Is there any special tools needed for replacing a water pump on a 350 TPI? just checking, before i get started. Any special instructions to making it a quicker, easier job?

Any recommendations for brand to buy? Or where not to buy from?

Thanks!

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1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350
K&N, ACCEL CAP & ROTOR,
FLOWMASTER AMERICAN
THUNDER CAT-BACK
http://members.fbody.com/tomahawk350/

 

Get something made in the US. Last time I got one, I got an Airtex which has always been a good brand... just make sure its still US made. Stay far away from the cheapo chinese stuff. I'd suggest getting a lower radiator hose and a couple new clamps while you are at it.
You dont need any special tools, its pretty straightforward on your car, simple to get at. Just remember to loosen the pulley bolts before you take off the belt

 

There's nothing really special about doing that job, it's pretty straightforward... about the only thing that's not obvious, is that at least one of the bolts (the bottom one on the driver's side) goes into the water jacket, so you MUST put sealer on that one's threads, I'd go ahead and put it on all of them, my favorite sealer is either Permatex 300 (brown gooey gunk) or the other brush-on Permatex stuff that's purple, NOT silicone in any case, sooner or later it always leaks... change your lower hose while you're there, it's easier now than later, and maybe your belt(s) too... I'd recommend getting something better than a stock pump, the best in the business is Stewart www.stewartcomponents.com or at the very least get a new (not rebuilt) one. The Stewart is aluminum so it takes several pounds off the nose of the car, plus it pumps a whole lot better while using less power than other ones.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

I'd get the Stewart Stage1 pump at least. I did and I've been really happy. All the el-cheapo pumps from local places are crap. (Just like alternators) I couldn't get one to last. Plus the Stewart pump cools way better than a stocker. Overheating problems became a thing of past for mine.

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Ray87Z
-Vortec headed 350.
86 IROC w/ a cammed 305 TPI.
Formerly Ray86IROC.
www.inter-scape.com/Ray

 

I second the Stewart pump. Yes, it's mail order but there's a reason all Nascar cars use Stewart.

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86 Camaro Sport
383 Speed-O-Motive Crate Engine, Raptor 700R4 Tranmission, Trick Flow Twisted Wedge G2's, 58mm Accel TB, 3.73 Auburn Pro, SLP Cold Air Induction and Headers, Hooker Cat-back, Serpentine Belt Setup, Dual IROC Fans, Jamex springs, 16" IROC Rims, 36mm/24mm Sway Bars, Global West Steering Brace. Hotchkis Rear LCA's,Panhard Bar and SFC's.
My Camaro Project

 

you could also go with a flowkooler water pump. you can get it at flowkooler.com