So... Do all these Early C3 SBs have the non-original water pumps? Pixs

[Mark H.]

At our Corvette Annapolis Corvettes on the Bay show yesterday, I noticed that all the '68-72 small blocks had water pumps with the plug in the threaded boss on top of the water pump. One guy who bought his '71 new when he graduated the USNA swore it was the original pump. I know the 70-72 Judging Guide says that no 350s had the plug on top.

Just asking...

[Mark H.]

Re: So... Do all these Early C3 SBs have the non-original water pumps? Pixs

One more...

[Patrick H.]

Re: So... Do all these Early C3 SBs have the non-original water pumps? Pixs

All have been replaced.

[Randy C.]

Re: So... Do all these Early C3 SBs have the non-original water pumps? Pixs

From what I remember, those water pumps do not appear original to me. I don't have the plug in the top. I wanted to attach a picture but I can't figure out how to do it here.

Randy C.

[Terry M.]

Re: So... Do all these Early C3 SBs have the non-original water pumps? Pixs

At our Corvette Annapolis Corvettes on the Bay show yesterday, I noticed that all the '68-72 small blocks had water pumps with the plug in the threaded boss on top of the water pump. One guy who bought his '71 new when he graduated the USNA swore it was the original pump. I know the 70-72 Judging Guide says that no 350s had the plug on top.

Just asking...

Yes Mark, all (if they are 1968-1972) have been replaced.

Oh and one other point -- speaking as one: never trust what an original owner tells you. Our memories play tricks on us, and we want our Corvettes always to be original.

[Gerard Q.]

Re: So... Do all these Early C3 SBs have the non-original water pumps? Pixs

Correct water pump on my 71 s/b

[Joe L.]

Re: So... Do all these Early C3 SBs have the non-original water pumps? Pixs

At our Corvette Annapolis Corvettes on the Bay show yesterday, I noticed that all the '68-72 small blocks had water pumps with the plug in the threaded boss on top of the water pump. One guy who bought his '71 new when he graduated the USNA swore it was the original pump. I know the 70-72 Judging Guide says that no 350s had the plug on top.

Just asking...

Mark------


The GM replacement waterpumps for all 1955-70 Corvette small blocks sold for the last 40 years have had the bypass fitting on the top of the casting. It's to be plugged for applications not requiring external bypass (no 1968 or later Corvette small block ever used external bypass). NEW aftermarket replacement pumps sold for the last 40 years have the external by-pass, too. The only way to get an original style 68-70 pump is to obtain a rebuild using the GM #3782608 casting. These are far from rare, though.

By the way, the USNA graduate that says his 1971 originally had a pump with an upper bypass fitting is wrong. If the car were a 1973 or later, he'd be right, though.

[Terry M.]

Re: So... Do all these Early C3 SBs have the non-original water pumps? Pixs

Here is an original 1972 SB, first design = the same as Mark's 1971 and my 1970

engine - pass 2.jpg

Edit add: Not to create confusion: there are other differences between 1970, and 1971 to E 1972 than the configuration of the top surface, However the configuration of the top surface is the same for those 2+ years.

[Mark H.]

Re: So... Do all these Early C3 SBs have the non-original water pumps? Pixs

Thanx all. That's what I thought.

Mark