1970 Water Pump Date Codes

[Larry Barto]

I have a question for you about a water pump I just pulled from my 70 350/300. I want to have all the original parts on the car. I think the pump I pulled is not. It has a date code of D122. I think this means April 12,1972. I have seen rebuilt ones on ebay that state C180 that are to be from a 70. The auction is over today and my car is a july car so I would think this one would be correct, unless you think the other one is. Thanks.

Larry Barto

[Mike E.]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

Larry--
Your thought process is correct. Your pump is from 72, 82, 92? If C180 (March 18) precedes your car's build date, it would be a correct pump for you. (given the casting number is correct, per NCRS judging guide)

[Larry Barto]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

I talked to a buddy of mine with a NCRS Guide. My casting number ends "608". In his book of 70-72 cars this casting code is only on a 70. So I just don't understand my date code.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

608 is just about the most common water pump around for a Chevy. If I go to my parts store and look for a pump for any old small block Corvette, chances are at least 50% they'll haul out a 608 rebuilt by somebody. They were used EVERYWHERE!

[Larry Barto]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

Would they have still been made past 1970? I know 1970 was the last year for this casting on a corvette.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

Yes, yes, yes.

[Larry Barto]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

would c180 be too early? My car is a july car. Thanks for all the help. I just want to have a correct car. I guess my pump is a replacement pump from 1972.

[Larry Barto]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

Also noted the one I have say GM32 above the casting code. The one I am looking to buy on ebay says GM32.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

March 18 fits fine--it's within the 6-month window.

[Larry Barto]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

Sorry, the one I have says Gm 32 and the one on ebay is GM30... Does that make a difference. The item number is 8044539848 if that helps.

[John H.]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

Nope, makes no difference - those are foundry pattern numbers, and are unrelated to the date.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

John--
Thanks for jumping in--Larry was about to wear me out.
Mike

[Jim T.]

Re: 1970 Water Pump Date Codes

Larry my original owner 1970 coupe was built in July with G08 on the trim tag. My original 350/300 water pump has GM 23 on the right side of the shaft and under this has 3782608. On the left side L 5 9. Removed this pump November 1985 with about 130,000 miles on it. Best water pump I have ever had, the weep hole was seeping water.