I to will be doing the pump this weekend Just to be on the safe side. If indeed i pull the water pump and it is the newer impella (i doubt it is but just in case) should I replace it anyway or take the new one back? Anything else I should do down there. Will be replacing WP and thermostat.

1996 Contour V6 2.5L 24V 5 speed Shift knob: pilot Nickel Metallic Millennium Plus Series Foglights: Pilot Pictures: http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/787584