Listers,
I previously posted a lengthy discourse on 260/289 water pumps. Since then,
I have received additional information, shedding some previously unknown
(to me) observations.
I had said (in part):
"Subject: Re: Water pump advice
Steve excerpt from previous list post:
"Rob, and List,
You have had some pretty good advice from a lot of Tiger folk on your
water pump query. Non, however, discussed the major reason you should
NOT use a Mk I, 1A 260 pump on a 289 block.
It won't fit!"
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A reply from a knowledgeable source:
NOT necessarily TRUE!
Some facts:
I have had countless early Mustangs in my youth, all 289s, none
1964 or 260 and ALL of the 1965 models had the early aluminum pump (NO
back plate)!
(And just to add to the confusion there are TWO different EARLY
aluminum pumps! The earliest is WAY obsolete!)
I have had a few 1966 289 Mustangs and ALL had the "iron" pump
(back plate).
So, my conclusion:
289s ran the early aluminum ( no stamped steel back plate) pump
into 1965! ( that makes it 1963, 1964 and 1965 that used the AL pump)
They didn't change to the (typically) iron pump (back plate) until
mid to late 1965!
Also, there is a bit of confusion about the "IRON" pump (back
plate) as some replacement parts are in fact aluminum!
And I have an iron version of the typically aluminum pump (NO back
plate)!
ALL are cast!
SO, the facts ,as I know them:
260s and early 289s had the early aluminum pump (NO back plate).
Late 289s and ALL 302s ran the "iron" pump (back plate).
ALL COULD have the later pump if the timing cover is changed, not
uncommon with limited early cover replacement availability!
The water pump that you get from a NON Tiger source WILL have a
standard Mustang dimension and will "FIT"!
But the belt will not be in correct alignment ( unless the other
pulleys are non standard and / or have different belt locations)!
The 289 water pump, unlike the 260, has a closed back sealing off the
impeller. The timing chain cover housing, different on the Mk I's,
formed it's own back.
SEE above!
I agree that the Edelbrock is a superb pump, as it should be at it's
price. It is also available in a polished state for nearly twice the
amount. Take care you get the one meant for the 289 HiPo,
As far as I know, the Edelbrock "289 hipo" pump is for the NON back
plate application!
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Use this advice as befits your circumstances, and many thanks to our watchful
source who prefers anonymity.
Steve Laifman
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Steve Laifman
Editor - TigersUnited.com
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