Difference Between a Long and Short Chevy Waterpump

Car engines depend on the water pump for cooling.

Water pumps are part of a car engine's cooling system. Without the water pump, an engine can overheat from lack of cooling parameters. Chevrolet offers two sizes of water pumps to protect their engines.

Function

The purpose of the water pump is to move engine coolant through the radiator and engine, creating a continuous loop to exchange the heat to cool the engine components. Its operation is assisted by a pulley or chain, with the energy provided by the engine.

Types

Chevy provided two sizes of water pumps for their V8 engines. The long water pump is sized at 7.287 inches, and the short water pump measures in at 5.626 inches.

Significance

The reasoning for the difference in water pumps is to provide more cooling for larger engines that produce more heat. Though the smaller water pump will cool the engine within specifications, Chevy gave the option of the larger water pump as an option for engine enthusiasts.

References

• Automedia: Water Pump Basics
• CVF Racing: Chevy Water Pump Identification