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Just thought I’d give you folks a heads up on the three port mechanical fuel pumps available for our cars.
I’m in the midst of installing a new pump on my 73, so I started to do some research on what’s available and best quality. So I purchased three pumps (from different venders) to compare. One was from Carter m6955 and the other two were from Airtex 41240 (one of the Airtex has been returned to the vender already). To my surprise, they not only looked identical, but had the m6955 stamped on them, though they came in their respective box. So I called Airtex tech support and inquired about it. The reply was that about a year ago, Carter bought out Airtex. I also researched other pumps. In conclusion: Airtex, Napa, Delphi,= Carter. Don’t know about others out there like SP (Spectra Premium), but it wouldn’t surprise me. Btw, they were made in Korea. Don’t know the quality if good or bad, just to inform that they appear to be one and the same, take it for what it’s worth. Stay healthy and safe folks.
Hello to all and especially 73VetteRay. You mentioned that you already returned one of the fuel pumps. Just wondering if it was because of a problem or other reason.
Somewhat like you and I believe many others I'm trying to figure out what aftermarket product brands might be better than other brands. There is really no way of telling where things are made before ordering, so just trying to take note of what brands might be best to give a pass on in the future. Thanks and take care.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I went through 3 carters in 2 years. I have an Edelbrock in there now. The failure point is how the pivot pin is just swaged into the housing. If you look at your photo of the Airtex you can see the pin and how it looks like its just sitting there with to tiny little arms crimped partially around it. Just keep an eye on your fuel pressure. It will start running weird when this part fails, but it may give just enough pressure for it to run.
I wouldnt mind if one company made everything if they made them well.
Hello to all and especially 73VetteRay. You mentioned that you already returned one of the fuel pumps. Just wondering if it was because of a problem or other reason.
Somewhat like you and I believe many others I'm trying to figure out what aftermarket product brands might be better than other brands. There is really no way of telling where things are made before ordering, so just trying to take note of what brands might be best to give a pass on in the future. Thanks and take care.
Your guess is as good as mine as far which brand is better. As far as “brands”, the ones I mentioned are made by Carter, is Carter, and has Carter stamped number on it. So I would say they are one in the same, and pick one over the other is a crap shoot. The one I returned was another Airtex in a box, but Carter made. The reason I returned that one : price. More expensive than the other two and is the same stuff. Now, I’ll pick one between these two. Which will be the cheapest one from Rockauto. Hope that answers your question.
I went through 3 carters in 2 years. I have an Edelbrock in there now. The failure point is how the pivot pin is just swaged into the housing. If you look at your photo of the Airtex you can see the pin and how it looks like its just sitting there with to tiny little arms crimped partially around it. Just keep an eye on your fuel pressure. It will start running weird when this part fails, but it may give just enough pressure for it to run.
I wouldnt mind if one company made everything if they made them well.
The Edelbrock appears to be USA made and more expensive. I don’t mind paying the price for quality part. Problem with it, as far as I know, is that it only has two ports, and I want to retain the return line to the tank function. Did you do something with the return, or just eliminated it? If there is a way to keep the return using that pump, let me know. BTW, which Edelbrock pump you’re using? If there’s a solution, I’ll get one and send these two Carters back in a heartbeat.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I use the fuel filter witht he return line coming from it. There are 2 edelbrocks, one is around 6 to 9 psi, the other is around 12 psi. From My experience in the past I have a fuel pressure regulator knocking the pressure down to 4.5 psi so I chose the Higher psi pump. The only issue I've had in the past is the clocking of the fuel pumps to get the fuel lines located to where they dont impinge on the frame and line up with the solid fuel line i was using. If you dont want to use the AC fuel Filter to get your return to operate properly you may not have much of a choice in your pumps, meaning you may be stuck with carter. You could start another thread asking just that question, what do people use for a return with a non stock pump.
Thank you Rescue Rogers, I’m going to to give the Carter a chance and see what happens. Nevertheless, I’m keeping in the back of my mind the fact that you have gone through three in two years. That sucks. If the new pump fails within some ridiculous time frame, I will replace it with a RobbMc pump and be done with it. Expensive as hell, but I hate to do the same job over again because of inferior part. Don’t mind paying for quality parts. Thank you for your input, and I will certainly come back and let the folks know if the Carter took a dump before it’s time.
Just thought I’d give you folks a heads up on the three port mechanical fuel pumps available for our cars.
I’m in the midst of installing a new pump on my 73, so I started to do some research on what’s available and best quality. So I purchased three pumps (from different venders) to compare. One was from Carter m6955 and the other two were from Airtex 41240 (one of the Airtex has been returned to the vender already). To my surprise, they not only looked identical, but had the m6955 stamped on them, though they came in their respective box. So I called Airtex tech support and inquired about it. The reply was that about a year ago, Carter bought out Airtex. I also researched other pumps. In conclusion: Airtex, Napa, Delphi,= Carter. Don’t know about others out there like SP (Spectra Premium), but it wouldn’t surprise me. Btw, they were made in Korea. Don’t know the quality if good or bad, just to inform that they appear to be one and the same, take it for what it’s worth. Stay healthy and safe folks.
Buying three fuel pumps just to compare them? And I thought I was going stir crazy from from self isolating.
Last edited by Cool95vette; Apr 11, 2020 at 09:02 PM.
Buying three fuel pumps just to compare them? And I thought I was going stir crazy from from self isolating.
Yes Sir, that’s what happens when one has too much time in their hands. Biggest hassle is returning the pumps, and that in itself is really no big deal. Trying to stay busy because of the self isolation thing. 👍
Maybe because my 73 is a big block, but mine does not have a return line at all.
Not on the pump or the filter.
I looked everywhere and while doing some research I read that some 73’s did not come with a return line.
Maybe because my 73 is a big block, but mine does not have a return line at all.
Not on the pump or the filter.
I looked everywhere and while doing some research I read that some 73’s did not come with a return line.
Hummmm, that’s interesting. Now you peaked my interest. I’ll check the assembly manual.
[QUOTE=DonnieP73;1601311558]This is the one I bought to replace my old one on my 73. It has been running for over 5 years now and no problem.
Corvette Central and USA made.
Donnie[/
That pump with that number shows Spectra Premium. Summit shows it under the SP1060MP as “engineered and developed in Canada”. Doesn’t say where it’s made. You’ve bought the pump five years ago, maybe things have changed now. Nevertheless, I’m going to take a chance on one of these pumps I have and call it a day. If it goes south on me, then I’ll open the wallet by the RobbMC pump. Hopefully, it won’t come to that. I appreciate your input. Stay safe.
Mechanical fuel pumps
