Maybe just one...I use different colored zip ties around the boots on the plugs and just write them down so I can keep up with them...three common mistakes: forgetting to put the spline on behind the h2o pump, putting the opti on wrong (backfire through the intake), putting plugs back on wrong (also backfire through the intake. Those directions are pretty good.

 

bought a water pump from NAPA (replaced opti at same time), 4 months later it was dripping real bad from the weep hole and took out the opti. Received the warranty WP and replaced the opti with one from the partsladi (Delphi unit). Fast forward 9 months, one of the top press fit pipes of the waterpump came loose and soaked the opti. So, that's 2 failures in a year for a NAPA sourced WP.

Bought a WP from another source and another opti from partsladi.

It's not the WP that's the issue, it's what happens when it goes bad.

 

change the water pump seal on the front cover. theres a sticky on it.
https://camaroforums.com/forum/lt1-lt4-tech-9/installing-water-pump-drive-seal-43601/

 

i replaced it already. pretty good fit. used all tips. thanks

 

i just did my water pump on my lt1 i got it from auto zone which is fine for that, but the opti i would either go msd or a gm replacement. i did the auto zone opti and ended up pulling it 3 times before i just replaced it with a gm. oh and on your water pump if you dont pull the radiator when you replace it dont put the gasket sealant on both sides of the gasket you will end up getting it all over the place. put the gasket on the pump and put the sealant on the motor then put it on.

 

I only ever put sealant on one side of any gasket that I install.
I use some hi-tack gasket adhesive and glue the gasket to the water pump and let it cure over night. Then a very thin film of sealant on the other side just before install. Never have had a leak and never had a gasket shift and not seal properly.