Where are you sourcing fuel pumps, these days? (Page 2/3)
olejoedad SEP 17, 04:52 PM

quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:

I actually use Rock Auto for a LOT of things. The biggest benefit I've realized is that you can pick and choose what you want to buy... they offer dozens of different makes and models of every part, and then I can do a little bit of research on them. Sometimes they'll even tell you where the part is made.

But... more importantly, the "closeouts" are the best part of Rock Auto. Incidentally, close-out deals are the lowest price, almost always... best bang for the buck. But why I really like them is, these are parts that are often "found" by a supplier somewhere, and then provided up through Rock Auto (almost like on Amazon, if you will). These are almost always parts that were manufactured years ago, and that specific company no longer produces them. Take for example, TRW. TRW, hands down, made some of the best suspension components. They don't make these components anymore for the Fiero... but every 6 months or so, a few sets of TRW ball joints pop up on Rock Auto, and they'll sell them at 1/3rd the price, and list them as "close-out." These are all made in America parts, and have thicker casings than the other parts. People often don't buy them because they see close-out and they think crap... but it's almost always the exact opposite.

In buying parts for my daughter's car, almost everything we bought (if possible) was on closeout. The cheaper price helped, but it was really because I wanted the higher quality "new old stock" stuff that you just can't get anymore.


Only thing I'd add about fuel pumps... if you go with a pump that's significantly more flow than a standard replacement pump, I've heard that it can add unnecessary stress on the stock wiring, and could result in blown fuses and such. I don't know if that's true, but the people on the Corvette forums complain about that constantly. Everyone switches to a higher pump since it takes 10 minutes to swap one out, and people end up with burnt wires.



I NEVER use Rock Auto or ANY online auto parts stores.

Support your local retailers and keep your money in the local economy.
82-T/A [At Work] SEP 17, 05:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

I NEVER use Rock Auto or ANY online auto parts stores.

Support your local retailers and keep your money in the local economy.




I know, I took to heart when you said that a few months ago. I do get a lot of things from my local AutoZone. Paints, RTV sealants, cleaners, sprays, oil, pans, an occasional tool, fittings, hoses, batteries, all that kind of stuff. Even some parts. But generally speaking, I like the ability to shop for specific parts.

At AutoZone, I can't get a TRW heavy-duty (semi-forged) ball joint or tie-rod ends... the only thing I can get is a cheap Chinese made DuraLast one for $13 dollars, or an upgraded heavy-duty one from China for $62 dollars.

On Rock Auto, right now, I can get an original USA-made TRW tie-rod end on "Closeout" from Rock Auto for $4.95. Rock Auto -TRW JTE1684


I think I'm actually going to buy two right now because it's so dang cheap... and my 87 needs them. But that's just giving an example of why I use Rock Auto. I'm able to get quality USA-made parts that are basically unavailable anywhere else right now...
olejoedad SEP 17, 08:17 PM
Another place I NEVER shop is AutoZone.

I prefer locally owned auto parts stores.
Most NAPA stores are that way, but O'Reilly's and Advance are usually corporate owned and the money leaves the area for parts unknown.
Raydar SEP 17, 09:16 PM
I just about always buy my oil and filters, and other chemicals, locally. But the last thermostat I bought from O'Reilly's (for my Jeep) failed after a year, and only a couple thousand miles.
Its replacement was a Gates piece, from Amazon. (The Jeep forums are full of posts saying not to buy "parts store" pieces - especially thermostats.)

I mentioned in another post that I refuse to enter the AutoZone nearest me, due to an issue I have with their business ethics. (Long story.)
There are a couple of NAPA stores near me. One of them is very sparsely stocked, and they acted like I was an interloper for having darkened their doorway, and the other looks like a half finished warehouse display. Advance is "kind of" okay, but the only store near me is kind of a PITA to get into, due to the physical location. Their sister store, Carquest, is kind of like NAPA. Sparsely stocked, and expensive.
Stingray92 SEP 17, 09:23 PM
I've left a lot of named store's 2 decades ago, trying to support local independent businesses sure, I'm in. However when all you have Is the run of the mill franchise's, known worthless person behind the counter all that's left is the invaluable search function.

I scored an original GM Motors radiator cooling fan from RA several years ago. I've also found original GM Parts from other online sources. Why? Well they weren't local and they had inventory they needed to move.

Amazon - no way unless I can verify the part # vendor. All should be cognizant of counterfeit parts.

A local trusted parts guy well if I could find one yeah, till then, known part numbers and or brands.

[This message has been edited by Stingray92 (edited 09-17-2025).]

Dennis LaGrua SEP 18, 03:05 AM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:


The 255 WALBRO is what's used on highly modified 3800SC builds.
It has the same shape as the Fiero, but is massive overkill for a 2.8.



I will absolutely agree that the Walbro is overkill for a 3800SC swap. Used one on my personal swap and removed it shortly thereafter. That 255 pump draws a lot of current requiring rewiring and it is noisy with a noticeable annoying hum. Replaced it with a Bosch pump and that worked well even with a WOT run where the wideband A/F gauge reads up to 12:1.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

olejoedad SEP 18, 08:07 AM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:


I will absolutely agree that the Walbro is overkill for a 3800SC swap. Used one on my personal swap and removed it shortly thereafter. That 255 pump draws a lot of current requiring rewiring and it is noisy with a noticeable annoying hum. Replaced it with a Bosch pump and that worked well even with a WOT run where the wideband A/F gauge reads up to 12:1.




WALBRO had an issue with counterfeit pumps some years ago, and they were noisy. The genuine WALBRO pumps we have used for years are quiet.
They are definitely NOT overkill on a modded 3800SC or turbo swapped application.

If you were watching A/F ratio, were you also watching K/R and timing advance to see if the PCM was pulling timing? A properly sized fuel pump and air intake system can really affect K/R and timing retard. You won't see that by just monitoring A/F ratio on a wideband gage.....

For a 2.8, yeah, they are overkill.
fierofool SEP 18, 09:44 AM
When my 86 pump began making horrible noises I ordered a Delphi pump from Rock Auto. Took it to the garage to get it changed out. Well, it was dead on arrival. Had to pay the shop again to remove the tank and pump and install a Bosch that they purchased. But like 82TA, I do purchase items, including closeouts, from Rock Auto if I'm not in immediate need.
Raydar SEP 18, 10:37 AM
I'll buy from Rockauto, but it needs to be recognized that they do not stock everything they have on their page.
Items are drop-shipped from vendors/warehouses all over the country. (I expect that from Amazon. Others? Well, I suppose it is what it is.)

I find their customer service to be less than helpful. I was shipped a clutch master cylinder (this was before Rodney had them) that was missing the reservoir.
They refused to cross-ship a replacement. They wanted to have it in their hands for evaluation, before they would (maybe) send a replacement.
What do you need to "evaluate"? It's missing an effing part. And I need it, like yesterday.
That might be "normal" in the retail world, but it still seemed insulting. I told them "nevermind", and removed the reservoir from my old master cylinder.
But they've probably lost hundreds of dollars - if not more - that they would have made, since then, had they been more accommodating.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 09-18-2025).]

Vintage-Nut SEP 18, 11:19 AM
I really believe "Made in USA" counts!

To me, I'm never in 'immediate' need and hunt for New / Old Stock for my GT

In my garage, I avoid "chinesium" or other 'overseas' products as possible...

Unfortunately, I think that 'genuine' GM / AC Delco 25116162 EP240 fuel pumps are now made in a foreign country...