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Does anyone have any experience with aftermarket fuel pumps?
I have an 85 California IROC that I'm going
to build into a pro tourer. Eventually I want to put in an IRS. I don't know if I'll use Corvette, modify a late model T'bird rear end, or possibly use the sub frame from a late model T'bird to mount the Corvette irs. In any event, removing the tank to change a fuel pump is not an option. I'm not sure if I want to modify the car to change the stock pump through an access hatch in the trunk. If I put in an access hatch, I will weld up a frame from 1x2" steel tubing and use a couple pan gaskets for a 700r4 transmission. I plan to cut the tubes and flare them to use internal flare unoins like are used in brake systems. The other option to consider is to run the tube that would normally hook up to the pump to the bottom of the tank to make a new pick up.
Then use an external high pressure, high volumn fuel pump on the frame. I'll be using a tpi fuel injection system. Has anyone had any experience with aftermarket
fuel pumps?
Dont put an access hatch in the trunk. You're removing a lot of structural support if you do that. Just drop the tank from the bottom like you're supposed to.
As far as brands of pumps, many people put in the Walbro pump. I used an Airtex LT1 pump.
Dropping the tank is not an option. I intend to drive the car all over. I will not tolerate being stuck with a fuel pump failure hundreds of miles from home and be forced to either pay for transport, or to have a shop remove the tank to replace the pump. I don't think I will compromize the structural integrity of the body, if I weld up a frame to surround the hole for an access hatch. If I find that an in tank pum is the only way for it to work, and that the
access hatch isn't viable, I'll dump the 3rd gen altogether, and build something else.
Dropping the tank is not an option. I intend to drive the car all over. I will not tolerate being stuck with a fuel pump failure hundreds of miles from home and be forced to either pay for transport, or to have a shop remove the tank to replace the pump. I don't think I will compromize the structural integrity of the body, if I weld up a frame to surround the hole for an access hatch. If I find that an in tank pump is the only way for it to work, and that the
access hatch isn't viable, I'll dump the 3rd gen altogether, and build something else.
Russ, as you know I am building my third gen for daily use (is there any other kind? ). It will be my daily driver/weekend warrior/race-car on all days except for when AC is called for (that will be for the SS), yes even rain/snow. I was initially worring about a fuel pump failure (among other FI problems), but worring about them will not allow you to enjoy your built project. Look at Kevin for example (sorry bud, no disrespect ). He has had some bad luck with all sorts of things failing on his car, but do you know what I envy about him and his car. That's right, that he is actually driving his "project" around (unlike mine, sitting in the driveway ). Failure of parts is part of the beauty of having a project car, you know what went wrong and how to fix it. If you are looking for a car that will be easy to maintain or is extremely dependable, build a kit car with tubular framing and removable shell/body. I know one day my intank is going to fail me, but that won't stop me from going forward with this project. I don't think about negatives, I try to be a positive person and only look at that. I do want to drive it someday, and everyday that passes kills me because I can't. The SS is a nice alternative, but my '84 is my first love (well technically my second, my other Z28 is my first ).
As for me, I am not going to put an access hatch in my third gen (I am strongly opposed to butchering cars, except when the functionality is compromised (like my rear shock support breaking through )). Removing the rear and dropping the tank is not that bad. Then again, I don't know any other way of having a car but working on it on your own.
I don't worry about failures. I plan on doing very little driving locally. Teh plan is to go on Hot Rod Power tours, Super Chevy Shows, and any rod run that I can attend. I don't mind a fuel pump failing along side of the road. I just want to be able to repair it myself without having to have a fully equipped race car transporter following me around. Changing a fuel pump is no problem, but dropping a fuel tank along side the road
in New Mexico in the middle of a tour would be impossible. I'm leaning towards an external pump at this time. Even if they aren't as reliable, a spare in the trunk can be changed in no more time than an alternator, water pump, etc.
listen, i tried cutting an access panel from iside the car to gain access to the fuel pump. you will not get the pump out that way. the hard lines coming out of the sender assembly folow the body down to the fuel filter. you will not be able to lift the pump assembly out because of this. i even cut a 1 foot hole to try this. dont worry i do this for a livin and now the body is stronger then what it was now that i fixed my hole. anyway, you would need a panel that is cut at least 1 foot by 1 foot on top and extend down the rear seat area at least 2 feet. i tried everything to get it out but the fuel pump assembly is over 2 feet long and you need to lift it out of the tank thatls. Conclusion.... it isnt worth it. maybe you can modify the assembly so it has flexible lines on it i dont know. just my 2 cents
). It will be my daily driver/weekend warrior/race-car on all days except for when AC is called for (that will be for the SS), yes even rain/snow. I was initially worring about a fuel pump failure (among other FI problems), but worring about them will not allow you to enjoy your built project. Look at Kevin for example (sorry bud, no disrespect 
). He has had some bad luck with all sorts of things failing on his car, but do you know what I envy about him and his car. That's right, that he is actually driving his "project" around (unlike mine, sitting in the driveway 
). Failure of parts is part of the beauty of having a project car, you know what went wrong and how to fix it. If you are looking for a car that will be easy to maintain or is extremely dependable, build a kit car with tubular framing and removable shell/body. I know one day my intank is going to fail me, but that won't stop me from going forward with this project. I don't think about negatives, I try to be a positive person and only look at that. I do want to drive it someday, and everyday that passes kills me because I can't. 
)). Removing the rear and dropping the tank is not that bad. Then again, I don't know any other way of having a car but working on it on your own. 
