KRC Power Steering Pump and Small Block Fitment

[Jim Doak]

I'm figuring out my front drive setup for a small block (BluePrint 302) and am attempting to determine a workable power steering pump/bracket system.

The engine arrived last evening - I haven't even uncrated it yet - but BluePrint's web site states that "Engine timing cover is designed for standard rotation water pump and pulley kit ONLY".

On my Mark 1 Cobra I used March V-belt pulleys and a KRC aluminum power steering pump and it worked great. However, I've been searching the Forum and apparently the Mark 4's relocated steering shaft causes fitment issues.

So, has anyone used a KRC pump - or any other pump - using a standard rotation water pump on a Mark 4?

[Mike.Bray]

I used a GM Type II pump with a remote reservoir on my 351W to gain some space.

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/20220827173958medium.jpg

[rich grsc]

Order the pump & brackets from Breeze, they fit perfect.

[Jim Doak]

Just spoke with Mark at Breeze; his setup's for a reverse rotation water pump. Won't work for me.

[brewha]

Check out CVF Racing. Lots of good information.

[brewha]

Besides knowing about which direction the water pump is spinning, it’s also important to know what side the bottom water pump outlet is on. Early 289 and 302 water pumps outlet were on the passenger side. You really want the outlet on the driver side to shorten the lower hose. I changed pumps last winter and CVF helped me through all the different heights for the bolts on the water pumps. Good luck.

[lewma]

Jim, try contacting BluePrint directly. They provide good support.

[wrenchigor]

Mike, where did you source your cog pulley kit?

[Mike.Bray]

Mike, where did you source your cog pulley kit?

Originally I was not going to run power steering so with only a water pump and alternator I got this cog pulley setup from Speedmaster. https://www.speedmaster79.com/Ford-SB-289-302-351-Windsor-Gilmer-Drive-Kit_2

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/20211211122021mediumrotated.jpg

Then I came to my senses and went with power steering but didn't want to give up my cog belt drive. So being the engineer I am, although not a good one, I designed a special water pump pulley to keep the cog drive while adding a poly belt for the power steering pump.

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/pulleymediumrotated.jpg

For this I had to design and have a special bracket made for the PS pump.

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/pspumpbracket.jpg

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/20220324163835mediumrotated.jpg

I got the PS pump and pully from CVF Racing https://www.cvfracing.com/gm-type-ii-power-steering-pump/

Hope this helps.[/QUOTE]

[jab351w]

I'm figuring out my front drive setup for a small block (BluePrint 302) and am attempting to determine a workable power steering pump/bracket system.

The engine arrived last evening - I haven't even uncrated it yet - but BluePrint's web site states that "Engine timing cover is designed for standard rotation water pump and pulley kit ONLY".


To further muddy the waters, you actually can use a reverse rotation water pump with a standard rotation timing cover if you pick a reverse rotation pump with a backing plate with round rather than D-shaped holes. One example:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=11201033&cc=1133985&pt=2208&jsn=1074&_nck=8LVLUxTaILBT%2BtLxkg8%2B3Ag7%2F0bbOhvn7P3rkFb L80%2FoQB6RvzNfa5dcHvATqXAMxw5whzaDEdxk%2B27zeij67 BjKru6WqTdNqG6tiEsD1EZhbTv0XForkbYp%2BnLaIKxDXfb4D jpqS2Ysll2uy4rSPnAUdpgNvsqgGL65XFCiefIuHbGz9DCwe4I oMKEDmz4UZzS4d4eNi9Wg%2B3yk4Uzi%2BNqBcyiAlBpk30yk3 HOJctkVIXhp8TEgxnWWMdKFot40Io5Gqxp6x4glelufpH%2BBN HqwrT19JTzV1GYMDqKtq1M%3D

More information on Windsor timing cover and water pump configurations (note backing plate style "C"):

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/pit-stop-ford-small-block-v8-front-cover-water-pump-interchange/

I switched to one of these pumps on my car (which originally had a standard rotation pump and still has the standard rotation timing cover) when adding power steering. Am also using the Breeze GM-style power steering pump/bracket. Everything plays together nicely, just needed a longer belt and smooth rather than ribbed water pump pulley.

[Jim Doak]

To further muddy the waters, you actually can use a reverse rotation water pump with a standard rotation timing cover if you pick a reverse rotation pump with a backing plate with round rather than D-shaped holes.

I've been communicating with March Performance and received similar info. Apparently, they sell a reverse rotation pump that's setup for a standard rotation timing cover.

So, I've got some good options for my engine's front dress.