BritishV8 Forum

General Category => Engine, Transmission, & Rear Axle assy. => Topic started by: JD on February 13, 2026, 10:45:56 AM

Title: Rover V8 Water Pump - Super Short Modification
Post by: JD on February 13, 2026, 10:45:56 AM
As part of a cooling upgrade to my MGB V8 roadster I had to shorten the standard water pump to make room for an electric fan on the back of the radiator. This turned out to be a quite tricky project, but I got there in the end and it has run successfully for over 1000 miles. I've made full engineering drawings if that's of interest? Here's a basic sketch of the modification to the Powertune pump WaterPump_Powertune_Old-New.pdf


Title: Re: Rover V8 Water Pump - Super Short Modification
Post by: Scott Costanzo on February 13, 2026, 12:58:28 PM
Interesting.  Do you have a picture of the water pump installed? 

Scott
Title: Re: Rover V8 Water Pump - Super Short Modification
Post by: JD on February 13, 2026, 02:27:22 PM
Sure, here you go. Ended up with 15mm clearance pump to fan.
Title: Re: Rover V8 Water Pump - Super Short Modification
Post by: Scott Costanzo on February 13, 2026, 04:19:51 PM
Quote from: JD on February 13, 2026, 02:27:22 PMSure, here you go. Ended up with 15mm clearance pump to fan.
Very creative, nice work!

Scott
Title: Re: Rover V8 Water Pump - Super Short Modification
Post by: BlownMGB-V8 on February 14, 2026, 10:35:33 AM
That does look helpful.

JIm
Title: Re: Rover V8 Water Pump - Super Short Modification
Post by: joe_padavano on February 22, 2026, 10:50:04 AM
Nice work. My only concern is the question of how much does the shorter wheelbase between the bearings impact bearing life. 1,000 miles won't tell you anything about longevity.
Title: Re: Rover V8 Water Pump - Super Short Modification
Post by: JD on February 23, 2026, 04:30:43 PM
That's a fair point, but bear in mind the original bearing was designed to withstand vibration and gyroscopic forces from what I would guess was a metal fan blade, which was quite a long way forward of the bearing. Whereas for my installation the main load is the auxiliary drive belt tension, which is in-plane with front ball bearing. I guess time will tell.