Would you trust this fuel pump?

[brn agn]

First, let me say that the amount of info on this board is mind numbing... For everyone that gives advice...THANK YOU!

Okay, now to my question. I purchased an 89 TTA a few months ago and have been planning my mods since I brought it home. After reading through old posts, I decided that an upgraded fuel pump and hot wire kit should be first on the list (after spring cleaning). I was looking at the fuel tank (this brought back memories of dropping the tank in my 87 IROC...not very fun!). I noticed that some of the rubber lines had screw style hose clamps instead of the factory style. I looked further and it appears that the tank has been dropped before. So, I ran a hose from the schrader valve to a gas can and jumped the fuel pump. It pumped out just at 1 gallon of gas in 1 minute. From what I have read, it is highly unlikely that there is a stock pump in the tank. Would you add a hotwire kit and go with it? Or would you not take chances and replace the pump anyway? Thanks for your time!

 

[strikeeagle]

If the previous owner(s) can't tell you and/or you can't trust them, I'd drop the tank and see what I had. That sort of implies that you're going to replace the pump anyway, because as long as you've gone through the pain of dropping the tank on a TTA, what's $100???

The other approach is to put a FP gauge on the car and see how the fuel delivery holds up during a blast. That won't tell you what pump you have, but it will tell you if it can keep up or not for a particular demand.

Hot wire is a must.

New fuel filter is a must.

Checking lines for kinks, collapsed hoses is a must.

Good, adjustable FPR is a must.

Good injectors are a must.

I like a volt booster - some guys don't.

Ain't life a beeeotch???

 

[quickbrick]

you might as well get a new pump and a hotwire. just to be safe. the pump in there could still be an old model pump. i like the racetronix kit. its fairly cheap and easy to install. my car felt so much faster after i installed it. the gas tank is alot easier to drop than it looks. it took me about 2 hours to do with basic hand tools. if you need a hand give me a call. good luck

 

[The Radius Kid]

That pump is an unknown quantity.Don't trust it until you can verify what it is and whether it was installed properly.

 

[JToups386]

Strikeeagle has the right idea!
Yes, it's a pain in the butt to do the swap on a TTA, as compared to the easily accessible TR! Put a FP gauge on it, and use the simple equation of boost vs. pressure. If your static pressure is set to 40psi, (stock TTA is 37), and you are running 18 psi boost, then your pump should be able to peg and carry 58 psi all the way through the pull. I highly recommend at least doing the hotwire kit though, which can certainly help maximize what you've got. If it holds up to the 58+ psi, per the equation above, then you should be fine until you're ready to do the swap. What are your goals? How much boost do you want to run, etc, etc? Base your decision on whether or not the pump in the tank shows it can adequately handle your intentions. Otherwise, just plan on spending around $150 for the Walbro GS340M pump w/ hotwire kit, and a full Saturday in the garage to install it all.

 

[brn agn]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll get some fuel pressure readings soon. But, after reading the replies, I'm starting to "lean" towards replacing the pump...I mean it would only cost around $100. That is pretty cheap compared to the chance of something happening to the engine due to fuel pump failure. My goals for the car? It will see minimal track time...maybe 4-5 times a year. I would like to shoot for high 12's without breaking the bank (which seems possible). Right now my plans are an upgraded fuel pump, hot wire kit, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, adjustable wastegate, Nitto drag radials and lots of tuning. Thanks again for the advice!