the other thing is, weren't some of the impellers(maybe cheap replacements) stamped out of steel with little flaps bent inwards?one like that would not be too difficult to manufacture with the flaps made facing the other way.
If you mirrored the impeller you would also need to mirror the scroll in the water pump casting.
how about a standalone electric water pump?
I do know that I drive torque, while listening to my friends prattle on about horsepower.