Upgrading the Fuel Pump
By: Joe Lu and Charles Johnson
A step that should not be forgotten when performing an engine swap is fuel delivery. Compared to the costs of the rest of the swap, spending a few bucks on a new fuel pump really isn?t that expensive, especially when it could very well save your engine. We picked a Walbro 255 LPH unit for our car. This pump should be able to provide more than enough fuel for our horsepower goal.
Step 1: Remove fuel tank access panel and disconnect fuel delivery and return hoses.
Step 2: Remove fuel pump assembly and cover the now exposed fuel tank to prevent debris from falling in and to help keep the gasoline vapors to a minimum. You should have gotten all your necessary smoke breaks out of the way before this, by the way?
Step 3: Clip the positive and negative wires to the old fuel pump and remove old fuel pump from bracket assembly. Notice how dirty the old fuel pump filter is? definitely time to replace.
Step 4: Test fit new fuel pump in the housing assembly. The old rubber base from factory pump was not used with the new pump.
Step 5: Fit new fuel pump filter onto fuel pump. Use a small socket on an extension to tap the locking ring in place.
Step 6: Attach the fuel pump and fuel delivery line with a new length of fuel hose. This hose will help to stabilize the pump in the bracket. You can also use some zip ties to hold the pump in place.
Step 7: Solder negative and positive connections to provide power to the new pump
Step 8: Replace fuel pump bracket into fuel tank and reconnect the delivery and return lines. You will need to cut the rubber sealing o-ring in order for it to seal properly again. When you are done putting everything back in, turn the ignition to the ?on? position but don?t start the car. Listen for the fuel pump to pressurize, then start the car and drive with peace of mind that your engine will be getting enough fuel.
