Hey Guys, Just troubleshooting through a little problem I ran into this evening. My water pump went on my 76 cutlass S (455). I went down an purchased a water pump for a 455. All is good. I paint the pump and install it. Now here is the problem. The pullys dont line up because the neck on the pump is a good inch longer than the one that was on the car. Now here is what I figure I went wrong. The guy at the desk asked me if i wanted one for a car with A/C. I said yes eventhough the A/C has been disabeled. Now when I checked my VIN# it told me that the car origionally came with a 350 so I knew that there was a motor switch and for some reason I never thought of the new motor not having the A/C option there for the previous owner disabeled it. I kinda figured it was taken out for horsepower or somthing of that sort. Now my question is, Does it make sence that a water pump for a motor with no AC would shave off that inch or so that I have too long. Thats the only logical explination that I can think of. Any help would be apreciated as im not sure if they will have one in stock and I may have to take a chance ordering one.

 

Makes sence the extra length is for the ac belt with a diffrent pulley

 

Hi. You need a waterpump for a non-ac 455. Ac cars needed the extra inch for a 3 groove waterpump pulley. You have to go by the engine and brackets you are using, not the car. I had the same issue with my 350.
Hope this helps. jim.

 

There are actually three different Olds water pump lengths. Yes, the A/C pump is the longest. This was done to accommodate the three groove pulley. Just bring your old pump with you to the parts store and match it up with the new one.

 

Thanks for the help guys. Went down and matched one up this afternoon. I knew there must have been a good reason for the extra length and the fact that the guy asked me that specific question at the desk.