Paul,
When you buy a water pump for the 292, it needs to be for a 292. The 194, 230, and 250 pumps will bolt to the 292, but they will not properly cool the engine. The 292 water pump has a larger diameter impeller on the back.
When looking for a "short" 292 water pump, search 1978 C20 pickup with the 292 engine. Here is an example:
1978 C20 292 Water PumpI hope this helps.
David
Edit: The pump from the 1978 C20 is the shortest I have been able to find.