In Line Fuel Pumps

[anarchy98]

I recently purchased a 98 Cobra. Does anyone have any recommendations on external (in-line) fuel pumps? I have one, but the humming is getting very annoying. Are there any out there that do not make this noise, or am I better off installing an in-tank pump?

 

[lwarrior1016]

It’s always better off with a pump in the tank.

Is this car fuel injected or carbureted?

Can you give us some info on the build? Year, engine, power?

 

[anarchy98]

Good to know. Thank you.

1998 Cobra. 4.6l DOHC, kenne bell supercharger, CAI, long tube headers, x-pipe, flowmasters, ARP stud kit, 8.8 rear end with 4.10's. And yes, it is fuel injected. I'm not sure on the power. The previous owner told me he had it 93 tuned w/305hp to the wheels.

 

[lwarrior1016]

So, 98 is a tricky year because it’s a cross over. It’s return style, but in a basket like the 99+ returnless style. What is the fuel system setup right now?

 

[anarchy98]

From what I saw the last time it was up on the lift; it had an external in-line fuel pump. I'm not sure if the in-tank pump is still in there, and/or if it's the stock pump. The humming noise is enough for me to buy a new in-tank pump and swap it out though. I just don't know if that noise is normal for all aftermarkets pumps, to include in and out of tank. If I didn't answer your question, it's because I'm still learning so I apologize.

 

[cobrajeff96]

In the later months of 98 (what they call 98.5) they actually went returnless. If there's only one fuel line in the engine bay, that's how you know.

+1 for in-tank. I can't think of a reason anyone should have external pumps anymore. You can get SN95 style tanks that have nice race baffling these days. And even quiet factory-style Walbros can flow just a must as the big external pumps these days too. They last longer and are quieter when submerged in fuel. You just can't lose. Unless of course you just like the looks of an external pump.

About 4+ years ago I had an in-tank Aeromotive A1000 pump which is in-tank but it was kind of loud (and massively overkill). It's funny how two Walbro GSS342 pumps at 255 LPH in a Fore hat can pretty much outflow those big competitors and not make a single peep.

 

[anarchy98]

Ok, thank you. I'll take a look at the engine compartment to check on that. I don't know much about the Walbros, but they seem to be everywhere. To each their own if they like the look of them, I guess, but I'd prefer to just listen to my exhaust without the humming sound. Ordering an upgraded in-tank, about 240lph, I'd imagine would be more than enough for my needs? I don't plan on building this one over 400 whp.

 

[lwarrior1016]

A 255lph pump should be plenty. The problem is the basket on that 98 tank. If it’s return style, you’re limited on pumps because the wiring is actually set up to cut voltage and make the pump run at two speeds.

If it was mine, I would either get a 97 tank and swap in, or a 99+ cobra tank and swap in. The pump would then run full speed at the time, but you’d have to get that accounted for in the tune.

 

[anarchy98]

Would that be why I've heard of people "drilling" holes into their baskets? To allow for more fuel to get into the basket with stronger pumps so that they burn up the pump when the basket is dry?

 

[ttocs]

how much noise is it making? It is normal for them to make some noise and I honestly like it just because I know the pump is working myself but I don't hear it over the motor. The side exhaust might help that but it has never been louder than the motor.

 

[anarchy98]

It's making what I would presume to be the normal humming sound, but it just annoys me. It's got 58k miles on it. I don't drive it regularly, but I want to clean up the little things that I don't like and build it the way that I want it, you know. I'll have this car for a decade or two because I've always wanted one.

 

[ttocs]

even the in tank pump will make some noise almost a high pitched whine but if you know what it is you will hear it. The time you don't hear it and the car does not start you should have a pretty good idea why.

 

[cobrajeff96]

Walbro is an OEM supplier actually. They might be one of the biggest (if not the biggest) OEM fuel supplier out there. And of course they also do performance aftermarket. You will probably not find a more reliable and more quiet fuel pump anywhere. A standard, run of the mill Walbro 255lph pump will support 500hp all on its own. It will be pretty quiet too. You'll always have fuel pump noise unless it's a little baby pump pushing a golf cart or a Fiat, lol. The more volume moved, generally the more noise. But I can't hear my car's pumps unless I'm crouching down near the tank, and even then the exhaust overpowers it.

 

[anarchy98]

Thank you everyone for all of the information on this topic. I'm going to look for a Walbro OEM style pump. And once my gas tank is almost dry I'll get it changed out. I appreciate all of your feedback and input.

 

[ttocs]

you can probably plan on replacing the fuel filler neck grommet where the pipe goes into the tank. It is a super tight fit and tends to get a little brittle over the years and tears easy.

 

[anarchy98]

you can probably plan on replacing the fuel filler neck grommet where the pipe goes into the tank. It is a super tight fit and tends to get a little brittle over the years and tears easy.

Thank you for that info! I'll go ahead and add that to the list as well. You all rock

 

[ttocs]

Thank you for that info! I'll go ahead and add that to the list as well. You all rock

it is better to replace it while the tank is down than to discover it is leaking the next time you fill it up all the way and notice the smell/trail and have to drop it all again.

 

[shurur]

Just to add.. make sure you clear the plastic anti-siphon tip on the tank end of the filler neck.

Iirc You need to pull the tank to the driver's side after you work the filler tank seal out.

If you break it off, you can fish it out of the empty tank, but it probably not go back on.

Then you are looking for a new filler neck or saying screw it and leave it off.

Ask me how I know....