How to tell the difference between a Chevy long and short water pump?

Identifying a Chevy Long and Short Water Pump
To distinguish between a Chevy long and short water pump, you can consider the following methods:
1. Model Year and Location of Compressor and Alternator:
– For models from 1955 through 1968, all had short water pumps, except for trucks and Corvettes. In these models, the compressor was mounted on the passenger side of the engine, while the alternator stood on the driver’s side.
2. Pulley Clearance Test:
– Short water pumps typically do not allow enough space to fit a finger between the back of the pulley and the water pump, while long water pumps do allow for this clearance [[6]].
3. Shaft Measurement:
– A more accurate way to determine the type of water pump is to measure the shaft. For small block Chevy (SBC), a long water pump shaft is 7 inches, and a short is 5 5/8 inches. For big block Chevy (BBC), a long water pump shaft is 7 1/4 inches, and a short is 5 3/4 inches.
4. Mounting Spacing and Pump Height:
– The mounting spacing and pump height can also be considered. The long water pump appears similar in design to the short water pump but has longer cast legs that move the main.
5. Compatibility and Space Issues:
– It’s possible to run a long pump on a car that originally came with a short pump and vice versa, but it may lead to space and pulley issues.
6. Accessories and Bracket Options:
– The choice between short and long water pumps may also depend on the available options for accessory brackets and the space for the alternator.
Remember, it’s essential to consider the specific model and year of the Chevy engine when determining the type of water pump.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to ask!

How do I know if I have a long water pump?

Similar to the short water pump, you can usually spot a long water pump installed on an engine by the extra-large gap between the back side of the pump and the engine’s timing chain cover.

How long is a short water pump?

Short water pumps measure from the front to the back where it mounts on the engine block to the pulley flange. They measure 5 5/8 inches for SB engines and 5 3/4 inches for BB engines.

What year did Chevy use short water pump?

All models of Chevy V8 engines from 1955 through 1968 came equipped standard with a short water pump.

How do I identify a pump?

To identify the model of your pump, you need to know the part number. Part numbers, also sometimes referred to as model numbers, can be found on your pump’s tag. A pump tag is a small rectangular plate that displays all the basic information about your pump.

Are all Chevy 350 water pumps the same?

And to answer your initial question, NO all water pumps are not the same. You can buy ‘reverse flow’ pumps, hi-volume pumps, etc. etc. But, unless you intend to race this vehicle, just put a stock water pump back on….IF you need one.

What happens if you oversize a water pump?

Oversized pumps generate excess system flow and with throttling cause higher backpressures, this will in turn prematurely wear out bearings and seals.

Are short and long water pumps interchangeable?

Short and long shaft pumps are not interchangeable. Here’s how to tell. Short pump is 5-3/4″ from block surface to hub. Long pump is 7-5/16″ from block surface to hub.

Is big block Chevy small block Chevy water pump the same?

One of the questions we commonly get is what water pump is right for my Chevy V8, whether it be a small block or big block Chevy. The reason for this is Chevy developed two different types of water pumps for these engines: a short-type and a long-type.

How do you determine the size of a water pump?

When considering the pump you might need, you need to try to work out what your water demand will be. You will count the number of taps, water using appliances, irrigation and any other water use that might be used at any one time. This will determine the total litres per minute you might need.

Are all small block Chevy water pumps the same?

When it comes to both small and big block Chevy V8 engines, there are essentially two different types of Chevy water pumps—a long style and a short style.