The water pump in my 97 z24 is leaking an d i am getting ready to change it this weekend just wondering what parts other then the water pump should i get so far i have:
water pump
timing chain
pump gasket
timing tensioner
timing cover gasket
exhaust gasket
thats all i can think of if there is anything else that i need before i start it would be very helpful

New chain shoes wouldn't hurt to throw in there.

Need vs should do?

A 1997 car is now 12 years old. You should replace all the radiator and heater hoses, thermostat, radiator cap, and serpentine belt. These are the main items that will leave you parked along a highway unable to continue on.

Dave

I believe the water pump in my fiancee's car is leaking and/or just on its way out. There seems to be a faint grinding noise coming from the engine bay, on the driver's side of the engine (opposite the s-belt). I don't even know if that's where the pump is, though. Can someone tell me if the pump is something that can be done in a garage with basic tools, jack, ramps, etc?

Yes, pump is on the passenger side underneath the exhaust manifold.