1968 L71 - looking for correct water pump

[Erik S.]

I am looking for a new/rebuilt/etc water pump for my corvette. Reading the 68-69 TIM it should have part no 3856284. However, no reference is made to correct casting which I assume should be the case. Built date of my car is 3rd week of May, 68 - what would still be regarded 'correct' for judging purposes? Any information where to find such a pump in the US? What is a good deal money wise?

I live in Amsterdam, so a bit of help would be highly appreciated.

Erik Stroeve (#43069)

[Jack H.]

Re: 1968 L71 - looking for correct water pump

The '284 number you quote IS the casting number of the water pump's housing. The part number of the finished assy appears nowhere on the part and therefore isn't mentioned because it's not a judgeable item. All of the '284 water pump housings bore a casting date, but this isn't a judged item on early Shark cars as judges are instructed to go only by shape/appearance of the water pump for assessing originality.

[Mark #28455]

6 mos prior to build for dates

Casting date should precede the car build date by up to 6 mos, but usually closed to 2 to 3 mos at most. In addition, the casting for the water pump MUST be prior to the engine assembly date.

This pump was still used in the entire BB pass car line as well in 1968 so NOT rare at all - you can even get an original casting at the local parts store in the US - I have bought several at the local O'Reilly's for about $25 each!

Good luck,
Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 L71 - looking for correct water pump

Erik----

The 3856284 waterpump casting is the easiest to find of all big block waterpumps. That's because it was used for ALL big block applications from 1965 through the end of 1968. It was also used for earlier 1969 Corvettes but, by 1969, the short leg pump was used only on Corvettes and some MD/HD trucks.

Anyway, since there were so many of these pumps used for all sorts of Chevrolet cars with big blocks during the 65-68 period, there are LOTS of these pumps out there. Very often, if you buy a rebuilt waterpump in an auto parts store for a 65-68 big block application, this is the casting that will be found in the box. In this case, you can get one for, maybe, 30 bucks. Of course, in Eurpoe this might not be an option.

Most of the Corvette parts vendors can supply you with a rebuilt pump with this casting number. However, the cost likely will be more in the 125 buck range than the 30 buck range.

[Erik S.]

Re: 1968 L71 - looking for correct water pump

Thanks Guys - I noticed that indeed it is not very hard to find such a pump although prices are bit higher here in Europe (around 150 usd). It is good to read that i do not have to 'worry' about the other number as i understand it is not judged.

I found 1 on ebay I believe with the number "C 4 8", which apparently translates as March 4, 1968, which would still be within the 2-3 months range etc , but I do not worry about this anymore then as it is not judged.

Erik