What is the difference in the '55-'76 long water pump and '77 up long water pump??? I am asking because I have a '77 motor. whats the deal?

Murfy,

First off, I don't know of a long water pump before '69, but the vettes were a little different. To answer your question, though, I believe it might have to do with the power steering mounting boss. On my '69, the bolt goes all the way through the water pump, while on my '79 and '81 the bolt threads into the front of the water pump. Don't know if this is the difference or not, or when this was changed, but it's the only thing I know. Hope this helps. Take care.

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69 SSRS Frame-off Resto
81 Z-28 377ci Drag Car

68SSRS is correct, the long water pump wasn't introduced until the 69 model year. One other difference has to do with the alternator bracket mounting boss. I have heard that the location changed slightly in the late 70s. I bought a GM chrome alternator bracket and it didn't fit my ZZ3 crtate motor. The distance from the water neck stud to the boss on the water pump was too short. I used a longer bolt and several washers as spacers to get it to fit. Interestingly, the location of the water pump mounting boss does not change the location of the alternator in relation to the other pulleys. There have been posts on this issue before.

Sorry I meant 69 not 55 I was in a hury at the time. so its 69-76, and 77+. My problem is I need a new water pump, and My engine decoded as a 77, in my 69 camaro. It has the longer bolt and a big spacer there on the alt bracket.

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69 Camaro 1977 350
Shift kit, Pertronix ignitor, holley 600
http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/rallyrd/murfys_law

Murfy,

I think gheatly is talking about spacing the alternator bracket at the boss on the water pump. Sounds like you are talking about the spacer and long bolt that goes into the head. Anyway, like I said, if you use a '76 and later water pump, I don't think your power steering pump will mount as original. It would definitely be worth looking in to. Take care.

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69 SSRS Frame-off Resto
81 Z-28 377ci Drag Car

Sorry for the confusion, my pump has the long bolt through the pump for the power steering

I don't know which design water pump GM put on the ZZ3 (assume it would be the later 77 and up), but my stock 69 power steering pump bolted up with a minor amount of pulley misalignment. No problems with the stock V-belt.