I have just put together my 3.9 RV8 and although I have not run it on the road yet. I have ran it up to temperature and checked the fan comes on and the temps on the gauges are okay etc.

After more reading on websites and books etc I would like to change my 88c Stat to the Hot Climates 74 stat. Ordered it from rimmers! However my waterpump is of unknown quality and age. It came with a scrap engine I had which had been heavily rain damaged. So I don't know its history. The water pump however seems pretty solid and there is no movement in the bearings or unsightly rattles etc. For the sake of £45 quid should I change it?

I also have some water on the valley gasket which I can only assume is leaking from the thermostat housing so I definitely need to get in there etc. While I am there I am thinking of doing the performer manifold drilling mod to help things along.

I would not bother, pretty hardy items on the cars I have had

That very much depends on what sort of job it will be once the engine is installed should it leak.

What they really don't like is being left un-used with no water in. The bearings may not fail but the seals give up.

You also have the risk of the bolts shearing if you touch them, RV8 pump sits up high with easy access

Just took mine out and while theres no slack in it its quite stiff to turn. For the sake of £25 I'll be putting a new one on.

Inside the front cover looks a little nasty

It's easy to change anytime, under bonnet space is good in a viento. I have replaced all bolts with stainless already so no worries there.

Where did you get the stainless bolts from?