Reverse Flow Water Pump
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 1
From: grand prairie texas
Reverse Flow Water Pump
Can anybody out there explain this so called reverse flow water pump? Does the water flow in a different direction. I have been seriously considering converting my 77 over to the serpentine belt conversion and today I spoke to the machine shop that overhauled my engine and heads. He told me that my engine which is a 1978 sb 350 would not be able to work on that engine. He also told me that it would void my warranty. He said lt engines are designed for this pump. I have for the past few weeks made posts and read about all you guys and seen your pictures about the conversions and thought I had it all figured out and today another wrench in the works. I called gulf coast and they are working me up a price on used brackets incase I go back to v belts. Thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 236
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From: Jacksonville FL
Originally Posted by wnmech
Can anybody out there explain this so called reverse flow water pump? Does the water flow in a different direction. I have been seriously considering converting my 77 over to the serpentine belt conversion and today I spoke to the machine shop that overhauled my engine and heads. He told me that my engine which is a 1978 sb 350 would not be able to work on that engine. He also told me that it would void my warranty. He said lt engines are designed for this pump. I have for the past few weeks made posts and read about all you guys and seen your pictures about the conversions and thought I had it all figured out and today another wrench in the works. I called gulf coast and they are working me up a price on used brackets incase I go back to v belts. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,040
Likes: 672
From: FL
Originally Posted by Chris Johnson
You need a reverse rotation water pump, not a reverse flow water pump. On a reverse rotation pump, the water still flows the same direction, but the belt turns in the opposite direction.
If your mechanic is confusing a reverse flow (Gen II, LT1 water pump) with a reverse rotation (Gen I, L-98 mid 80's vette) pump, then I would look for another mechanic.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 1
From: grand prairie texas
Originally Posted by big_G
The pump you have is probably from a C-4, LT1. you must use this with LT1 heads. Really a pain to do unless you already have everything from an LT1.. IMO!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
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From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
Reverse flow sends the coolest coolant to the heads first and dumps the hottest out the pump, the block.
The 2 radiator hoses are reversed- kind of.
I think this also means you change the thermostat to a different location. I don't know if anyone here is doing this?
Is there?
The other I think is because the belt is wrapping funny on it? The back of the belt is driving I'm guessing so it turns backwards. Like a gear drive compared to a belt drive thing.
The 2 radiator hoses are reversed- kind of.
I think this also means you change the thermostat to a different location. I don't know if anyone here is doing this?
Is there?
The other I think is because the belt is wrapping funny on it? The back of the belt is driving I'm guessing so it turns backwards. Like a gear drive compared to a belt drive thing.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,040
Likes: 672
From: FL
What you want is a reverse rotation water pump out of an L98 Corvette from the mid-80's. These are Gen I small blocks that have the normal reverse flow and serpentine belts.
If you look at a serpentine drive system, the water pump does rotate opposite a V-belt system.
If you look at a serpentine drive system, the water pump does rotate opposite a V-belt system.
