Chevy water pump on flathead
 

I have been told that a chevy 348-409 water pump could be made to work on a ford flathead engine.Because of clearance problems it would be good move to try it. Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks for your help.

Re: Chevy water pump on flathead
 

What clearance issue you got?
I've seen this done, not for a while now though. It looks nasty, one of the flathead signatures is the two water pumps. These are also the engine mounts on a majority of flathead applications.
You'll need adaptors between the ch##?y water pump and the block both sides to also cover the original pump holes, and sort out engine mounts.
This is my opinion, there IS a way to make it work with flathead pumps, find it. That big nasty 409 pump, is gonna look like a big nasty 409 pump, I'm sure it ain't gonna make the engine shorter, more likely longer than stock. Like I said, what clearance issue you got?
Martin.

Re: Chevy water pump on flathead
 

Here you go, it aint cheap. http://cornhuskerrodandcustom.net/Pages/Parts.aspx#

Bob

Re: Chevy water pump on flathead
 

I had this set up on my '36 pickup for a while. It worked OK, but it placed the fan very low on the radiator and I had to use a smaller diameter fan to clear the lower outlets. That engine is an 8BA and I decided to go back to a stock set up with a big fan that is nicely centered on the radiator.

I am keeping the 348/409 setup for if and when I build a little modified type T-bucket roadster with a cut down grille shell. I think that setup would be well suited for that type of low slung hot rod.

Re: Chevy water pump on flathead
 

I have marketed this system for 20 + years. Sold 100's. They worked quite well and thru the years I never had any comebacks. Mine used aluminum adapter plates on the front of the engine that included the motor mounts which placed the engine in the stock position. I also used a custom lower crank hub which enabled me to furnish stock short pump Chevy pulleys. Also came with an alternator mount or optional air/alt mount. In the beginning I furnished a rebuilt pump but later was able to supply a new pump. I did a few with the truck pump which raised the fan about 5 inches. I'm no longer doing the kit as the cost of producing the parts has risen to a level where I can't be competitive. I think there is still a picture or two of the unit on my website. www.cornhuskerrodandcustom.net

Re: Chevy water pump on flathead
 

I had the setup on my for 59 AB block with 3-2's in my 38 Ford sedan (highly modified). Later I put in the Cornhusker's blower setup complete with 409 Chevy waterpump--also good system, but because of mods I don't know about clearance. Now I have an extra water pump set up (with alternator and AC compressor) and 3 Stromberg 97's with Offy manifold that I want to sell--probably for $1500.

Re: Chevy water pump on flathead
 

We ran this back in the 60's on the stock car to help cooling the engine. It was a simple mod, just weld a chunk od alum on a plate and your in business ( might have to measure a few things), and it worked. But the engine still got hot.

Re: Chevy water pump on flathead
 

Seems like a lot of unnecessary work with little or no benefit, to me.

Re: Chevy water pump on flathead
 

A friend has a GM water pump on two of his cars. He claims better cooling with this mod. I don't see any huge benefit in going this way, plus it looks a bit strange to me.

Re: Chevy water pump on flathead
 

Coming from a guy who likes to discuss finned aluminum heads, different carburetors and ignitions, and Fenton headers, this is starting to get a little too much off-topic for this forum.