1963 Corvette - Two questions

[Jerry DiTullio]

Hi,
1. What is the correct GM part number for a water pump for a 340 hp?

2. How is the capicitor installed on the 1963 brake light? Where does the brass tab go on the capacitor?

Thanks!!

[Jack H.]

Re: 1963 Corvette - Two questions

On the water pump, there's been prior discussion here as to whether or not the current JG is correct. It says early cars used water pumps with a '609 cast housing + external bypass while late cars used a '326 cast housing. Some who are quite knowledgeable say the '326 casting drawing wasn't released to production until 4/65 and therefore couldn't have been used on '63 Corvettes.

To complicate matters, there's a third casting ('175) that isn't mentioned in NCRS literature. If you lay the three side by side, you can see a natural design progression (609 -> 175 -> 326) dealing with making the upper boss larger and stronger.

Sooo, if your car is early ('609 pumps reported on engines into Feb/Mar), there's no question. Later than that and you're in a grey area of what to do (go with what NCRS prints in the JG or punt?)...

On the brake light switch capacitor, I presume you're referring to 1960962. The AIM is kind of 'screwy' as it shows the cap mounting to the fiberglass firewall! Of course that can't be because it would render it ineffective (one side connected to non-conductive fiberglass).

But, if you look at Noland Adams book (page 174), that drawing is crisp and clear. It shows the cap's mounting band screwed to the RH side of the steering column brace and the copper foil center conductor lead sandwiched onto the brake switch terminal at the white connector.