Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

[Mark P.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Joe,

I appear to have a manifold that has the threaded fitting, so it seems that I may have a non-original manifold (I thought as much becuse the date on it was a little suspect). Is there somewhere I can verify that I need the pressed in fitting for the manifold, too? If I need to start looking for a manifold, I can, but just like everything else for this car that relates to A.I.R., it makes it that much tougher to find. I want to make sure (if possible) before I go down that path. I suppose I could get by if I could find a threaded fitting somewhere in the interim. Any input on where to locate that would be helpful, too (if it's even a possibility).

Thanks so much for the help.
Mark

[Mark P.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Doug,

Would you happen to know where he got that threaded fitting (in case I have to go that route)?

Thanks,
Mark

[Douglas L.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Mark,

I will have to get back to you on this.

Doug

[Dan Pepper]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Hey Mark-

I'm the guy Doug is talking about (Hey Doug!). I actually snapped a picure of the bypass on my '66 A.I.R. car for you yesterday to post, but looks like John beat me to it...

My car, #15521, had the straight threaded fitting too. It has a number of options (AIR, A/C, PS, PB, PW, plus 7 more), so under the hood is a mass of hoses and brackets. The intake casting date is Feb 14, '66. What's yours?

With the straight fitting the smog pump tends to squish the stock bypass hose, so I replaced it with the "correct" U shaped hose which provides much more clearance. The waterpump was a replacement when I got the car, so it's possible the manifold was threaded and the fitting changed over to straight when the re-built pump (most typically use a straight fitting) wouldn't accomodate the old hose.

I used the re-pop elbow fittings in the manifold and a date-correct water pump. At the risk of being inducted into the "Bubba hall of fame" I used a dab of JB weld on the fitting and in the threads of the manifold, then tapped it in. There was just enough friction on the threads to ensure a tight fit. I'm confident it's sealed with the JB weld. Looks and works great.

[Mark P.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Doug,

Thanks so much for the post. The info and picture have been very helpful. FYI, my car is #24291. I made a mistake on my intake manifold. The actual manifold date is June 1, 66, so I think it is possible that it is correct for the car. Again, I just got the date correct water pump (for the incorrect non-GM replacement pump that someone installed quite some time ago) and want to install it, but need to figure out the fitting issues.

I already have one of the Paragon repop fittings, but now it looks like I need another one. I suppose it's possible that the manifold was threaded to accept the straight fitting when the original smog system was discarded (argh!) It's really starting to make sense now. JB Weld, huh? No mocking or name-calling here....gotta do what you've gotta do sometimes.

Per the above statement about my missing system, I am also looking for the complete smog system, (pump, bracket, hoses, valves, etc.) but thought I would get the water pump right first and go from there. Everything else on the car is complete except the smog system. Any more thoughts or input would be appreciated.

Thanks again,
Mark

[Douglas L.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Mark,

I think what Dan says will most likely work. I do not like the use of JB Weld either! But it worked for him.

However, there might be another option. PARAGON sells an adapter threaded insert. You might be able to put the adapter insert into the current threaded manifold and use locktite to secure it. The have the adapter reemed out to fit the press in fitting. It just might work.

I do not envy you regarding putting together the smog system. It's tough. I would start with Dave Crane in San Diego(Crane's Corvettes). He seems to have lots of smog stuff, especially the smog exhaust manifolds. If your exhaust manifolds do not have the smog holes in them, you will need to start there. Then, and probably one of the harder items is the #3815 Holley. You might want to try Chicago Corvette for that. As for the pump and the diverter valve, ugh! Watch E-Bay. The pumps come up every once in a while. And then there is the distributor. Everything is dated.

I was very fortunate to have a complete and basically untouched smog system on my 427. I have a small block that is also a smog car and while I have some of the pieces to take it back, I'm going to leave it where it's at.

Doug Lee

[Mark P.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Doug,

Wise words. I'm not totally starting in a hole, since I do have the correct carburetor and I've got the original exhaust manifolds and the right air cleaner. I do have a bit of a mountain to climb, and before I have my car judged, (which will be a while) I have plenty of time to get the system together. I'll just be patient and get a piece here and there and watch out for ebay opportunities. Thanks for the advice. Give me a heads up if you see something out there for sale that I might need....which is just about everything.

Thanks,
Mark

[Douglas L.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Mark,

My e-mail address is: jangling427@verizon.net

I am in Washington State. If I can be of any help or if you need futher pictures, let me know.

Doug Lee