I am changing the water pump on a 312 Y block on which I am using a single exhaust with cross-over pipe. There is not enough clearance to use the water heater hose inlet on the top of the pump. Can I use the side mount located on the drivers side of the pump which is plugged and intended for mounting power steering. I can look through both inlets and they enter into the same chamber inside the pump but I don't know if one is intended for inflow and the other out flow. I don't see how that could be though if they enter into the same chamber. I am trying to preserve the single exhaust if I can to avoid having to buy a new dual exhaust system.

 

It looks to me that your idea should work fine, they are both on the discharge of the pump. Mine has a 45 degree connection and about a 4" piece of tubing coming from the original location to clear the cross over pipe. You may want to look for that set up if you don't those parts.

 

If you look in my gallery titled "powersteering" the picture of the engine shows the tubing and 45 I refer to.

 

I have that same piece but for some reason mine is too tight. I was able to find some pipe to pipe and pipe to hose fittings that will allow the clearance with a 90 degree bend. Thanks for the input though. Nice looking engine by the way.