[GSFMECH]

Alex,
I prefer the short setup as well, I have done this swap many times. The thing I don't like about running the long water pump is the AC compressor mounts on the drivers side which means the hoses have to drape across the top of the engine. If you run the stock AC compressor you will have clearance issues with the master cylinder, it's a tight fit and you may have to juggle with belt sizes and probably will require short valve covers to get it to clear. I tried it once but half way through I abandoned it and went with the short setup. Also if you run a small block fan shroud the alternator will interfere with it (this is all providing you have the engine on stock big block mounts). A big block shroud may give you the clearance you need. I have run the old short power steering setup that stope4 mentions. They repop them for Chevelles and Camaroes and you can use the same small block pump. It tucks in tight against the block like a small block but will also interfere with the fan shroud and you will have to notch it. Again the big block shroud may not interfere. I have the remote setup on my big block and it moves the pump out away from the engine. I scrounged around for a few months and found everything I needed for my latest swap (it's all stock 72, mounts, brackets, pullys etc.), mostly from guys on this board and a few pieces off eBay. The fun part to me is hunting down the stuff. This is the easy way as it all bolts together and I can buy stock belts in any parts store.
Mike