10/06/2026
TECH TIP TUESDAY: Know your Small Block Ford before ordering.
Not every 289, 302, or 351W uses the same accessory drive setup. Here’s what to check:
Water pump rotation: Standard or reverse? Your pump needs to match your belt routing.
Timing cover: Standard and early reverse rotation covers share dimensions and bolt patterns, but have different coolant passages. The later 1994 style cover has a different fitment altogether.
Water pump height and hose location: Early passenger side inlet pumps measure 5.4" tall, while typical driver side inlet pumps measure 5.7". The Ford Racing Shorty pump also has a driver side inlet but measures just 4.5", so hose location alone isn’t enough.
Balancer: Does it have 3 bolt holes, 4 bolt holes, or both? Is it factory or aftermarket? These details help determine pulley fitment and whether a crank spacer is needed.
Check out our Small Block Ford products at cvfracing.com. We make it easy: just select the options that match your setup.
Still confused? Call our tech team at 651.356.8593 and we’ll help you get the right parts.