Quote:
Originally Posted by OneBad71
Hello, I have a 71 C10 that started as a project in 2006 when I took it apart. Life happened and I started back on it last year. It was a small block , auto truck. I installed a Big block 496 with a TH400. It is a roller now and I'm working on getting the truck pieces painted. When I ordered the motor from Blueprint I ordered the Long water pump kit for it. I installed all of the front group and I decided to mock up the core support. What I'm seeing is there isn't much room for a radiator with electric fans ? Was I supposed to go with the Short water pump set up ? I am so bummed that I really don't know what to do ? I'm 68 and i'm not a mechanic but I can work on cars to a limit.
Any help on what I need to do , or if you have been in my position would be Greatly appreciated ! Thank you, Dan
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Yep, a "long water pump" BBC won't fit, there isn't ANY room for electric fans.. Nor is there even enough room for conventional fan clutch and shroud.. Ask me how i know...
My '71 came originally with an I6 engine.. At some point in it's life, a long pump 454 was installed. They left the I6 "guard plate" on the top of the radiator. Also they installed a square body diesel radiator and a flex fan. It was a total hack job.. I installed a Derale cooling system -- aluminum radiator and 2 electric fans with accompanying fabricated shroud.. I encountered the same problem you have.. Rather than acquire a short water pump, pulleys, and all the bracketry for alternator, A/C, and power steering pump, I elected to go with POL engine mounting brackets and an "engineered" transmission cross member.. Moved the engine back about 1 1/2" and shortened the drive shaft and exhaust a like amount.. I now have about 3/4" clearance between the water pump snout and those electric fans.. Tight at the firewall, but it works.. Point of interest: This approach won't work if you have a column mount shifter.
I wouldn't suggest that route to anyone.. Do it right.. Get all the stuff you'll need for the short water pump.. Pulleys, brackets, pump, etc.. Then even a fan clutch and shroud will fit. The hard part is locating the brackets and pulleys.