TPI fuel pump

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Dec 5, 2013 | 08:06 PM

kanvasman

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 3,820

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From: Summerville SC

TPI fuel pump

OK, Finally decided on an 87 l98 engine to go into my'78. GOt complete engine w/ alum heads. Excellent shape and it will be fine for what I want from the car. Reliable, almost daily driver w/ good MPG. So next decision is fuel pump. I would prefer an intank type, some version from GM so replacement parts are easy. I understand the starvation issue when fuel level is low, but I don't think that will be an issue for me. So the question is, will a stock '81 to 87 in tank pump work with my stock VERY GOOD CONDITION gas tank. Anyone who has done this, please give me your $.02. Thanks. Pictures would be great.

Dec 5, 2013 | 09:16 PM

wombvette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2000

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From: New Hill NC

On my 66, I mounted the pump separately with a pipe exiting through the top of the tank for the supply. I used the original sending unit assembly and pipe for the return.

Dec 5, 2013 | 10:42 PM

Amorget

Pro

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 708

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Use the 82 sending unit and a TPI fuel pump. You don't want 82 or 84, as those are CFI, not TPI, and run at a lower pressure which won't work for TPI.

Dec 6, 2013 | 04:37 AM

kanvasman

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Dec 2012

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From: Summerville SC

OK, thanks guys, that was the info I was looking for. Hadn't thought about using the old fuel OUT line as the new return, so now I only need to run one new line. And forgot that the older injection systms were not TPI and had lower pressures. So off I go in search of the correct fuel pump.

Dec 6, 2013 | 06:45 AM

Rotonda

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 1,071

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From: Rotonda FL

Please look at Walbro pumps. I used the Walbro pump F20000169, a high pressure 255 l/hr that is a replacement for the LT1 pump on TPI Camero’s. This pump will fit into an 82 in-tank assembly in place of thestock 15 psi pump and give you all of the volume and pressure your TPI will require. PLEASE NOTE that for any in-tank fuel hose to use SAEJ30R10 spec hose. It is expensive but it is the only thing guaranteed to stand up to both the pressure AND continual immersion in fuel.

I used 3/8 stainless tube with swaglok AN6 fittings for both pressure and return. With the volume this pump outputs, equal sizes are necessary. At low fuel usages a smaller return line (such as the stock 3/8 supply, 5/16 return) can cause the TPI regulator to malfunction due to the restriction of the smaller return.

If you need more info, do an advanced search for THREADS started under my name ROTONDA. My in-tank project was done in a 77.

Last edited by Rotonda; Dec 6, 2013 at 06:48 AM. Reason: additional info

Dec 6, 2013 | 01:49 PM

mrvette

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 65,492

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From: Orange Park Florida

Shocking how much overkill guys do on the fuel pumps,

Get a Walbro pump, has the output with the wiring on one end, input looks like a 1/2" NPT on the other end, comes with a 3/8 nipple you just screw on the pump....get FI rated RED marked hose at your parts house stamped 200 psi.....

use the stock plumbing/gas lines....3/8 on feed 5/16? on return to top of the tank on pass/right side of tank, leave the fuel float to the evap canister alone....I would put on a locking gas cap, they are not pressurized.....they vent....

That is what I put on my car almost 20 years ago....still there....

works fine....

oh, edit, forgot to mention, FP is hose clamped with a rubber hose over it to the chassis/frame in rear, near the fuel line.....

Last edited by mrvette; Dec 6, 2013 at 01:53 PM.

Dec 6, 2013 | 02:51 PM

Amorget

Pro

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 708

Likes: 28

No kidding on the overkill....

In Thirdgen F-bodies they have the same 3/8 feed and a 5/16 return (which my understanding is the same as the Corvettes) and guys have 500+ HP with the stock lines.

Dec 6, 2013 | 07:52 PM

kanvasman

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Dec 2012

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From: Summerville SC

MrVette, thanks once again for making it simple. So your experience is that the existing fuel lines, in good condition, should be fine with a basically stock TPI set up, with approx 36-39PSI ? Replace the rubber hoses w/ FI Rated hose/clamps. Then just fabricate up the lines coming off the frame to the fuel rails? Leave the fuel sender & vapor line alone? Almosst 20 years and it still works. Too Simple! Works for my simple mind.Thanks.