Aftermarket engine parts fit problems

[LannyL81]

Still working on the assembly of my L81 ('81) 350 engine. I am having a problem getting the aftermarket parts to fit with each other.
Latest one is that I put a true roller timing chain on and had to get a slightly taller timing cover to clear the timing set. But now the new aftermarket water pump I got hits the timing cover.
I can not be the only person to ever have done this...so there has to be someone out there that knows how to get around this.
Are there spacers for the water pump to bring it off the block aother 1/8"?
Then I would need spacers between the balancer and the three pulleys in order to keep the pulleys aligned with the two off the water pump...is this ever going to end?

Thanks,
LannyL81
Tucson, AZ

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Moroso has water pump spacers however using those will lead to pulley alignment problems. How much clearance do you need, you could clearance the water pump if it's just a little clearance you need

 

[LannyL81]

Looks like the interference is about an 1/16"; I am hoping that I can grind a small amount off the back of the water pump or may be even take a small amount off the timing cover. Have to be careful with the timing cover as it is a cast aluminum one...and so much for it looking nice if I take a grinder to it.

I am fully aware of the pulley alignment concerns, in fact, when I installed the harmonic balancer I could not get it to go on as far as I wanted it, it just stops and will not go any further. I have a good 1/4" plus between the seal and the lip of the balancer...I would have liked to have only about an 1/8"...but like I said it will just not go on any further. I have used an installer....and then went to beating it with a hammer....but does not budge. I know I am not hitting the crank gear as I measured that distance and the balancer snout is not long enough for it to hit. Just hope that I already do not have an alignment problem.

Thanks,
Lanny

 

[Jack]

Did you measure the "expected" distance using the NEW crank gear & the balancer you're using? Don't beat on it any more.

WP-TC interference common ... especially w/alum TC. Try grinding the back of pump first.
JACK:gap