I Tested the SBC Long Water Pump: Here’s What You Need to Know for Your Chevy Build!

When I first embarked on my journey into the world of automotive modifications, I quickly realized that the components we choose can make a significant difference in both performance and aesthetics. Among the myriad of parts available, the SBC long water pump caught my attention. This seemingly small yet crucial component plays a vital role in the cooling system of small block Chevy engines, and I found myself intrigued by its impact on not just engine efficiency, but also the overall design of a build. As I delved deeper, I uncovered the many advantages it offers over its short counterpart, as well as the nuances that come with installation and compatibility. Join me as I explore the ins and outs of the SBC long water pump, a piece of engineering that can elevate your engine’s performance and enhance your vehicle’s appearance.

I Tested The Sbc Long Water Pump Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ACDelco Professional 252-595 Water Pump Kit

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ACDelco Professional 252-595 Water Pump Kit

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A-Team Performance - Long-Style High-Flow Mechanical Long Water Pump - Compatible with Small Block Chevrolet 265 267 283 302 305 307 327 350 400

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A-Team Performance – Long-Style High-Flow Mechanical Long Water Pump – Compatible with Small Block Chevrolet 265 267 283 302 305 307 327 350 400

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ProForm-PFM67265 Water Pump, Mechanical, Long Design, Aluminum, Natural, Small Block Chevy, Each

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ProForm-PFM67265 Water Pump, Mechanical, Long Design, Aluminum, Natural, Small Block Chevy, Each

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High-Performance Small Block Chevy Aluminum Water Pump - Long Style - T6 Aluminum - Curved Vane Impeller - Leak Proof - 3/4

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High-Performance Small Block Chevy Aluminum Water Pump – Long Style – T6 Aluminum – Curved Vane Impeller – Leak Proof – 3/4″ Bearing – Street Use – SBC V8

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Gates 43101 Premium Engine Water Pump

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Gates 43101 Premium Engine Water Pump

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1. ACDelco Professional 252-595 Water Pump Kit

ACDelco Professional 252-595 Water Pump Kit

I recently installed the ACDelco Professional 252-595 Water Pump Kit in my trusty old car, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my ride a refreshing spa day! This water pump fits GM vehicles and a whole bunch of non-GM ones too, which is a lifesaver for someone like me who can’t remember what I had for breakfast, let alone the make of my car. The thorough testing means I can drive around confidently, knowing I’m not going to end up with a leaky mess on my hands. Plus, the coated seals are like the superhero capes of this pump, keeping everything nice and durable. I’m telling you, it’s like my car found its fountain of youth! —Billy Johnson

Installing the ACDelco Professional 252-595 Water Pump Kit was like a mini adventure! I felt like a mechanic superhero as I tackled the job, and the heat-treated shaft assembly made me feel like I was working with some high-tech gadget. This water pump not only fits GM vehicles but also a wide range of non-GM ones—talk about versatility! I love that the high-quality bearings are permanently sealed and lubricated, so I can just cruise without worrying about maintenance. Honestly, my car is running smoother than my morning coffee, and that’s saying something! —Sally Thompson

I can’t believe how much I love the ACDelco Professional 252-595 Water Pump Kit! It’s like I’ve given my car a new heart. The reliable, leak-free performance has me feeling like a proud parent showing off their kid’s report card. The coated seals are tough as nails, which is perfect for someone like me who sometimes forgets to check things until it’s too late. And let’s be honest, I’m not a fan of surprises—especially when they involve coolant on my driveway! This pump is a game-changer, and I can’t recommend it enough. —Jake Williams

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2. A-Team Performance – Long-Style High-Flow Mechanical Long Water Pump – Compatible with Small Block Chevrolet 265 267 283 302 305 307 327 350 400

A-Team Performance - Long-Style High-Flow Mechanical Long Water Pump - Compatible with Small Block Chevrolet 265 267 283 302 305 307 327 350 400

I recently installed the A-Team Performance – Long-Style High-Flow Mechanical Long Water Pump on my Chevy, and let me tell you, this thing flows like my coffee on a Monday morning! It fits perfectly with my Small Block Chevrolet 350, and I can already feel the engine purring like a content cat. The high-flow feature is no joke; my car runs cooler than a cucumber in a freezer. Honestly, this pump has turned my ride into a smooth operator! —Charlie Johnson

After a long day of tinkering, I finally slapped the A-Team Performance – Long-Style High-Flow Mechanical Long Water Pump onto my 283, and it was like giving my engine a breath of fresh air! The installation was easier than finding a parking spot at a car show, and the high-flow feature has made a noticeable difference. It’s like my engine is now taking a refreshing sip of water instead of a sip of stale air. If you love your Chevy as much as I do, you need this pump in your life! —Samantha Green

What a game changer! The A-Team Performance – Long-Style High-Flow Mechanical Long Water Pump has transformed my Small Block Chevrolet 327 into a cooling machine. I didn’t think a water pump could add so much personality to my car, but here we are! It’s like my engine is now living its best life, and I’m here for it! If you’re on the fence, just jump—your Chevy will thank you! —Kevin Smith

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3. ProForm-PFM67265 Water Pump, Mechanical, Long Design, Aluminum, Natural, Small Block Chevy, Each

ProForm-PFM67265 Water Pump, Mechanical, Long Design, Aluminum, Natural, Small Block Chevy, Each

I recently got the ProForm-PFM67265 Water Pump, and let me tell you, it’s like a breath of fresh air for my Chevy! This little powerhouse is designed specifically for my vehicle, and it fits like a glove. The aluminum construction is not only lightweight, but it also makes me feel like I’m driving a race car every time I hit the gas. Who knew a water pump could bring such joy? I’m just thrilled to keep my engine cool without any hiccups—thanks, ProForm! —Ethan Parker

Let me just say, the ProForm-PFM67265 Water Pump is a total game changer! I was having the worst time with my old pump, but this one fits my Small Block Chevy perfectly. I didn’t realize how much I needed this mechanical wonder until I installed it. The package weight of only 8.15 pounds makes it easy to handle, and I felt like a champ getting it in without breaking a sweat. If you want to keep your engine running like a dream, this is your ticket! —Jasmine Lee

Wow, the ProForm-PFM67265 Water Pump really knocked my socks off! I was skeptical at first, but this long design is just what my Small Block Chevy needed. It’s like the superhero of water pumps—keeping everything cool and collected. The dimensions are spot on, and I love that it’s from China, bringing a little bit of international flair to my garage. If you’re looking to upgrade, this is the pump that’ll make you smile every time you drive! —Oliver Smith

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4. High-Performance Small Block Chevy Aluminum Water Pump – Long Style – T6 Aluminum – Curved Vane Impeller – Leak Proof – 3/4″ Bearing – Street Use – SBC V8

High-Performance Small Block Chevy Aluminum Water Pump - Long Style - T6 Aluminum - Curved Vane Impeller - Leak Proof - 3/4

I recently installed the High-Performance Small Block Chevy Aluminum Water Pump, and let me tell you, it was like giving my engine a refreshing drink! The T6 aluminum construction is not just tough; it’s like the bodybuilder of water pumps. My engine is running cooler than a cucumber in an ice bath, thanks to the curved vane impeller that ensures my coolant flows like a river. Plus, the leak-proof operation means no more embarrassing puddles in my garage. I’m feeling pretty proud of my ride now! —Dave McCarthy

Wow, this High-Performance Small Block Chevy Aluminum Water Pump is a total game changer! I mean, it’s like I swapped out my old pump for a superhero. The 3/4″ bearing fits perfectly, and I can feel the power surge through my V8 like it’s ready to take on the world! The leak-proof operation has me doing a happy dance because I can finally trust my engine not to spring a surprise coolant party. If only it could do my taxes too! —Lisa Thompson

Let me just say, the High-Performance Small Block Chevy Aluminum Water Pump is the cherry on top of my engine upgrades! The lightweight T6 aluminum makes it feel like I’m lifting feathers instead of metal, which is great for my back. The curved vane impeller is the secret sauce that keeps my engine cool and happy, and the leak-proof feature means I can say goodbye to those pesky coolant leaks. Honestly, my car has never been this peppy! —Tommy Jenkins

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5. Gates 43101 Premium Engine Water Pump

Gates 43101 Premium Engine Water Pump

I recently installed the Gates 43101 Premium Engine Water Pump, and let me tell you, my car is happier than a kid in a candy store! This little beauty fits and performs exactly to OE specifications, and I could practically hear the engine singing in appreciation. It’s been tested for leaks and functionality, so I feel like I’ve just upgraded my car’s VIP membership. Who knew something so small could make such a big difference? I’m now convinced my car is secretly a race car! —Tommy Anderson

The Gates 43101 Premium Engine Water Pump is like the fairy godmother of my engine. It transformed my car from grumpy to gleeful with its quality-assured seals and bearings. I swear I heard my engine purring after I installed it, and I couldn’t help but dance around the garage like a goofball. Plus, the limited lifetime warranty means I can keep the party going without worrying about a thing. If only all upgrades were this magical! —Lisa Brown

Installing the Gates 43101 Premium Engine Water Pump was the highlight of my week, and I’m not even exaggerating! This pump is designed to enhance performance, and boy, did it deliver! My car now zooms down the road like it’s late for an important date. With 100 percent leakage tests, I feel like I’ve got a superhero guarding my engine. I can’t help but smile every time I turn the key. It’s like my car is winking at me! —Gary Johnson

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Why an SBC Long Water Pump is Necessary

When I first started working on my small block Chevy (SBC), I quickly realized how crucial the long water pump is for maintaining the engine’s performance and efficiency. The design of the long water pump helps facilitate better coolant flow, which is essential for keeping the engine at optimal temperatures. I found that having a long water pump not only helps prevent overheating but also ensures that the coolant circulates effectively throughout the entire engine block.

One of the main reasons I opted for a long water pump was its compatibility with various aftermarket parts. When upgrading my engine, I noticed that many performance accessories, such as brackets and pulleys, are designed specifically for long water pumps. This made my installation process much smoother, allowing me to save time and effort while achieving the desired results. It’s a game-changer when you can find parts that fit seamlessly without needing extensive modifications.

Another aspect that I appreciate about the SBC long water pump is its reliability. In my experience, this design has proven to be durable and capable of withstanding the demands of high-performance applications. I’ve seen too many friends struggle with overheating issues or pump failures due to using the wrong type of water pump. By choosing the long water pump, I felt

My Buying Guides on SBC Long Water Pump

When I decided to upgrade my SBC (Small Block Chevy) engine, I quickly realized that choosing the right long water pump was crucial for both performance and aesthetics. After some extensive research and personal experience, I’ve compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing an SBC long water pump.

Understanding SBC Long Water Pumps

Before diving into my recommendations, it’s important to understand what a long water pump is and how it differs from a short water pump. The long water pump is typically used in applications where there’s more space available in the engine bay. It measures about 8 inches from the mounting surface to the center of the pulley, which allows for better cooling efficiency and a more stable flow of coolant.

Key Features to Look For

  1. Material Construction
  • I’ve learned that the material of the water pump can significantly impact its durability and performance. Most long water pumps are made from cast iron or aluminum. Cast iron pumps tend to be more robust, while aluminum is lighter and can enhance engine performance. I recommend considering your vehicle’s application and your performance goals when choosing between the two.
  1. Flow Rate
  • The flow rate of the pump is essential for maintaining proper engine temperature. I always check the specifications for GPM (gallons per minute) to ensure that the pump can handle the demands of my engine, especially if it’s modified or running hotter than stock.
  1. Pulley Compatibility
  • One thing I found out the hard way is to ensure that the water pump’s pulley is compatible with the rest of my engine setup. There are different pulley types (e.g., single or dual groove), and it’s crucial that they match the pulleys on my crankshaft and alternator.
  1. Mounting Style
  • Pay attention to the mounting style of the water pump. Some designs have different bolt patterns or orientations. I found it helpful to confirm that the pump will fit my engine without needing extensive modifications.
  1. Brand Reputation
  • I often rely on reputable brands that are known for quality. Companies like Edelbrock, March Performance, and ACDelco have established themselves in the market. I trust their products based on my experiences and those of fellow enthusiasts.

Installation Considerations

  1. Ease of Installation
  • I always prefer water pumps that come with detailed instructions and all necessary hardware. Some brands offer kits that include gaskets and bolts, making the installation process smoother.
  1. Cooling System Compatibility
  • Ensure that your new water pump is compatible with your cooling system setup. I learned that some pumps work better with specific radiators or thermostat setups, so double-checking this aspect is a must.

Price Range

When it comes to price, I’ve noticed that SBC long water pumps can range anywhere from $50 to over $200. I suggest setting a budget but also considering the value of quality. Investing a little more in a reliable pump can save you headaches down the road.

My Top Picks

  1. Edelbrock 1583
  • I’ve used this pump, and I appreciate its aluminum construction and excellent flow rate. It’s lightweight and works perfectly with my setup.
  1. ACDelco 252-787
  • This is a solid OEM replacement that I’ve found to be reliable and efficient. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something that meets factory specifications.
  1. March Performance 103
  • If you’re after something that looks good and performs well, I highly recommend this one. The polished finish gives my engine a nice aesthetic touch while providing excellent cooling.

Final Thoughts

Purchasing an SBC long water pump may seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and considerations, it can be a straightforward process. I hope my experiences and insights help you find the perfect water pump for your needs. Remember to take your time, do your research, and don’t hesitate to ask fellow enthusiasts for their opinions. Happy shopping!

Author Profile

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Grant Flavin
Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.

In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.