[Scootiep]

Kind of new to the modding scene. I currently have a 1995 GT (5.0 302) with minimal, simple mods including a K&N cold air intake kit, shift kit, Flowtech 2&1/2in H-pipe to Flowmaster 40 series, and a smog pump delete pulley.

So my current problem is this. It's running like it's starved for fuel. Just to be safe I've replaced the fuel filter, plugs, wires, cap and rotor but no success. My current guess without dropping the fuel tank out is that the fuel pump is going out (although it could be the injectors too). My next step is to go the fuel pump route. As this is a long term project car for me and my sons, I wanted to get a significant upgrade over the stock pump.

After reading a number of threads here, I was leaning towards the 225LPH but I'm still coming away with one question. How much will this affect gas mileage and overall performance without the parts to justify the drastically increased flow of the new pump? I'd rather not end up doing multiple upgrades (ie. getting a 110LPH pump, then 190, then 225, etc.). But if installing a 225 is going to make the car even less drivable or too costly to drive on a regular basis, I might have to (raising 2 kids ain't cheap). If it will significantly impact mileage, can this be corrected via an aftermarket fuel regulator or some other method?

Any advice is appreciated.

[fogged306]

Before you do that, put a gauge on the car to see what your fuel pressure is at. Best bet is to get one with an extension on it so you can tape it to the windshield and take it for a drive. that way you can see what the pressure is at while the car is under load.

Getting a 255lph pump won't decrease your mileage or have any negative side effects at all. You'll just have the right pump in there if you decide to mod the car down the road.

[jkeyz]

+1 .. i needed a new fuel pump and went with the 255.. it will give you room for serious mods without hurting anything. But i would make sure, and be positive its the fuel pump before buying anything

[Scootiep]

Thanks tons for the advice. It's very much appreciated. If it does end up being the fuel pump, I'll probably go with the 255 as you've suggested. One more question, do you have any brand preferences? Just about every one of them says they're better than their competitors.

[kmedeiros88]

walbro

[Scootiep]

Since I don't have a fuel pressure gauge, I stopped by my local MIDAS because they're the only place in town that would let me use theirs for free (didn't want to pay the $50 for one right now as I've been on a bit of a spending spree lately).

It sat at about 31-32psi while running and 40psi with the vacuum disconnected. I thought it should be more in the 35 - 40 range but the guy I was talking with said that was alright. He also said that the pressure really dropped off fast and that it looked more like I might have a regulator problem.

So now I'm kind of wondering what I should go for here. Would it be worth it to spring for one like this: 96-97 Ford Mustang Kirban Performance Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator Or do any of you guys have a better suggestion?

[fogged306]

That pressure is correct for the car. What do you mean pressure dropped off fast though? When you revved it, or after you shut the car off. How fast are you talking if it was after the car shut off?

Also, that regulator you posted if for a 4.6 mustang. You need the one specific to a 94-95 with a 5.0. A fox efi one (86-93) won't bolt to your rails either.

[Scootiep]

After the car shut off, within two seconds or less.

[Scootiep]

I guess I should probably try to clarify the problem I'm having a bit more too. Basically, the car has no real power. It stutters any time I try to accelerate and the RPMs climb erratically. It feels like it's chugging its way through the RPM range.

Like I said earlier, I know the fuel filter, cap, rotors, wires and plugs are good because I've replaced them all and still having the same issue. The only thoughts I had left were either the pump, injectors or regulator and it looks like the regulator is the issue according to the guy that was looking at it with me.

So that's where I'm sitting right now. I wasn't able to take it out and drive it with the gauge attached so I don't know how it would be performing then I guess. If any of you have any other thoughts I'm always open to suggestions and thank you as always.

[fogged306]

Yea that does sound pretty fast. I have yet to find a good answer as to how long the pressure should take to bleed off, but it most likely eventually will bleed down to zero anyway. Most regulators and pumps aren't perfect and will let the pressure bleed off through them after the pump is shut off. Just because it dropped doesn't automatically mean it's the regulator though. It could also be injectors, or the pump itself still. I would do some more homework on the issue if someone else doesn't chime in with how to test your pump and regulator. I really don't know how to check for leakage or what would be acceptable leakage on them. But if it were me, I would look into that before I started replacing parts. I can tell you this much, if your injectors were leaking the car would be running rich and the oil would probably smell like gas. You mentioned that the car seemed to be running lean, but how are you figuring that out? Have you pulled the plugs? If they are looking lean then the pump would be my first guess because you have good pressure at idle. Did you rev the car with the gauge on there to see if the pressure dropped off?

[Scootiep]

Hey guys, sorry I didn't get back to this sooner. My schedule has been a living hell these past few weeks. I wanted to say thanks for keeping me from making a dumb mistake. It wasn't the FPR. I found another guy in town with the same model and he was willing to let me swap his FPR in to test it since we knew his worked fine. Didn't fix the problem. So right now I'm just waiting until my father-in-law comes down for one of the boy's Bdays. He's a mechanic so I should get some answers then (that and I don't want to pay $80 just to have someone else diagnose it, I'm cheap like that).