04 Fuel Pump life expectancy/replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 124
Likes: 93
04 Fuel Pump life expectancy/replacement
Hey guys and gals...I have done a few searches on this topic, with mixed results. I was wondering what kind of life are you guys getting out of the stock pump? Before buying my 04 I did months of research (much of which was on this forum) and finally decided on an 04. I was aware of the crossover fuel fitting leak issue on particular VIN's, and bought one out of that VIN range. What I failed to realize was that GM relocated the pump mid 03 and it is a much more involved repair that I expected. (Trans and Diff removal) How much should this concern me? I have heard of dealer quotes above the 3000 dollar range. I have 88k on the car, stock engine. I keep the tank half full or above, and run Techron through it about once a month. I live in a relatively rural area and reputable Corvette shops are quite a distance away. Just trying to stay ahead of the game on possible future issues.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,605
Likes: 3,322
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
I would say, keep doing what you're doing, and don't worry about it unless you have a problem. It is a fairly major job on an '04, but $3k is way too high.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 124
Likes: 93
For sure. I called my local dealer just for kicks, and he quoted me 3800. He insisted there were 2 electric fuel pumps, I was thinking the secondary was a venturi style, and the left was the only electric one. I kinda wish I had shopped for an early 03 now...haha
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,605
Likes: 3,322
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
If it makes you feel any better... My '04 has 98K miles on it, and is supercharged, and I've never had any issues at all with the fuel pump. I do have an electronic fuel pump booster to help deal with the extra demand caused by the blower. As long as you use good gas, keep using Techron per the instructions on the bottle, and don't let your fuel get too low, your fuel pump should work fine for a long time to come. Don't let the fear of a problem that does not yet exist ruin your ownership experience.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 124
Likes: 93
If it makes you feel any better... My '04 has 98K miles on it, and is supercharged, and I've never had any issues at all with the fuel pump. I do have an electronic fuel pump booster to help deal with the extra demand caused by the blower. As long as you use good gas, keep using Techron per the instructions on the bottle, and don't let your fuel get too low, your fuel pump should work fine for a long time to come. Don't let the fear of a problem that does not yet exist ruin your ownership experience.
That's good advice, thanks. I'm mid 40's and this is by far the most pleasurable vehicle I have owned. I'd be curious to see how many of the 150-200k C5's on the road have the stock pump. I'm a firm believer in keeping the tank full to preserve pump life, so far I have good luck with my vehicles in doing so
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 544
From: Appleton WI
You are correct that there is only one electric pump. The passenger side has a Venturi pump.
I changed my fuel pump at 200,000 miles. My sending units failed. My pump was working fine. I have an 03 Z06 BTW.
I changed my fuel pump at 200,000 miles. My sending units failed. My pump was working fine. I have an 03 Z06 BTW.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,058
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
Hey guys and gals...I have done a few searches on this topic, with mixed results. I was wondering what kind of life are you guys getting out of the stock pump? Before buying my 04 I did months of research (much of which was on this forum) and finally decided on an 04. I was aware of the crossover fuel fitting leak issue on particular VIN's, and bought one out of that VIN range. What I failed to realize was that GM relocated the pump mid 03 and it is a much more involved repair that I expected. (Trans and Diff removal) How much should this concern me? I have heard of dealer quotes above the 3000 dollar range. I have 88k on the car, stock engine. I keep the tank half full or above, and run Techron through it about once a month. I live in a relatively rural area and reputable Corvette shops are quite a distance away. Just trying to stay ahead of the game on possible future issues.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,058
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
...i respectfully disagree...your experience is not typical of most c5 fuel pumps....the fuel pump needs to be submerged in fuel to keep it cool and not have it burn up....therefore you should not let the tank go below 1/4 full.....just my uneducated 02.....
IF you have a 2004, here's what you will be having done if you think fuel level is unimportant...be my guest...
Last edited by Yello95; Jun 20, 2021 at 12:23 AM.