357 (350 - .40 Over) Build Questions Etc

[Mike81K10]

Well, will start putting my new engine together soon. Has anyone ran the Rochester Carburetor on a performance 383 stroker? Just wondering if I need a 750 as is recommended. Also was wondering if I need or should get an aluminum water pump. I have a cast iron one that is not all that old and it was a performance pump (higher volume) than normal.

Here is a few pics! I have to figure out what size push rods I need and am waiting on some ARP bolts to come in.

[Shifty]

Cast iron performance pump would be fine IMHO, probably better-no chance of galling, just added weight.

[Mr Diesel]

I like the pics. Very clean

[JohnnyPopper]

Too bad everything is so dirty and needs cleaning! Sheesh!!!

[Mike81K10]

Painted my engine red today. I prefer red to try and match up to my truck.

[Mike81K10]

I am looking at putting in an aluminum Edelbrock 8811 Water Pump in place of the cast steel brick I had on my old engine. Perhaps tomorrow will get one! Took some engine pics after painting it red.

[Shifty]

Looks awesome Mike! 

[Mike81K10]

Does the torque values change when bolting down aluminum parts like heads, water pump, and other parts from the suggestions in maintenance manuals?

I used to use RTV on bolts going into water jacket holes, such as the water pump and some head bolts, that may not have been the best practice. What is the best sealant to use, gasket sealer or something else?

[bd]

I don't recommend the Edelbrock aluminum water pumps.  They are a great idea but have a propensity to leak past the shaft seal with a few hours of use.  Have you looked through How to Seal Threaded Connections and Fasteners?

[Mike81K10]

Thanks bd, that is well written and it did not occur to me to look at the technical info on the forum for that information. You did very well and I appreciate your assistance and will use what I read. Unfortunately, I already bought a water Edelbrock Water pump. What brands do you recommend?

[bd]

IMHO, although the aluminum pumps look really cool, they don't perform any better than ferrous pumps for street applications.  I've been happy with the Milodon high-flow iron pump on my SBC.  In reality, as long as the radiator has unobstructed air and coolant flows, even a factory pump should circulate the coolant just fine.

[Mike81K10]

Thanks for the info!

[VileZambonie]

Water pump starts leaking and now what? You wait a week for another mail order turd to show up or you run down the street and exchange your lifetime warranty pump? Some things are better to buy local especially wear items. As bd said, there's no benefit other than a little weight. Never use RTV as thread sealant. Permatex PTFE works for most applications.

Thanks bd, that is well written

Amen

[Mike81K10]

Appreciate the info. I bought the water pump at the local O'Reilly Auto Parts. However, I went to pick it up today and the Water Pump was a disappointment, it was dirty and looks like it was a return. I got a refund on the pump!

I also bought a variety of Permatex PTFE sealants. Got good info on the different types and uses from the thread bd produced. For years I have not been paying close enough attention in that area as I should have.

PS: I just ordered a Milodon Mechanical Water Pumps 16212 (it is a high volume pump). I could not find any HV pumps - only stock pumps at local parts houses. I ordered it from Summit Racing. In fact, I looked into the local parts houses for Milodon and any HV Long Water Pump and found neither available.

[Mike81K10]

I just noticed the Milodon Water Pump uses GMB castings and some local parts places has their own brand of pumps with GMB castings. Still, the Milodon I ordered states it is a HV pump and I could not find any local pumps that were HV pumps.