New to FI and need a Fuel Pump

[blustreak]

First off this is my first thread in the FI area. As a few of you might know I recently picked up Turbo19psi's (Dave) car formerly StangKiller's (Mike) car. It has a Vortech SC on it (as well as other parts) and is currently stripped for drag racing but I'm putting it most of the way back together to drive on a more frequent basis. At one point it had Nitrous but the tank was taken out.... but it still has all/most of the piping throughout.

Since I have gotten it I have been following a few of these threads and let me say I'm new to the FI scene. I've been doing every piece of research I can to make sure I understand how it all works. I assume I will have many more questions as time goes on and hopefully I won't need to bother you all too much in my efforts.

Ok, when I received the car I was told it needed a new fuel pump so that's my first order of business. After reading multiple threads and posts by a few of you guru's it looks like the Focus SVT Fuel Pump will work for what I'm doing but I'd like to confirm.

Originally Posted by warmonger

Or you can NOT change it, drop in the FocusSVT fuel pump and get a custom tune. Then you don't have to use the ghey azzed FMU provided by vortech to raise the fuel pressure to ungodly levels in order to get the correct amount of fuel.
The Vortec spec'd kit was designed for the contourSVT's 19# fuel injectors along with an inline boost fuel pump and a FMU that raised fuel pressure as boost raised. On an older type of car with a MAP type of engine management system this is not a bad thing. On a MAF style system where we can basically drop in injectors of any size, MAF of almost any size, and bigger fuel pumps, we can basically eliminate any of the hacking done to the fuel system.

And I just so happen to have experience tuning a vortec spec'd motor just this way....

Is this what I'm looking for?

I know Blackcoog mentioned he had a Walbro 255 on his newly SC'd 3L. However, I'm not sure if the car is return style or returnless.

I was told I should go ahead and get this but it seems a bit excessive.

It currently has an "Aeromotive pump/fuel pressure reg, rated at 1,000 HP max and the fuel system is a 1/2" braided fuel line from rear center of tank all the way to fuel rail"

I was also told that the car has 42lb injectors on it which, from what I've read, are rather large. Can I confirm the size easily? I assume I can simply take off the UIM and check em out but what am I looking for specifically?

I also read that dropping the tank isn't fun but I have plenty of time so I would rather do that then cut into the car. Any links or info about where I can find some tips or a how-to on that would be great. Since it has a booster on it right now with the braided fuel lines, should I use the stock fuel lines instead? or keep the braided ones? Both are still on the car as well as the stock fuel pump in the tank.

It was also suggested I get a tune after the fuel pump has been installed but I have quite a few parts that I'd like to add before I spend the money on a tune. Most of the parts I already have and just need to install them.

If you've made it this far, I really appreciate your patience. I'd like to get the new fuel pump next week so I can get it in during the holiday weekend.

As always any and all help/suggestions are appreciated.

[J-Man]

Mike converted that car from a returnless style setup to a custom return system.

[FastCougar]

The stock fuel pump can handle 300 hp. The Walbro 255 hasn't had it's limits pushed, but I have been told that it is capable of over 500 hp. I'm sure someone will chime in with a calculation or it can be found on Google somewhere. I think it's a safe bet to say that the Walbro is more than capable considering none of us will ever see 500 hp on the Cougar/Contour.

[blustreak]

So it seems the Walbro is my best bet. I saw something about a connector needing to be modified slightly, is this true? What's the best place to get one of these pumps?

I just want to make sure I do things right the first time and don't half-ass anything for this car. I usually tend to take the best route opposed to the cheapest route unless they are one and the same when dealing with most things.

Also, if you know anything else about this car that I may not know please inform me. I only know what I was told, what I've read on the forums and what I can see on the car.

[MagicHallucinations]

Go with the Walbro 255 and if that's not enough for you, SARD makes a 280. But, as Trevor said, the 255 can handle a lot of power.
You'll do fine with it.

[fordrule]

go for it lol...once that motor quit throw in a 3L

[blustreak]

Originally Posted by fordrule

go for it lol...once that motor quit throw in a 3L

That's one of my ideas for the future. The motor it self only has about 57k on it I'm told. Don't mean it won't go soon who knows. I couldn't do a full 3L swap because I don't think the SC would fit the same way anymore. I'd have to modify the kit or get new piping I guess.

Anyone think I need any Intercooler? I haven't spent much time with the car yet but I'm pretty sure it doesn't have one. I've been following Blackcoog's thread about his intercooler and am not sure I need one. I don't know if I'll be pushing over 6-7psi right now to necessitate one.

[warmonger]

I'm not sure if that is the right fuel pump. However, if you've already converted to a return style system the the walbro 255 works fine and is relatively easy to install.

[Foreverfalcon40]

If needed hard wire it, to increase its capabilites. Might as well do it right since its a pain to drop the tank. Anyway congrats on your purchase and sound sliek the car went to the right person!

[blustreak]

Thanks for the input everyone. I ordered the Walbro 255 pump yesterday afternoon. My hopes are that it gets here before the end of the week so I can get it in this weekend.

For the record here are some current pictures of the car.