I was working on a stock '86 305 HO T/A, and I just replaced the mechanical fuel pump due to the old one leaking. After doing some other things (one of them replacing the oil PSI gauge, otherwise nothing mechanical/electrical) I took it for a drive. It ran fine for a short time on normal acceleration (for me = slow and easy) and then I noticed it acted like it wasn't getting enough fuel to maintain the rpm's. Slowing down remedied the problem, but going up a hill made it die (presumably after the fuel in the carb bowls were used up). I managed to get it started again after a while, but it wouldn't go anywhere until after 10-15 minutes of the engine idling. I managed to get it up the hill, where it died again, only to have let it idle some more until it would go the rest of the way.

I checked the pressure fuel line, and it wasn't squirting out as much gas as I had experienced when I had replaced the mechanical fuel pump. My guess is that the in-tank booster pump is dying, as it can't provide enough power to pump gas up a hill to the mechanical pump. If so, can this "booster" pump be replaced with a standard Walbro 255, or is it something different than TBI/TPI pump units?

 

It's of similar design to TPI/TBI units.

 

According to the tech data linked from the TGO homepage, only 74 of those were made. A rare 'Bird indeed. . .

 

Ok great, so I'll just order up a standard Walbro 255 and replace it. Thanks.

 

Ok, just ordered a pump. But I'm thinking... would the 255's high pressure output (I'm guessing 50-60 psi?) be bad going into the mechanical pump that puts out 4-5psi on a good day?

Edit: I talked with the place where I ordered the pump (non-sponsor) and they mentioned the 255 was only for fuel injected applications. I can't find anyone that seems to supply a fuel pump for vin G applications...

 

The pump used in the HO 350 Camaro Conversion Kit that installs a 355 HP ZZ4 350 crate engine is GM p/n 25168719. www.gmpartsdirect.com lists it for $42.15 plus shipping.

The kit also used a pressure reg 10185094. The stock mechanical pump has a return line that will also regulate pressure.