Water pump can be expensive, depending on where you purchase it. Looking at OE Discount Parts shows the M-B pump at $345; the Chrysler water pump (exact same) for $663. But Needswings Performance (a preferred XFire vendor) shows the pump at $136.

A quick look at RockAuto.com shows the water pump available anywhere from $50 to $120, depending on which manufacturer you choose. Pictures don't show the holes clearly that are in question in this thread, but a phone call might clear that issue up before ordering. Not knowing for sure from RockAuto about the threaded holes, I'd probably order the pump from Needswings Performance.

Not sure how this compares to the local auto store pricings, but it has to be in the ball park.

Later,