Water Pump Replacement Difficulty?

[tjs121]

So the oil filter housing gasket needs to be replaced. I've looked up how-to jobs and this doesn't seem to be a particularly tough job so I was planning on doing it myself. I was just going to make a weekend out of it and do a ton of maintenance since I just bought the car and have no idea when/if the last time the car got these items done:
-oil filter housing gasket
-VANOS oil line
-both belts
-deflector pulleys
-valve cover gasket
-spark plugs and coils

Since I'm pulling a bunch of items out anyways, should I do the water pump and t-stat as well? I've always stayed away from doing cooling system jobs just because of how messy they get but since I'm taking off so many parts, does it make sense to just suck it up and deal with it? My other concern with the job is slightly lifting the engine to remove the water pump. I guess this sounds ok but I've never lifted or moved an engine before. I do most basic maintenance and wear items on my cars but I usually leave things that involve serious s**t to the pros e.g. I can't ever see myself doing a timing belt or pulling the entire head of the engine off. Given the quality of youtube tutorials on these items, am I over thinking this?

 

[ph001]

What mileage, and perhaps more importantly, what engine!

 

[tjs121]

What mileage, and perhaps more importantly, what engine!

101,000 miles on the odometer, 2005 3.0i 6-speed manual

 

[Alpina 98]

I am also going to be servicing my Vanos this Wednesday. Rather than lift the engine. I plan to remove the M6 studs by using domed nuts with Locktite 648.
I will then replace the studs with slightly over length stainless steel studs, to make removal easier in future.

 

[Thrustyjust]

Have oil filter housing, oil cooler, rocker cover and vario motor gaskets to change this festive break to do. Just really getting tooled up as well with those daft torx sockets and spanners rather than the usual sockets and spanners. Should be fun................... they say :roll:

 

[Rockhopper]

I don't know how much you need to lift it by but a block of wood under the sump and a trolley jack would be good enough i suspect.

 

[spazmochad]

I don't know how much you need to lift it by but a block of wood under the sump and a trolley jack would be good enough i suspect.

That's all mine took to do the vanos.
Water pump is easy, just be careful not to snap any bolts from over torquing.