Water pump issue (Neck on wrong side for radiator)
 

Hello All. . . . .

So I'm putting together a 318, its in a 68 Coronet, but nowI think the engine was from a newer car, cause the water pump inlet tube (the bottom one is IN, right? Gravity assist from the radiator to there? ) is on the wrong side of the car.

I ordered a champion aluminum radiator, but the outlet (bottom neck) is on the driver side, while the water pump inlet is on the other side. . . .

I think its the correct cover, correct me if Im wrong, but the mark on my balancer lines up with 0 degrees of timing at TDC (When on the compression stroke, the piston is at its highest point) so this tells me the timing cover and engine match. . . . . could I go to the other type of older water pump, without changing the timing cover?

Do I have to get my Radiator cut and the neck location changed? How much does that type of thing typically run ?

Any tips, suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Attachment 18867

A 1968-1969 pump dumps out on the other side. If you put that on you won't be able to see the timing marks on the 1970 and later timing cover. That's the only issue. The other possibility is to get one of those stainless steel hoses made by RPC and route it to the other side. That's a picture of my 1968 318 out of my Dart.

Is that tensioner on there for a reason? I haven't gotten far enough to put on belts, etc. . . . Havent really been convinced by any alternator brackets. . . . .

which hose are you referring to? (The stainless steel one)

I see one for 50 bucks, but its only 2 feet, and couldnt I get the neck moved on the radiator for close to that ?

Or I could just make the marks myself, and live with it. . . what about changing the housing. . .would that work ? I assume the guts wouldnt fit into each other huh ?

I ran A/C on that stock motor. RPC make them in several lengths and they are not cheap. They have 36" long ones. I did the RPC deal when I had the 340 in my car with a 1970 timing cover and water pump.

Im told that the water pump cover and the water pump themselves are indeed for a later engine. . . so its either the hose. . . . OR

One thing that hasnt been addressed, is it hugely expensive, or even possible to move the location of the water neck on the radiator?

Depends whether or not you know a good radiator guy or welder.

Ok, so it's possible then. . . I know that much, cause I can see its welded together. . .

Im in Los Angeles, so we have everything here. What I'm asking is,

Is it super involved to change the water neck spot?
Do you know what it would cost? (Guesstimate)

If not, that's cool, but that's the information I'm looking for, not whether it's possible or not.

No gesstimate call a welder or radiator shop for that.

already up on the welders forum.

thanks.