Missing hole under water pump

[lonewolf41]

I am transferring my water pump from my old block to my new block. Both are 878 castings (5.0GXi motor), but my old block has an extra hole for the water pump that the new block does not have. Is this an issue? The water pump has the hole. The old block in the pics is red. The new one is black. TIA.

 

[pae0332]

don;t worry about it, the big hole is were the water flows. as long as the pump fits properly and does not hit the timing cover

 

[lonewolf41]

don;t worry about it, the big hole is were the water flows. as long as the pump fits properly and does not hit the timing cover

That was my thought, but just couldn't figure out why it wasn't there. I have never seen a chevy block without this hole. Some car forums seem to indicate it is to relieve pressure during cold starts when the thermostat is closed. Probably not relevant to marine where we have the bypass in the water neck. Thanks.