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Technical SBC water pump riser hose recommendation

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by ric, Feb 2, 2026 at 10:54 AM.

  1. ric
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 1,042

    ric
    Member

    I am installing a Vintage Air SBC water pump riser and looking for a lower hose recommendation. It uses the '63-'75 250 Chevy water pump, my car is a '32 with a '32 style Walker radiator. Any suggestions that will keep me from digging thru my local Napa store's hose collection ?
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  2. Johnny Gee
    Joined: Dec 3, 2009
    Posts: 14,469

    Johnny Gee
    Member
    from Downey, Ca

  3. RockyMtnWay
    Joined: Jan 6, 2015
    Posts: 704

    RockyMtnWay
    Member

    Visual proof that directions work. :cool::cool:
    On one of my posts I also list a part number for the thermostat housing as well, as I find it the best angle for the upper hoses I use on these builds. ;);)
    Especially if you are using a bigger air cleaner or multicarb setups.

    IMG_9403.png
     
    427 sleeper and catdad49 like this.
  4. Happydaze
    Joined: Aug 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,401

    Happydaze
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Is the Vintage Air riser as the Zipps riser? Might it be that VA took over Zipps offering? Just curious.

    Chris
     
  5. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 36,079

    Mr48chev
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  6. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 4,123

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    @Happydaze
    vintage air as of last week has there brand in stock , might be a Zipps ??
    I do not think John of Zipps is still with us ..
     
    mad mikey likes this.
  7. ric
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 1,042

    ric
    Member

    This great, thanks guys. The Vintage Air riser came with zero directions other than to say what water pump to use. I have no idea if it is the same as the Zipps riser, never really had a good look at one to compare. My existing upper hose and t-stat housing worked fine. The HAMB comes thru again !!!
     
    Driver50x likes this.
  8. Johnny Gee
    Joined: Dec 3, 2009
    Posts: 14,469

    Johnny Gee
    Member
    from Downey, Ca

    The portion of instructions I posted was from Zip. Just looked at Vintage Air and well…https://vintageair.com/content/19212-VCB.pdf
     
    19Eddy30 likes this.
  9. ric
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 1,042

    ric
    Member

    I guess Zipp really was the first one of these, correct ? I had to modify my riser as I'm running a generator and no ac. But was able to use all my existing pulleys as well. IMG_2619.JPG IMG_2620.JPG
     
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  10. Johnny Gee
    Joined: Dec 3, 2009
    Posts: 14,469

    Johnny Gee
    Member
    from Downey, Ca

    @ric your photo appears to not show a bleeder valve or bleeder hole? Zip’s did come with this feature. IMG_5238.jpeg IMG_5239.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Feb 2, 2026 at 5:43 PM
  11. ric
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 1,042

    ric
    Member

    Hmmm, right you are. Had not considered that. I think at this point I will go ahead and install the lower hose and see if the cooling system will burp out any trapped air. If not then back to the drawing board, drill and tap for a bleeder valve. Thanks for pointing that out !
     
    pprather likes this.
  12. Johnny Gee
    Joined: Dec 3, 2009
    Posts: 14,469

    Johnny Gee
    Member
    from Downey, Ca

    I just edited (added another pic) to that reply.
     
  13. ric
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 1,042

    ric
    Member

    Thanks for all the info, appreciate it. I'll see how it goes and report back.
     
  14. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 4,123

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    I have 2 Zipp's
    The older one did not have bleeder ,
    Later ones did my zipps came straight from John ,
     
  15. RockyMtnWay
    Joined: Jan 6, 2015
    Posts: 704

    RockyMtnWay
    Member

    FWIW…I see a smaller diameter crank pulley in your pic….
    You’ll hear some varying opinions on this, but I’d suggest you heed the directions on pulley sizes too. Under or over driving the 6 cyl pump will likely affect your cooling efficiency.
    In my experience, the standard 1:1 ratio pulleys (that are easier to find) were not as effective at lower rpm’s. Once I switch to the sizes recommended, the pump/cooling worked much better.;);)
     
  16. RockyMtnWay
    Joined: Jan 6, 2015
    Posts: 704

    RockyMtnWay
    Member

    You’re also going to get some feedback on your pumps impeller design.
    I don’t think you can buy the disc to rivet on anymore, so getting the “hi-performance” pump with the “correct” impeller is important.
    Like maybe a FlowKooler 1777CW.
    Cheers.
     
  17. Just Gary
    Joined: Oct 9, 2002
    Posts: 5,854

    Just Gary
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Gates #20242 or 20225, depending on how close your water pump is to your radiator.
     

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