Correct date code for Dec 1970 build

[John R.]

Need to get correct water pump for 1971 Corvette SB. Build date is E14 (Dec 14, 1970) and the block is V0825 and I can't figure what date this is. Just trying to find the right date code range for the water pump for this car/engine.

Thank you!

[Brian D.]

Re: Correct date code for Dec 1970 build

John,
I believe you'll find that "0825" translates to Aug 25, making it an Aug 25, 1970 engine block.

[John R.]

Re: Correct date code for Dec 1970 build

Thanks Brian. Now the real question is the right date for the water pump. Should this be before or after the block date? Knowing the two dates I gave (engine and build) what date should the water pump be?

[Brian D.]

Re: Correct date code for Dec 1970 build

Since water pump was installed prior to the block being painted, I'd think it should predate the block's stamp date - but probably not by more than a month or two.
Sadly, the 70-72 judging manual (at least in my 5th Edition) does not explain how to read a water pump date code.
Perhaps the more experienced Mechanical area judges can chime in?

[John R.]

Re: Correct date code for Dec 1970 build

Agreed. Hopefully a Judge will confirm. I found a June 20, 1970 water pump that is rebuilt and avail. Just want to make sure it would be correct before I purchase.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Correct date code for Dec 1970 build

Agreed. Hopefully a Judge will confirm. I found a June 20, 1970 water pump that is rebuilt and avail. Just want to make sure it would be correct before I purchase.

Go for it.

These water pumps were batch built, so you're probably looking for one batch in July or one in August that would also work. All things considered you could look a long time for one of those.
I'd use the June one, and remember that the date is often difficult to see so not always judged.

[John R.]

Re: Correct date code for Dec 1970 build

Great - thank you both for your help!