Put mine together for the first time in many years. Used an NOS 301 water pump. Aluminum, but with a cast impeller. The impeller blades were shorter than the standard Pontiac pump, but I figured to try it anyway.
Beat the divider plate with a rubber mallet to obtain ~0.045" clearance.
455, 9.5 compression, 4-row brass radiator, 19.5" factory flex fan.
Breaking in the motor, in the garage, 90+ degree day, did not exceed 160 degrees. Driving around, same day, same result, as cool as a cucumber.
Couldn't be happier. This really works.
Stuart
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