When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi All!
Planning stage… I know the stock water pump is a “short”. Who has replaced theirs with a high volume aluminum one that was a perfect fit? As in no shims needed behind the pulley, or any other necessary alterations to make it work. What make/model/brand/part #?
Living in Floriduh,, where it can be close to 100 degrees sometimes (hotter over the blacktops) I will be doing what I did with the ‘69 I once had, which is an aluminum rad, dual electric fans and a high volume water pump. Those changes managed to keep the stroker at great temps, even after the ride home from the drag strip in the summer, while also shaving a few lbs. and freeing up a pony or 2 from the fan.
Car is a ‘71 LT1 that will basically have no performance mods. Thanks in advance!
Last edited by litevette; Jul 15, 2025 at 06:22 PM.
AFAIK:
1971 C3 sbc wp isn't a traditional "short" pump. Instead, its hub height is a little taller and is better-known as a "corvette short". It also has a 3/4" OD pilot.
You won't go wrong with an iron Stewart stage 1 pump. Stewart also has "corvette short" in Alum and hi-volume if you deem it necessary.
If you use a traditional short pump on MY1971 C3 sbc, you'll likely end up with pulley misalignment and/or shims behind the fan clutch.
Thanks @Rebelyell . Good info! I do remember reading about the differences of a sbc “short” vs our (‘Vette) “short”, so thanks for refreshing my memory.
Reading up on them (Stuart Stage 1), looks like they do offer an upgrade in performance/flow and would be a great fit, but really hoping someone would/will chime on an aluminum version/option. A polished version would be even better. With a satin black manifold, satin black/polished ribs valve covers & satin black block… I want to add some bling here and there in the engine compartment to “pull off” of those parts as well as the few chrome/other polished aluminum pieces that will be scattered here and there. Trying to “pull off” the interior (dash & console) with its black and chrome theme flowing into the engine compartment. Not form over function, but a bit of both is desired. Maybe shoulda added that in the original post.
Last edited by litevette; Jul 15, 2025 at 06:55 PM.
Edelbrock Victor line also very good. The higher grade pumps (as were mentioned) typically have very thick & sturdy hub which is also held in place with a set-screw or two; that facilitates adjusting hub height/length. The Victor pumps are Aluminum and Stewart also offers Aluminum. There's also a Polished Victor Alum version. Also, Weiand Team G were made likewise; dunno if Team G still available. I run it and it's primo.
Edelbrock Victor line also very good. The higher grade pumps (as were mentioned) typically have very thick & sturdy hub which is also held in place with a set-screw or two; that facilitates adjusting hub height/length. The Victor pumps are Aluminum and Stewartr also offers Aluminum. Also, Weiand Team G were made likewise; dunno if Team G still available. I run it and it's primo.
I think the Victor is what I had on the '69. I do not remember if I had to do shims or not. I did not not know the hub was adjustable. That sounds like it might just be the cats meow if so. Team G is still available. Was just looking at them on Summit.
Thanks!
here's a discontinued Alum Team G but NOS on fleabay from Holley --- $150 is a Very good price for that piece.
It's Not polished but it's correct otherwise.
here's a discontinued Alum Team G but NOS on fleabay from Holley --- $150 is a Very good price for that piece.
It's Not polished but it's correct otherwise.
Thanks brother! I’m not quite ready yet. In the planning stage. I have a powerpoint I’m creating, with all kinds of notes and parts references for when I get to certain stages. This thread link will be added for sure. Thanks again for the great input!
Just to throw another suggestion into the mix. Since you already plan on electric fans have you looked at an electric water pump? Some people question their reliability, but those that actually own and use them seem to like them. They come in all sorts of colors, and might be a bit of an upgrade to the cooling system too.
Just to throw another suggestion into the mix. Since you already plan on electric fans have you looked at an electric water pump? Some people question their reliability, but those that actually own and use them seem to like them. They come in all sorts of colors, and might be a bit of an upgrade to the cooling system too.
That is the electric pump I use on my SBC
That is the electric pump I use on my SBC. It has been working great for over 5 years so far. I don't really drive the car much, but I'm totally satisfied. But before the electric pump, I used the Edelbrock #8812 aluminum sbc mechanical pump......perfect for Corvette. I think it has been superseded by a new part number now. This.......https://www.summitracing.com/parts/e...FwwVLOJDFPoTKF
Just to throw another suggestion into the mix. Since you already plan on electric fans have you looked at an electric water pump? Some people question their reliability, but those that actually own and use them seem to like them. They come in all sorts of colors, and might be a bit of an upgrade to the cooling system too.
Hmmmmm… now you’ve got me thinking! That looks super nice. I guess it would then just be a belt change to run the alt and power steering, with no worries about a pump alignment issue. Interested indeedy! Would free up even more ponies. Thanks @Piersonpie and @C3 Stroker !!! That might just be the ticket. Love how it’s got both the polished and the black that I want.
Hi All!
Planning stage… I know the stock water pump is a “short”. Who has replaced theirs with a high volume aluminum one that was a perfect fit? As in no shims needed behind the pulley, or any other necessary alterations to make it work. What make/model/brand/part #?
Living in Floriduh,, where it can be close to 100 degrees sometimes (hotter over the blacktops) I will be doing what I did with the ‘69 I once had, which is an aluminum rad, dual electric fans and a high volume water pump. Those changes managed to keep the stroker at great temps, even after the ride home from the drag strip in the summer, while also shaving a few lbs. and freeing up a pony or 2 from the fan.
Car is a ‘71 LT1 that will basically have no performance mods. Thanks in advance!
I have been using a Edelbrock Aluminum pump on my 496 for 5 years with no problems. they are kind of expensive and there may be other brands that are just as good for less money.
Pat
I've had an alternator upgrade for years, got it when I installed the electric fan, so the water pump was not lacking for "amp power".
That's what I've been reading. Between the fans, water pump, etc being taken off of the driveline, powered by electrons instead, upping the amps would be a smart move. @C3 Stroker Sounds like doing that has worked out well for you. What amp alt did you go with? I will be using a lot of leds, so that will help a tad too.
Last edited by litevette; Jul 16, 2025 at 04:56 PM.
That's what I've been reading. Between the fans, water pump, etc being taken off of the driveline, powered by electrons instead, upping the amps would be a smart move. @C3 Stroker Sounds like doing that has worked out well for you. What amp alt did you go with? ............
I have a Powermaster CS130 style, 140 amp alternator.
Water Pump Suggestions?
I think the Victor is what I had on the '69. I do not remember if I had to do shims or not. I did not not know the hub was adjustable. That sounds like it might just be the cats meow if so. Team G is still available. Was just looking at them on Summit.
