Zips made an aluminum water pump riser for Small Block Chevy’s that moved the water pump/fan up high like a Flathead Ford, and used a cheap and reliable 6-cyl water pump. They appear to not be making them anymore and my orders with Speedway were all cancelled. Is this something you would be interested in tackling?
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Zips-SBC-Water-Pump-Riser-Manifold-Kit-w-Pump-for-Mechanical-Fan,414424.html
Heimz Asked question