Hmmmmm ... I once was ASE certified, but I never did try to just bolt on a stock later gen part to an older vehicle. I did have a few "conversations" with guys who thought that any water pump that was ever attached to a 350 would fit any other 350 (even if there was that pesky 30 year age difference) but I would just get out the 6 or so differently configured parts and let them choose the one they wanted ... man, those guys who happened to pick the marine version were pissed when they brought them back in to return them
!!! Of course, nothing quite tops the guy who wanted a tune-up kit for his Cummins diesel and got shitty with me when I tried to explain that - while yes I could sell him some spark plugs if he really wanted them - I sure as hell didn't know where he was going to put them in his motor...
Good to know that I can still just go out and buy any Mustang part for my nearly 20 year old model!!!