So as I was trying to figure out my options for future alternator and AC compressor placement on my '59 with a 364, I came to the realization that the water pump I just had rebuilt does not fit in my new TA Performance timing cover. So now I need to call TA and figure out what they can o for me, but I need to know my options. My thoughts are to either see if they can machine the water pump backing on my cover to match my pump, or go with the later bracket and pulley setup. I guess my question is what years have what brackets / pulleys and what could I make work? I know the 364 deck height is a little lower, but I don't see why I could not elongate the front holes on the newer brackets and get a later style 5 vein water pump if I find everything else to go with it. Would there be hood clearance issues? It has been a long time since I had the hood on the car, but I think that the engine sits pretty low in there.
Looks like Mike at TA may be able to machine it down to fit my current water pump. Still trying to determine if that is the best route, but from what Russ has told me, I'd be better off not trying to fit newer stuff on the older motor.Hmmmmmmmm
Hi, Not sure what you are machining down but early nailhead water pumps also have a different size passage (retangle shape part) which will end up leaving a 1/8 to 1/4 inch uncovered, check the gaskets from the new cover to the old one or old timing cover, had a friend with the same issue, he ended up using a newer pump and brackets, though it was in a hot rod. If you look you can sometimes find the early style covers on evil-bay or check with one of the usual suspects that everyone turns to. (Russ, Tom or Carmen all come to mind) If you need a 59 cover I have one at home unsure the condition. Regards,
Are you asking who has greater kung-fu? One seems to be offering sound, logical but generic advice. The other is offering a solution, unless there's something he doesn't understand? Russ is great, and when you even mention deviating from stock he seems to get irritated.
TA's timing cover is supposed to work with my pump and the newer ones somehow. Mine lines up perfectly, but the back of the impeller is hitting the front of the cover. This could actually be an issue with how the pump was rebuilt. My point about Russ was that if TA matches the cover to the early pump, then I do it Russ style and keep the original brackets, but....I really wonder if the only thing keeping me from going with late 401 brackets is just having a timing cover that supports the later water pump (which I have), the later pulleys, and the later brackets with modded front holes to deal with the lower deck height? That would be the cleaner solution IMO but Russ is telling me that a future AC compressor mounted that high will hit my hood. I don't have my car together, so I cannot say if that is true, but it seems like my '59 should have plenty of clearance.
Update! So TA's cover is truly universal. For some reason I had it in my mind that the impellers were different depths, but the issue is with the neck lengths for the lower radiator hose connection. This cover accepts the shorter and longer necks. So Mike looked at my pump and noticed that the impeller was not pressed on all the way. He pressed it on properly and I am all set now! The cool thing is that if I want to try a later water pump, pulleys, and brackets, I can do so without swapping the timing cover. Thanks TA for taking care of me!
