Hey! Im going the wife's 2016 equinox 2.4l lea.

I've got the valve cover off and the timing cover off. It definitely needs a new timing kit. However, im thinking i should do the water pump at the same time, major pain!

Question is: ive got the motor mount out and a jack holding up the engine. Haven't taken the phasers or chains off yet. But if im going to do the water pump by taking off the cat and pulling back the exhaust manifold, what should i do?
Go ahead and do the timing kit and dont put back on the timing cover, but put the motor mount back on so i can remove the jack and lift (two post) the equinox so I can remove the cat and manifold and do the water pump?

Or put the motor mount back in now. Dont do the timing kit but leave the cover off and lift it and replace water pump first. Then lower remove motor mount and finish the timing kit?

Anyone Thats done the timing and water pump have any suggestions or advice?

Thanks so much
Cheers!