I am getting a weird noise from in front of the engine...sounds like metal on metal...but doesn' change pitch or frequency when the RPM changes..just a rumbling grinding noise. I thought it was the smog pump so I took the belt off (5.7L TPI on 87 GTA) but it's still there...I am wondering if it's the water pump...and if it is how long can I possibly drive before it goes out. I have a 6 hour drive coming up in a couple weeks..thanks

 

bump

 

try it with all the belts off to see if the noise is from one
of the belt-driven accesories(water pump is the most
likely suspect) sometimes the outer ring of the crank
damper will work loose and wear against the timing
cover