Putting my stroker together, few basic questions

[adamsredlines]

I got the shortblock put together (318 based 390 stroker) and am getting a few parts together. I have: Scat Crank/Diamond Pistons 1.6 Roller Rockers Lunati Cam ARP Head Studs Electric Fuel Pump Weiand Stealth Manifold Milidon Oil Pump MP Aluminum Valve Covers I need to get a timing set (TBD), water pump (TBD), pushrods (TBD and headers (TTI Step). Stupid question on the water pump, I am seeing 3 varieties. 6 vane, 8 vane standard, and 8 vane severe/heavy duty. Its going to be a street/strip car, see a bit of nitrous....be backed by a 727 and 4.10 8-3/4. Suggestions on which water pump? Will the timing cover have any effect on water pump selection? Once push rod length is determined, any suggestions on which brand pushrods to use? Cam should arrive today so we can start checking for pushrods and PTV clearance.

 

[TrailBeast]

Don't think the timing cover makes any difference, but some say the 8 vane pump may circulate the coolant too fast.
I have the 8 on mine and never had any issues at all.
(drill your thermostat if you have not yet)
It makes filling the engine a ton easier, because it won't puke coolant before the thermostat opens.

 

[Oldmanmopar]

Timing cover does matter if you want to time it when its done. No brainer there.

 

[70aarcuda]

really only one choice for timing chain cover...the 70 and newer one that put the timing marks on the driver side..and use the corresponding water pump with the passenger side inlet on the bottom...

6 or 8 vanes....one is for an a/c car...

 

[Oldmanmopar]

8 vane pushes less volume. Usually 6 on a large rad AC car .

 

[adamsredlines]

So if I have an AC car, but am removing AC, will the 6 vane help with cooling? I will be adding a bigger radiator, too. I have not finished building the motor but will add a purge hole to the T-stat when its time. Thanks for the input. BTW, the block is a 80s block, so I assume it will have the "newer" timing cover with the appropriate timing mark as mentioned above. This is all new to me, learning as I go, so I appreciate the help

 

[BrianT]

I used this Milodon High flow water pump on my 408. Haven't got to the point of using it yet so I can't give a review.

 

[1wild&crazyguy]

Depending on radiator, the 6 blade won't circulate enough at idle, say in a drivethru...

Grab an 8 blade pump.

Push rod brands are like brands of oil, everyone has their preference...but in reality they all work fine.
Don't go too large a diameter, stay with thick wall 5/16 if you can, don't want extra weight fro the springs to have to control and or interference with the push rod holes in the head.

 

[70aarcuda]

http://www.mantonpushrods.com/Pushrod-Info.html

apparently they say a heavier pushrod is no biggie....better to have a rigid one then one that is flexing...

 

[1wild&crazyguy]

I agree you don't want flex, and the 59 degree lifter angle sure promotes flex.

It's finding the medium, not too heavy and not too thin.

Rocker shafts flex too, however its something no one seems to care about, so the question becomes 'where do you stop worrying about it'

 

[adamsredlines]

Well bah humbug...cam and lifters came and they (Jegs) sent Chevy stuff according to the inside cam and lifter box. Outside box says Chrysler but the two inside say Chevy