I have a 1997 Silverado K1500 with a 2003 6.0 V-8 Vortech motor. I am in the process of replacing the water pump, however, the one on the motor has ...

I have a 1997 Silverado K1500 with a 2003 6.0 V-8 Vortech motor. I am in the process of replacing the water pump, however, the one on the motor has a fitting out the top of the pump with a hose and pipe connecting both sides of the heads and the new one at the store does not have this attachment? I am at a loss for what function it performs on the motor. With two fittings on both heads, do I just plug those ports and bypass them, or will this have an adverse situation with the integrity of the cooling process?? I am at a total loss at this point.

Has anyone encountered this situation....please help.

Can you post a pic? It sounds like it is the bypass hoses and they are needed. Does the fitting screw into the water pump? It may have to be taken off the old pump and put on the new pump.

Are you talking about the coolant crossover pipe on the cylinder heads?