...thinking about the L31 swap also

 

Did you add an external bypass?

 

From what I’ve read, connecting the heater core hose to the top port of the water pump without the coolant bypass valve will act as a n external bypass, if I run into any issues with that then I do have an unused port on my intake manifold that I could use as well.

 

Engine is still out of the car. I’m taking my time, saving up money, and doing things as best as I can. If you’re wondering about the water pump issue then I believe that I have that all figured out, see the post above this one for that info.

 

With the heater core hooked up you should be 100% good to go