Water pump backing plate gasket

[Gary B.]

Re: Water pump backing plate gasket

Patrick------


Here's the definitive answer to the backing plate problem. This backing plate is an exact reproduction of the original backing plate but it's made from a high quality stainless steel (either 304 or 316, I believe). Thus, it's harder and stiffer than the originals and it will never suffer corrosion damage. For my money, the ONLY way to go.

You can get them from a fellow on eBay known as "h20pumpman1" His name is Michael Scott from Bloomfield, Michigan. He sells these with a gasket that looks just like the current GM gasket for about 13 bucks. Wonderful! I wish these had been available 30 years ago.

Joe,

Will that backing plate work on a 3859326 water pump as well?

Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: Water pump backing plate gasket

Joe,

Will that backing plate work on a 3859326 water pump as well?

Gary

Gary-------


It will work for all 1955-82 Corvette small block waterpumps. However, it will not be configurationally correct for the earlier waterpumps (C1) which used a flat rear plate. The ONLY way I'd use one of those flat rear plates is if it was absolutely necessary for clearance-to-timing cover purposes (but I'd be expecting a leak, especially with a used plate).

[Gary B.]

Re: Water pump backing plate gasket

Thanks Joe. It sounds like a change to consider once my car is finished with the judging process.

Gary