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I think I know the reason(s) for the water pump/alternator/power steering spacers on my '73 Corvette with a '69 Z28 302. It has the 8" harmonic balancer, probably from the 302. I want to keep the alternator on the left. My best guess is it is a 140 Tuff Stuff 10si. The new engine will be a 350 based engine preferably with the larger balancer. I'm sure the previous owner spend a lot a time with this set up seen in the pictures as the belts seem to aligned correctly with the pulleys. My question: What are the best options that have been used to solve this alignment problem with a "cleaner" setup?
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Im willing to bet he has spacers on the crank pulley as well.....The issue is he is using an aftermarket aluminum timing chain cover and the machine screw heads on the back of the pump wouldnt let it seat with the short water pump. If you want to get rid of the shims get rid of the timing chain cover or take the pump off and change the bolts on the rear cover out to a low profile button head allen head bolt...a properly built motor should have any of these issues unless all the shiny parts are just machined poorly so that it is a shimming and stacking mess to make it match.
If yo stick with the shims get some that dont look like stacked washers, you should be able to measure the thickness of the stacks and find a one piece shim that thick at a hardware store or online...nothing wrong with shims, they just need to be a single stack to look good like the pump shim
Im willing to bet he has spacers on the crank pulley as well....
Rescue,
Makes sense. I discussed with my machinist after I received your analysis. I also read your post again to understand the button head suggestion. The aluminum cover will be necessary for the button to control the roller cam end play. I will photograph the washer stacks, and measure them. Then test fit the pump after the button head modification. Spacers may or may not be necessary.
Thanks!
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I did the roller cam thing as well and needed the bigger timing cover. With the shallower heads and some careful grinding on the cover where they contact you should be able to get the pump flat on the block
Spacers and 8" harmonic balancer
