So whats the best sbc short water pump to use?? or best for the money? are they all made in china now? need to replace mine
I don't know if the auto parts stores still have #1 and #2 grade rebuilts, if they do I would suggest the upgrade pump. Two experiences, early 70's I put a rebuilt water pump in my 57 BelAir, first fireup, found the pump had a fairly good size (porosity) hole in the casting, gave me a nice piss size shower, took it back to NAPA and they suggested the upgrade, think it was fifteen dollars more, was worth it. A little later I worked at a local company that rebuilt a number of different auto parts, I worked on the water pump line, thought it odd that they went directly into the retail store box, I asked the foreman why they didn't pressure check them, he said the test machine was sent to California for a rebuild some weeks back, guess they just winged it.
I bought 2 AC Delco 252581 water pumps (listed as direct replacement for a 1964 Impala) from Rock Auto. Been running one for the last 2-3 years in my 62 Bel Air, no problems or concerns.
I have one rebuilt pump that's 15 years old, and one that's about 5 years old. Both still work great.
The Jalopy Journal
