What all do I need to replace my water pump, and what else should be replaced at the same time? I'll be buying a $28 pump at Autozone since I can't wait for an aluminum one to get shipped.

So...what kind of gaskets/sealants, etc. do I need, and is there anything else that should be replaced at the same time?

 

The gaskets should be in the box. Check before you leave the store. I like Indian head shellac on the gaskets but you will get many opinions on sealers. The bolts that protrude into the water jacket will need sealant. I prefer liquid teflon. This is made by permatex.

 

Actually I remembered I have some Permatex blue RTV "gasket maker" sealant, so I'll just use that. Also, in my Haynes manual, it says to use RTV sealant on the threads of the four bolts.

I think I'm just going to replace the water pump and the lower coolant hose. That's the only hose connected to the serpentine-setup water pumps right? The heater hose was only connected to the pump in V-belt setups I think.

I'm probably going to buy some of that coolant system flush in a can stuff too and run that through to clean out anything in that system. This is a shame, its only happening because I considered buying a new aluminum pump a few days ago just for the hell of it. My coolant system was also not cared for It was in bad shape when I got the car and I always meant to flush it but never got around to it. Always said I'd just wait for the cam swap to do that.

 

*sigh* They have a new "ASC WP-715" pump for $28.99 and an "ASC High-Performance WP-715HD" for $45.99. I think I may as well spend the extra $17 and get the performance pump since I don't think I'll be replacing this pump again for an aftermarket one. These things only weigh 14 1/2 lbs anyways, I thought the aluminum ones saved a lot of weight, but if these only weigh 14.5lbs, then I'm not worried about saving much weight. Might as well just get the best one I can get at the time I can get it (i.e. tomorrow ).