I have purchased a new TPI fuel pump for when I install my rear in the next two weeks. I have yet to do the factory fuel pressure regulator mod and do not think I will have time before hand. Will I flood the engine out if I don't do this before I put the pump in?
I have been planning on getting a junkyard tb and doing the ultimates to it but haven't gotten onto it yet. Also is there a picture guide to the fuel pressure regulator mod?
Last question, I'm going to try and slide the tank out while leaving the exhaust but removing all the rear axle stuff, will it work?

 

Nope, it won't flood the engine at all. The fuel pressure regulator will maintain the exact same pressure as before even with the TPI fuel pump in there.

I have some pictures on my CarDomain page of a disassembled TBI unit, as well as my adjustable FPR. Those pictures might help a little. It's really as simple as it sounds, though. Once you get the FPR off, just drill the cap out of the bottom of it, cut a slot in the bolt, and reassemble it.

Here's a link: http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/598448/4

As for the last question, some say you can and some say you can't do it with the exhaust still installed. I guess it's just a trial and error thing. I haven't personally done it yet , but I do have a Walbro 190 coming the mail soon. Let me know how the fuel pump install goes, so I'll know what to expect.

 

Any extra fuel that passes through your feed line will be regulated by the stock regulator and safely routed down your return line. You are smart to change the fuel pump while your rear is out.

EDIT: Benm beat me to it

 

As easy as that sounds, what a freaking PITA it was to get mine out! Ahh, the things we do for love...

 

Benm109, I really like the way you put the 3/8 bolt in the regulator and those pictures help me out a lot. I read that you cut it the bolt what appears to be a 1/4 to 1/2 inch off would a 1 1/2 inch bolt work? Did you have to tap the threads for the bolt also? Also when doing this mod is there a way to mark the bolt to keep the pressure at what is was before modifying it, just so I don't set it too low or high and want to kick myself.

 

Once the rear is out...how difficult would it be to swap the fuel pump? Also...is that what most of you guys are using when swaping them (TPI fuel pump??)

D

 

I can't take all the credit, I believe DM91RS had pictures of that regulator mod, and I just copied what he did.


Anyway, a 1 1/2" bolt will probably work. It really just depends on if your running an injector spacer or not. If you are, you will probably have to do the same thing that I did, and just cut down a 2" long bolt until its the perfect length (it will take a couple of tries). And yes, I did have to tap the threads for the bolt so it would thread into the regulator. Something I didn't mention on the CarDomain page, is not to forget to completely remove the stock screw if you do this mod. you won't need it.

As for trying to keep the stock pressure, one method that I have used is to use a feeler gauge. When you look at the FPR, you'll notice how the plate that the spring rides on has a tab that sticks out of the side of the regulator itself. If you just stick a feeler gauge in between the tab and the regulator until you find the proper gap, write it down, and then when you put it back together, just set it at the same gap it was at before. It's kinda like measuring the gap on spark plugs.

If that last paragraph made no sense, let me know. I've got a spare TBI unit that I can use to show pictures of what I'm trying to say.

 

Not very difficult at all, from what I've been told. Just unbolt the filler neck, disconnect the fuel lines,diconnect electrical connection(s), disconnect exhaust (might have to, might not), unbolt fuel tank straps, and then wrestle the fuel tank out of the car. Then you just have to remove the sending unit from the tank and replace the pump. But, this is coming from someone who has not replaced a fuel pump in a 3rd gen, yet.

It's probably a 3-way tie between what people use. The TPI fuel pump, Walbro 190, and Walbro 255 all seem to be really popular and used quite often instead of going back with a stock TBI fuel pump. Just choose whichever one fits your budget and ultimate plans for your car.

 

Do I need any other parts besides the pump and strainer?

Is putting the pump in the sending unit easy?

Should I just disconnected the fuel lines at the body and then on the tank once its out? Am I going to get another fuel shower like when I changed my filter?

I pray that I can take the tank out without removing the exhaust.

 

No, just observe the wiring though when you do pull the sending unit out of the tank (there's a ground near the pump, on the sending unit, inside the tank)...

Very easy, once the sending unit is removed...

Not sure about what you're asking, but you only need to disconnect the fuel lines behind the rear seats (outside, under the car), the same area in which you'll find where the fuel pump wires (connects), and runs through the inside of the body (which also needs to be disconnected).

Basically, there's that wire connection that you'll need to disconnect... and in the same area, this is where you'll find where the hard lines of the sending unit connect to rubber ones (only briefly, as they eventually go hard again, then run parallel with the chassis to the engine). It is here where you disconnect them, do not cut them over by the top of the sending unit to make it easier.

Take off you're gas cap. This will help relieve some of the pressure...

Doubtful. You're going to need all the room you can spare (especially for you're first time). Just make sure you drain the tank before you do anything...

Good Luck