Change SBM '69-style driver-side water pump to 1970+ passenger-side: Any belt issues?

[cudak888]

I'm planning on a Magnum 5.2 swap - with an LA timing chain cover, water pump, and V-belts with factory '68 brackets - on my '68 Satellite that - at present - has a worn-out 318.

Thing is, in the infinite wisdom of whoever had this car last, a marine water pump was thrown on it - probably due to overheating.

Whatever the case, I'm pricing out the pre-1970 water pumps with drivers' side inlets, and with exception to non-A/C units from Rock Auto, prices are ridiculous.

Seeing as my radiator is shot as well, it seems a lot simpler to change to the 1970+ passenger-side inlet variation for cost and ease of locating replacement water pumps or lower radiator hoses.

This said, I am concerned whether the 1970+ water pump will bolt right in without issue, or whether I should expect to replace other bits to make it fit.

One of my particular concerns is whether the later hose routing will interfere with the alternator belt - thus requiring a different mounting bracket - or whether the hose will fit with the '69-and-earlier alternator bracket with no issue.

Any help greatly appreciated.

-Kurt

 

[AJ/FormS]

The major parts of the before and after systems are completely different.
-You cannot mix and match parts.Well,actually you can, but you will be surprised when you go to set the timing. So let me rephrase that a bit. For bolt-on and go, its best not to try and mix parts.
-You should consider the following parts as sets:A) the timing cover and balancer.and B) The pump,its pulley,the rad and all the brackets. All the brackets would be every bracket that mounts the p/s pump, and every piece that mounts the alternator, and the lower pulley.
-The T-cover and balancer are a set, because of where the timing tab is and the matching balancer TDC indicator.If you are able to accurately relocate the TDC indicator, the parts can be mixed.If you have p/s, for ease of setting the timing, its best not to mix parts.
-The rest of the parts are a set, because the plane of where the belt runs was changed. Its not much. Just enough to spit off the belt.
-The 70 and up system is more desireable

 

[cudak888]

Makes sense, all except the timing chain cover. Far as I've been told, timing chain marks on Magnums with one-piece balancers are no different than a late LA, as are the matching tabs on the timing chain cover; thus, both match as intended in a mix-and-match setup.

If otherwise, let me know.

Provided the harmonic balancer and timing chain cover can be made to work in conjunction, question #2: (this may apply better in the Magnum Swap section, but here goes):

Assuming that the bracket set is a unit - and if I want air conditioning (Sanden, not RV-2) on a V-belt system - wouldn't it be advantageous to use the following setup on the Magnum:

• LA timing chain cover/Magnum 5.2 harmonic balancer
• LA '70+ water pump
• 1980's accessory brackets from an M-body or similar, thus allowing the use of the later water pump, the Sanden compressor, and the earlier alternator (don't quote me on this, but I believe one hole in this bracket may need to be revised to adapt to the Magnum head).
• 1970+ style radiator
• China Speedcrap Magnum intake, allowing for a carburetor swap on the Magnum while retaining the LA-style thermostat outlet, which provides the necessary room for the Sanden A/C unit.

Thoughts? Opinions? Sanity check?

-Kurt

 

[AJ/FormS]

the 67 and older LA covers have no cast in Timing pads;but a seperate bolt-on tab
the 67, and 68 LA covers have the tabs on the side passenger
the 70 and later LA covers have the tabs on the drivers side

 

[cudak888]

the 67 and older LA covers have no cast in Timing pads;but a seperate bolt-on tab
the 67, and 68 LA covers have the tabs on the drivers side
the 70 and later LA covers have the tabs on the passenger side

Strange, this shows it on the driver's side for '70-90:

Isn't it the other way around? '67-earlier (and some '67 engines in '68 M/Y cars) w/o marks, '68-70 cast on the passenger's side, and '70+ on the driver's side?

-Kurt