What's your connection with Ford?
I worked for a Ford contractor (Total Performance) from 1998-2007, which included the Ford tech lines in our building. Among my duties were to fill in on the Motorsport tech lines (later changed to "Ford Racing").
How did the shorty water pump come to be?
Around 2000 or 2001, Ford Racing ran a program "put a Ford in your Ford" aimed at all the Ford street rodders with Chevy engines in Ford aftermarket chassis. The chassis were too short between the firewall and the radiator core support. The only way it could be made to work was to 1) bash in the firewall with a hammer, or 2) relocate the core support forward 1-1/2 inches (very labor intensive/expensive). Neither solution was good. Ford Racing solved the problem by shortening the water pump 1-1/2 inches and supplying a set of pulleys for the pump.
How were the shorty water pumps and pulley sets marketed and sold?
Ford Racing sold them only through their own dealer network. If you wanted them, you were unable to get them anywhere else. Ford still sells the water pumps, but have not sold the pulley sets for the past 10 years. We on the tech line, took hundreds of calls asking why Ford no longer sold the pulleys for their own water pump. And they were not available anywhere else! Ford never answered the question and never made them again.
Where did the pulleys come from?
At the end of 2007, I stopped working at Total Performance. By that time, the Ford Racing lines moved out and went to their present location in Livonia, MI with Ford's other tech lines. They took all five tech guys with them. They had many years of knowledge and experience. They were irreplaceable. Runne-Rite Research started making the pulleys for the shorty water pumps in 2008, and has done so ever since. We are located in the Detroit area and are able to custom make any other pulleys to fit your needs.
What pulleys are available?
We make single-sheath (2 models), a dual-sheath set, and a 3-sheath set. They are all interchangeable and configurable with each other. Please call to consult on the proper combinations.
What year engines do the pulleys fit?
1964-1997, but the year is not descriptive enough. Remember, these water pumps and pulleys never came on a production car or truck. What matters is how many bolt holes the harmonic balancer has. There are three basic bolt configurations:
1) Three bolts only
2) High performance damper with 3 and 4 bolt holes
3) Four bolts only
1) Three bolts only
2) High performance damper with 3 and 4 bolt holes
3) Four bolts only
What were Ford Racing's original pulley sets?
Originally, Ford Racing made a single-sheath set (M8509-Q) and a dual-sheath set (M-8509-R) and a spacer (M8510-B351)
What is a spacer?
Good question. Some applications use a spacer for major and minor alignment problems. Ford Racing made three thickness of spacers (.875, .906, .950) with four bolt holes. .875 was for 4-bolt dampers with a .500 front extension (somewhat rare), .906 was for 3&4-bolt performance dampers, and .950 was for 1980 up 4-bolt dampers only with a .950 front extension. We also make a .015, .030, and .060 shim for minor problems, if needed. We also drill two extra holes in all our pulleys and spacers so they will fit 3-bolt early dampers (1964-1979).
How do I know what will work for me?
The number of holes in the harmonic balancer (damper) will indicate what you need.
Do I need to know the year of the vehicle or engine?
No. When hot rodders build engines they do not know and it doesn't matter. Only damper bolt holes matter. Parts are so interchangeable 64-97 they could be anything. When you buy a crate engine most of the time you do not know year. neither the water pump or the pulleys were ever on a production car.
How is the quality compared to Ford Racing
They are manufactured to the best industry standards and have a 1 year warranty. They are equal to the Ford Racing standards.They come with instructions for installation and are unique. We also have a reasonable labor provision for any defects that may apply. all warranty problems must be presented in writing and approved by us. Normal wear is not covered just defects in part or assembly.
How was your business impacted by COVID-19 ?
The last three years have changed everything. Between COVID, a failed knee and hip surgery, and supply chain problems. But conditions have improved, and my stock is now available. At this time, I am looking for new distributors to sell my products. Wholesale pricing discounts are available. Please call if you are interested.