'57 fuel pump replacement - HELP!

[Mike Jones]

My local Vette mechanic has diagnosed my Vette's stalling problem to be a bad fuel pump. I agree with him but the problem is finding a reasonable replacement. The car is a good driver, NOM (Not Original Motor), so it doesn't require correct parts. Previously I had posted the engine # on this board and learned that the motor is a 283 "passenger or truck engine of 1958 and later" vintage.

My mechanic says he's called everyone he can think of and can only find a suitable pump at a Corvette specialty shop at a cost approaching $400. He does nothing but Corvette work and apparently is respected.

My first thought is: Wouldn't just any ol' '58+ small block pump do the job?

He said that another option is to install an electric fuel pump that will cost about the same when you include labor.

He also says he'll be glad to install any pump that I bring to him.

Any and all advice appreciated. Thx.

Mike

[John H.]

Re: '57 fuel pump replacement - HELP!

Any good auto parts store should have a generic replacement for about thirty bucks - Paragon has one for $58.00.

[Robert Willis]

Re: '57 fuel pump replacement - HELP!

While on a trip to Indy with my 57 I had a pump go away and all I could get was a Passenger car pump (quickly) . The inlet is in the wrong place so you will have to play around with the inlet hose. If you really are not worried if it's a bolt together or the tin type of pump the late 60s and early 70s 307 Chevy engine also used a 5/16 line to the carb.

I originaly had the car set up with a pump from G.M. Performance Parts that had the fuel inlet at the rear and the outlet at the front.

Maybe one of the G.M.P.P. pumps would fit up to your original lines.

Bob

http://members.kos.net/willisb/vette.html

[Jack H.]

Re: '57 fuel pump replacement - HELP!

The '57 originally used an AC '4346 fuel pump. Goat Hill advertizes restored used/originals at $250 (confirm current price/availability) and you can contact them at (562) 437-7664 IF you want a factory concours correct original. The Chicago Corvette catalog lists generic replacements in the $70 range (708) 458-2500 and I'm sure other catalog houses have similar offerings....

But, if it's a generic 'work-alike' you're after, I'm surprized that a phone call to your local NAPA dealer won't reveal an off-the-shelf local supply item in the $30-40 range. Have you tried vs. letting your Corvette mechanic shop for you? Now, you've got the correct AC number to reference in a phone conversation!

[G B.]

I would install a new AC 40083

It uses front/back 3/8" tubing fittings instead of 5/16", but it only costs $25 brand new. I think for that price you can afford the two brass reducer fittings necessary.

[Mike M.]

Re: '57 fuel pump replacement - HELP!

why not buy a rebuild kit, 20 bucks the last time i bought some from ZIP or gary Pronesti.this assumes the failing pump is a three piece jobby held together with screws(can't spell phillister. obviously). you can rebuild it in a half hour of bench time. mike

[Roy B.]

Re: '57 fuel pump replacement - HELP!

Your Mechanic is a Corvette guy and said $400.00 for a pump ???
Find a new Mechanic

[Scott S.]

Re: '57 fuel pump replacement - HELP!

Mike, I would like to know a little more about your stalling problem. When does it occur? The problem may not be the pump. I would ask your mechanic to check the suction vaccuum (does it hold vaccuum), pump pressure (does it hold pressure) and the rate of flow. I have a 1956 that exhibited stalling problems because the gas tank had particles in it that would clog the filter screen in the tank, car would quit and restart after twenety minutes and run for another 20 miles. then the same thing would happen all over again. A new tank solved the problem.
Scott Sinclair
1956/7 Team Leader

[Terry D.]

What Ray Said! *NM*

[Mike M.]

Re: What Ray Said!

terry: who is ray? mike

[Terry D.]

Re: What Roy Said!

Mike, you of all people should know us old farts can't spell or type very well