Dual question--Water pump and pulley size on 440 with AC

[Rutro]

I'm having to redo some components due to some rust issues (using water in block rather than antifreeze/coolant). I know......
Looking at putting a OEM style pump back on rather than the high flow versions.
I have been researching the number of veins and the diameter of the impeller. I'm seeing conflicting information. Do any of you guys have the the 411 on this? Also, what is the pulley size if my 440 has AC.
From what I'm reading the pulley is a smaller size (I have one pulley with nothing to compare with others). What is the correct diameter.
Then I read that it might be 6 veins with the smaller pulley, making it spin faster.
HELP!!
I have read through the testing done on the DodgeCharger site. Really interesting testing they did.

[Rutro]

Sorry Chryco I think I put this in the wrong area.
I just saw you moved my rust posting....that is still an ongoing project...

[Rutro]

I'm still trying to get my head around what stock water pump vein count would be and the water pump pulley diameter.
Does anyone know the answers? Thanks, Guys

[screamindriver]

You're correct..The AC water pump pulley is smaller than the non AC...So the pump spins faster at any given RPM...And I'm sure you've seen the non AC pump is different than the AC style..It's been quite a while but I'll tell you what I've learned over the years..
    There's been so many different styles of the pump over the years adding to the confusion..Solid,cast impellers, steel pressed on impellers with different vein counts, etc...But here's the general info you're looking for... Seeing how the non AC units had a little less load to bear they had less vein counts but IIRC the veins were just a touch longer than the higher count AC counterparts...One of the problems with running a high vein count pump was at higher RPMs they would cavitate exactly like a high pitch prop on a boat...Essentially making an air pocket in the water without moving any...
     The solution for the water pump is an anti-cavitation plate..The plate behind the impeller keeps the flow in check and won't let it displace in the wrong direction...Long story short you want the anti-cavitation plate water pump for any high performance use... Today the majority of high performance water pumps are the AC housing style,high vein count with an anti-cavitation plate installed behind the impeller...Some guys on the cheap used to make their own plates and tack weld them to the impellers of a factory AC pump...Todays relatively inexpensive pump costs and availability doesn't really warrant someone doing that anymore..
      I used to know the ratios of the underdriven/overdriven pulleys comparison but it's been too long..
If you want the measurement of an AC pulley I can measure mine...I ended up going with Bouchillon Performances' double groove pulley..I've got a 6bbl and AC...The trouble was when I kicked the 6bbl I'd smoke the belt no matter how tight I made the adjustment{I've got 500hp}...Converting to a double groove pulley solved the problem..