No, the pump body comes off just like pulling the shipping top of the MCP350 and 355. If you install an XSPC top on the pump body and impeller, the only difference between it and a pump you buy as a pump is the lack of the 2 mounting brackets on the sides of the pump body. The waterblock part of the pump comes off just like the top of the regular pump with 4 screws. Here's a link to Martin's review of the Apogee Drive, which shows him mounting an aftermarket top to the pump body of the Drive. It has a pic of the pump body with an aftermarket top mounted on it. Plus, he shows the solder mod clearly too in the article. That is what is so nice about this kit; your pump isn't obsolete when you decide to upgrade to a better waterblock.