How hard was it? How long did it take? Anything I should SPECIFICALLY look out for while doing it?

I'm also doing plugs/wires, because they look stock at 122K miles...

Calling Jason tomorrow and seeing about the price on an opti...

Oh, before I forget...I know I need a .050 gap, and I'm going to use NGK TR55 plugs...but what about the heat range? Sorry if all this seems stupid, but I'm worried and need to know...

-Codi

 

the 5th waterpump bolt is under the power steering pump pully, it can be accessed with the right combo of extensions and sockets.

the 6th waterpump bolt is under the AIR pump... gotta remove it along with the bracket first.

the opti goes COMPLETLY FLAT against the engine... takes a little bit of pushing but not an excessive amount. use a sharpee to mark the dowel and the insert so its easier to line up.

replace your waterpump when you do your opti.

otherwise its a simple straight forward swap, just takes time.

 

Don't have the cash for a new waterpump....But thanks for the help.

Anyone else? Also, since I'll have to order the opti, and can get the plugs/wires locally...should I go ahead and do plugs/wires first?

 

im gonna have to agree with anasazi on this one! with 122K on the car you really should be replacing the water pump! with that many miles, as soon as the water pump goes... you will be buying and new water pump AND a new opti again!!

the job itself is fairly easy, just takes time. where are you getting wires locally?? usually part stores have had to special order mine.

i suppose if you wanted to go ahead and do plugs/wires first you can. if it was me i would just wait till i replaced the opti. no sense of getting under there 2 times. routing the pass. side wires is going to be a pain!!!!!!! good luck with the job, and search the board, there is tons of info to help you do the swap and plugs/wires!

 

I'll let you know how it is when I finish it. I just ordered my opti from Jason Cromer yesterday. With that many miles, I would definitely by a new waterpump. Mine blew at 63k, and this is why I'm putting in a new opti and waterpump right now. Jason Cromer sells the water pump for 134.99, but a wp at Autozone is 139.99 with a lifetime warranty, and it comes with the gaskets. Email me if you have any questions on this, cause I'll be removing the coolant & lines, wp, and balancer tonight (I'm in school now). You might want to do the opti and wp first, and the following week do plugs/wires, because it took me 3 days(me and my dad taking our time) and almost a full pack of bandades to change them .

Good luck with the change.
Ryan