Skip White Performance - We have the best prices you will ever find for aluminum heads, rotating assemblies and strokers
(423) 722-5152

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Skip White Performance

3349 E. Stone Dr.
Kingsport, TN 37660

Aluminium Water Pumps

When it comes to distinguishing a short from a long water pump, here's a simple method: if your pump is still mounted on the engine, check the space between the timing cover and the back of the water pump.

Short water pumps will have nearly no space between these two components, sitting right up against the timing cover.

Long water pumps will have at least one full inch of space in that area.

If you can place your fingers between the timing cover and the backside of the water pump, you have a long style water pump.

Note:We also stock reverse rotation water pumps for later model serpentine belt Chevy engines.

Aluminum water pumps offer several advantages over typical cast pumps. They are generally half the weight, which can improve overall engine performance. Additionally, the aluminum surface is excellent for accepting paint, allowing for customization to match your engine bay.

Aluminum vs. Steel Impellers

Our water pumps come with aluminum impellers, which help reduce rotational mass and dissipate heat more efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for high-performance engines. Most aluminum water pumps on the market come with stamped steel or machined iron impellers and claim to be high volume. However, our aluminum impellers provide a superior alternative, especially for modified engines. We have tested various water pumps on stock engines without encountering heating problems, but for vehicles with modified engines, our aluminum water pumps have proven to be the best choice.

Case Study: 383 Stroker Engine in a '79 C-3 Corvette

We recently installed a 383 stroker engine in a 1979 C-3 Corvette and converted it to electric fans. Despite this upgrade, the car ran hotter than desired, with temperatures soaring to 235°F within ten minutes. After replacing the OEM cast iron water pump with our aluminum water pump featuring an aluminum impeller, we saw a significant reduction in engine temperature, dropping by approximately 15 degrees.

Now, we exclusively use this water pump for all of our Small Block Chevy (SBC) turn-key engines.

Mounting Hardware and Installation

Quality mounting hardware is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of your water pump.

If you need mounting hardware, call us at 📞 423-722-5152.

Gasket Sealer

When installing a water pump on a small block Chevy, there are several gasket sealing options to consider, each with its unique advantages and potential drawbacks. Alongside Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket Sealant and Edelbrock Gasgacinch, many builders also consider RTV silicone or the option of using no sealer at all, depending on their preferences and the specific application.

RTV silicone (Room Temperature Vulcanizing silicone) is a popular choice among engine builders due to its versatility and ease of use. RTV silicone forms a flexible, waterproof seal that is resistant to high temperatures, making it ideal for sealing gaskets in areas exposed to heat and fluid, like a water pump. It’s particularly effective at filling in minor imperfections on the surfaces of the water pump and engine block, which can help prevent leaks. However, RTV silicone has some drawbacks. If applied too thickly, it can squeeze out and potentially block coolant passages, leading to engine overheating. Additionally, RTV can be challenging to remove if disassembly is required later, and some types of RTV may not bond well with certain gasket materials, potentially leading to leaks over time.

For those who prefer a more straightforward approach, using no sealer at all is also an option, particularly if you’re working with high-quality gaskets designed for dry installation. Modern gaskets are often engineered to seal effectively on their own without the need for additional sealant, thanks to advanced materials and construction techniques. Installing the gasket dry can make future disassembly easier and eliminates the risk of using too much sealer, which can create problems. However, the success of a dry installation heavily depends on the condition of the mating surfaces. They must be impeccably clean, flat, and free of any imperfections. If the surfaces aren’t in perfect condition, a dry gasket installation might not provide a reliable seal, leading to potential leaks.

We stock reverse rotation water pumps used by later model serpentine belt Chevy engines.

SBC Water Pump Types

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the critical dimensions for each of the three water pump types used in LT-1 and LS-1 engines, ordered to start with the standard flow LT-1 pump:

Standard Flow LT-1 Water Pump:

  • Mounting Bolt Pattern: The standard flow LT-1 water pump, commonly used in earlier small-block Chevy engines, features a 4-bolt pattern with spacing that accommodates a traditional cooling system.
  • Shaft Length: The shaft length is typically about 5-6 inches from the mounting flange to the pulley, aligning with the belt-driven accessory systems of earlier small block designs.
  • Inlet/Outlet Diameters: The pump features a 1.75-inch inlet and a pair of 1.25-inch outlets, facilitating the standard coolant flow where the coolant circulates through the block before reaching the heads.
  • Pump Depth: The depth from the mounting flange to the pulley face is approximately 5 inches, making it a suitable choice for most standard small block Chevy applications.

LS-1 Reverse Flow Water Pump:

  • Mounting Bolt Pattern: The LS-1 reverse flow water pump features a 5-bolt mounting pattern, consistent with most LS engines, ensuring a proper fit and secure attachment to the engine block.
  • Shaft Length: The shaft typically extends about 4-5 inches from the mounting surface to the pulley flange, aligning with the serpentine belt system used in LS engines.
  • Inlet/Outlet Diameters: The inlet is generally around 1.75 inches, while the outlet ports are approximately 1.25 inches in diameter, suitable for the specific reverse flow cooling system design.
  • Pump Depth: The overall depth of the LS-1 reverse flow pump is around 4.5 to 5 inches from the mounting flange to the front of the pulley, designed to fit within modern vehicle engine bays.

LS-1 Standard Flow Water Pump:

  • Mounting Bolt Pattern: The LS-1 water pump has a standardized 5-bolt mounting pattern, ensuring compatibility with the LS engine block and easy installation.
  • Shaft Length: The shaft generally measures around 4-5 inches from the mounting surface to the pulley flange, optimized for the serpentine belt system of LS engines.
  • Inlet/Outlet Diameters: The inlet is approximately 1.75 inches in diameter, with outlet ports around 1.25 inches, matching the standard coolant flow system of the LS-1.
  • Pump Depth: The overall depth is about 4.5 to 5 inches, making it compact enough to fit in most modern vehicles that utilize LS engines.

Addional Considerations

  • Pulley Alignment: Proper pulley alignment is essential for both belt-driven pumps. The shaft length and pulley flange position must be correct to avoid belt misalignment, which can lead to premature wear or failure.
  • Clearance: When installing any of these water pumps, especially when switching between different designs, ensure there’s adequate clearance for both the pump and the associated hoses within the engine bay.