I'm going to get a plastic 4th '99-'02 fuel tank/pump to go along with my LS1 motor.

Since access to the fuel pump assembly can be difficult, at how many miles would it be advisable to replace the pump before putting it all together?

Said a different way, at how many miles should I consider a 4th gen pump to be getting old?

 

There is no way to predict pump life, some last 10k miles and others go 100k+. A lot of pump failures are due to inadequate tank venting, sitting extended periods of time, or constantly being ran very low on fuel. When you get a used tank/pump you never know what you are getting, could be in great condition or on its last legs.

Considering that LS1 4thgen cars are now 12+ years old I would put a new pump in regardless of mileage. Get a high quality new pump and it should last a long time.

 

There you go

FWIW, 4th gen tanks are 10x easier to remove than 3rd gen tanks because the filler neck is removable. The complete sending unit is on top, so cutting an access panel will not compromise any fuel connections, making maintaining the fuel system quite a bit easier

 

Thank you both for your replies.

The wrecking yard is getting me one with 47k. So now I'm a little ambivalent about installing it. But it's on it's way and far less expensive than new, so I guess I'll give it a go.

Thanks again!

 

These are pretty good folks to source a pump from. Good pumps decent prices. I have one of their GSS340 pumps in for about 4 years no issues

 

Thanks 92.

And who exactly are you referring to as a source?

 

Sorry brother I forgot the link, Auto Performance Engineering http://www.autoperformanceengineerin...s.html#gm_apps

 

Say, if I do create an access panel like this guy did:

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/att...103-jpg.58007/

what would you recommend for a gasket? "Rubber gasket material"? Silicone Rubber? Butyl tape?

I'm curious what would give me a true airtight seal.

 

Personally I would not do it. Bite the bullet and do it right, remove the tank. You don't realize what kind of problems you are creating, future stress cracks around the opening, leaking, corrosion from an incorrectly treated metal edges. I removed my tank and yes it is a big job but not that difficult. You don't have to remove the rear end just drop it down, and remove the rear exhaust section, the springs, the panhard rod then disconnect the tank supply plumbing wiring and unstrap it. You will have to fish it out but it will come out.

 

Thanks 92.

I understand all the issues and I'm not trying to save myself any work right now. The steel tank is out now and I have plenty of room to work.

I'm installing the 4th gen plastic tank and even Pocket (see above) implies that for the 4th gen pump application the access panel might make sense.

But I want to know what a hardcore critic would say is the best way to seal such a panel.

By the by, I have read the lengthy and occasionally contentious threads about "the access panel." A lot of good reading there.

 

Best way to seal it? Welder, primer and paint.

Save the headaches, don't cut the car. Buy a good pump and go.

 

Yup best practice.