360 waterpump alum. or iron?

[FARGO318]

Went ahead today to try and get my waterpump, but the manager told me I need to know if my waterpump is iron or aluminum. Problem being, I bought a bare block without a waterpump on the front.

It's a 1978 360 2 barrel (I believe), and from a car I think...

Thanks

[djswwg]

It's aluminum. Come to think of it, I've never seen an iron smallblock waterpump.....djs

[FARGO318]

Great, thanks for the quick reply

[451Mopar]

I think all the 1970 or 1971 and newer small blocks had the aluminum radiator pump with the passenger side inlet. The earlier small blocks had an iron water pump with the drivers side water inlet.

[Ausydad]

The only iron pumps are short shafts on the 1968 and older SB's, which leave the 360 out of it completely.....

[Dartcustom]

My '69 Dart 273 had a iron pump!

[451Mopar]

My '69 Coronet 500 with the 318 also has the iron pump.

[Ausydad]

From past experience, if you do have an iron pump, you can switch to the longer nose aluminum pump which fits all of the newer altered ratio pulleys just by switching the timing cover. Same bolt pattern and gasket, just have to look at radiator hoses...

[FARGO318]

Well, the 1978 318 waterpump is aluminum, and I'm really not concerned at all anymore that the 360 had an iron.

Thanks a lot everyone

[rustycowl]

Never say never. Be careful when you say all.
FYI. I have seen an iron pump w/passenger side inlet. It looked just like the 'later' alum pumps.