[mikesz]

I have done it twice.

First time I used Pedros method removed front engine mount and replaced it along with the thermostat. If you go that route the bolts are 10mm and easy to get to but you have to get car up so you can get under it for the motor mount.

Second time I just replaced the water pump. There is NO WAY you can do this without a 10mm flex head NOT AN ADAPTER for the 10mm socket.

I got a 5 gal bin from Walmart and drained the fluid into it and took it to the landfill. Replaced it with premixed prestone for our cars, opened the burp valve and drove around my neighborhood. Had the vacuum thing thought it was more work than it was worth. Probably useful at a garage where completing the job quickly is important but I didn't find it necessary.

I also added an S center cooler, my car is a 99.