Timing belts/Water pumps and Tensioners

[Ruffiano]

Not sure how to explain this best, but here goes.

I'm in the middle of an engine swap, the engine i'm using is an AAN, and i'm using most of the stock 7A components (Oil pan, alternator, PS pump, Ect). I'm planning on swapping the 7A harmonic balancer onto it so i can use the V-belts that run all of the accessories. While I have the balancer off I figured it would be a good time to change the waterpump/timing belt/tensioner. In my garage I have a full set for the 7A (belt, pump, and tensioner), now i realize that these are different from the ABY/AAN style. I realize that I couldn't just use the 7a tensioner or just the water pump, but what if I swap over of the 7a components? would i have any problems?

TIA

[mcandmar]

You could but you will need a 7A/3B oil pump as the idler pulley mount is cast into it.

[Ruffiano]

oh, i didn't even think about that.... I actually do have a 7a oil pump just sitting on a random block in the corner... and a new gasket. Are there any advantages to the newer style?

[mcandmar]

Not sure, personally i prefer the idler/adjustment setup of the AAN. The idler pulley sits further up on the AAN setup, in my mind its better placed to keep the belt tensioned around the cam pulley.

The rotating water pump setup on the 7A is also a pain in the butt to tension, later setup is much easier to use.

I can see your dilemma though, have the parts vs buying new ones.

[S2central.net]

Q - Is the 7A oil pump same spec as AAN ?

Either way - I agree the AAN style tensioner is waaaay better than doofing about with water pump affair on 7A/3B

[Ruffiano]

Yeah, i guess I'll man up and buy the new parts...