Engine swap guy's HELP!!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
Engine swap guy's HELP!!!
I just found out my new '73 waterpump won't work on a 97 engine!!!
If I buy the spacer from Jegs it will put my fan forward into the shroud unless I trim my new fan blades.....
If I buy a newer "long" style waterpump will I also need to buy a new pulley for the drive belts??
I've just rebuilt & installed a modified '97 Vortec 350 "R" engine in my '73 & didn't see the 1/8 in gap untill the sealant let go & it started leaking!!
I know I'm not the first person to attempt a swap like this..... What do I need to do!!!
If I buy the spacer from Jegs it will put my fan forward into the shroud unless I trim my new fan blades.....
If I buy a newer "long" style waterpump will I also need to buy a new pulley for the drive belts??
I've just rebuilt & installed a modified '97 Vortec 350 "R" engine in my '73 & didn't see the 1/8 in gap untill the sealant let go & it started leaking!!
I know I'm not the first person to attempt a swap like this..... What do I need to do!!!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis MO
Is it the timing chain cover that is causing the problem. If so you should be able to put on an older timing chain cover and your problems should be solved. Did you resue the 97 timing chain cover or the 73? Well wait you probbaly had to use the 97 due to the difference in oil pans from two piece blocks to a one piece rear main. Try finding a timing cover in the junkyard from an 87 to early 90's small block or even a 4.3 v6 and see if that gives you enough clearance. I'm not sure what the 97 tucks used for a timing cover, but I'm guessing its an aluminum casting and it is just thicker than the stamped steel version.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
The Vortec engines use a plastic timing chain cover I'd like to keep!!
Eddie70 seems to have the best answer so far.... stacking waterpump gaskets.... It's so close I'm sure that will work!!! unless someone has a better idea?????
Eddie70 seems to have the best answer so far.... stacking waterpump gaskets.... It's so close I'm sure that will work!!! unless someone has a better idea?????
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 675
From: FL
Grind the bolts down on the back of the water pump or use button head screws. I had to do this when I installed my aluminum timimg chain cover (needed the built-in roller for the roller cam). Don't stack gaskets, you are just asking for a leak.
