Just thought I'd follow up my question with a few pics for folks who might have the same questions.
I was motivated to change the water pump on my new purchase as it showed 141k on the odometer, I had no idea of when it was changed last and I had the intake manifold off doing other work, so it was way easy access to replace the water pump and thermostat.
Cheaper timewise to swap it now preventively than to wonder then this critical part may fail when I lease wanted it to. This way, I hope to have 25-40k miles before I wonder about it again...
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Some folks have asked question on how you pull the pump out.

A view into the chamber the water pump fits into...

The original water pump next to the Meyle replacement. Note the original Laso pump has the plastic impeller.




I'd recommend you change your water pump and thermostat bolts if they look anything like this.

Anyway, it's all pieced back together and cooling like it's supposed to...
Cheers! :cool: