I am mounting a rebuilt short style water pump on my 327. The block was cast in 1965. The problem is that there is no clearance between the back of the pump and the timing cover when tightened down. The timing cover is off of a 68 327. If I double up the gaskets, it seems to clear just under 1/8". I think the replacement cover for the back side of the pump is not original and may stick out a little more. I'm pretty sure the timing cover is not interfereing with tightening up the pump, but the zero clearance troubles me. Is this normal?

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Jeff Bradway - my resto page: http://67camaro.virtualave.net

It's normally tight, but should not actually touch. An 1/8" is as good as a mile.

Mine has the same problem, I too had to double the gaskets and a little permatex sealant to be sure, and it works fine. it actually touches once its all tightened down , but as long as it fits and dont leak, it works fine.

Thanks for the replies. I went ahead and doubled up the gaskets and I seem to have about 1/8" after torquing the water pump down.

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Jeff Bradway - my resto page: http://67camaro.virtualave.net

Stupid thought, didn't some of the older 283 & 327 engines have a shallow timing cover and the new 350(blue) engines have a deeper cover. The timing chain always wore a hole in the covers of the blue engine but i never seen one worn on a orange engine. Maybe you have a 350 cover when you should find a 283 cover. Just thinking out loud here any body else have an idea on this?