54 vette water pump

[Ted K.]

I have pulled the engine from my 54 vette. It in not the correct engine. I think it is a 59 passanger engine cast number 3764476, date c209, stamped number F32B. I have a correct block but I will be using parts off the old engine. Is the Corvette water pump different from the passenger car. The cast number on the water pump is 3736567, is this correct for 54 Vette? If it is correct where does one get it rebuilt? If it is not correct what is the difference?
Does anyone know what the stamp code F32B indicates on the wrong block.

[Joe L.]

Re: 54 vette water pump

Ted-----

The 53-55 Corvette 6 cylinder waterpump is DEFINITELY different than the passenger car pumps. The Corvette pump was unique to 53-55 Corvette 6 cylinder engines and was of GM PART #3706009. I have the casting number around here somewhere, but I can't find it, so I can't tell you if the 3736567 casting number is correct, or not. However, I have a feeling that this is NOT the correct pump casting. My vague recollection says that the pump casting number began with "38", like many of the cast components for the early 6 cylinder engines. The Corvette 6 cylinder waterpump was discontinued from SERVICE without supercession in August, 1966. So, it's been almost 40 years since you could buy one. They are VERY hard to find.

The "B" suffix code on the engine would indicate a 1958-62 235 cid engine with Powerglide originally installed in a passenger car.

[Robert S.]

Re: 54 vette water pump

I just checked mine, it has a casting number of 3706011.

[Joe L.]

Re: 54 vette water pump

Bob------

OK, that "fits" nicely with the assembly part number and also "fits" with the "normal" 1953-issued number sequence. Apparently, my "vague recollection" that the casting number was one of the "38 prefix", out-of-sequence numbers, was faulty.

[Roy B.]

Re: 54 vette water pump

See the three holes at the front of the engine , the large hole would have a freeze plug installed if it was a 235 CAR engine.
The Corvette would NOT because the water pump is repositioned lower so that the radiator top hose clears the water pump fan.

Some 54 Corvette owners after having their engine rebuilt by a shop , have heating problems because most shops will add the plug not knowing the difference between a CAR and Corvette , they think of a car engine.
So if your using a CAR 235 and add a Corvette water pump remove the large plug first.

[Mike M.]

Re: 54 vette water pump

there was ancrs member, in the late 70's who repo'd the 6 banger H2O pumps. belive his name was Bill Beard. was from georgia as i recall. Perhaps dick pappa smurf will remember his name and if he's above or below ground at this time. mike